Minimalist style is generally the same season by season, but in the winter it needs to combine the principles of simplicity, functionality, and elegance with a focus on staying warm and comfortable during the colder months.
When you are building a capsule wardrobe, season by season if you have truly nailed, and understand your personal style then you will easily carry over a significant part of your wardrobe to be used in the next season.
Some key pieces won’t be needed all year long for most people and those are the pieces you will bring out for the time frame you will use them.
In this instance, it will be winter outerwear, boots, and accessories.
So while the difference between many winter capsule wardrobes and fall wardrobes will seem negligible, it is the way you wear things, and the truly seasonal pieces that will make the transition noticeable.
It is now November, cold out, and the clocks are going back this weekend, so I figured it was time to transition to winter wear and cycle through the capsules again.
A lot of bloggers will go back to the older posts and just update them with new photos, and graphics, updating the text every season/year when they write about the same topic.
But I opt for a whole new post for a few reasons, mainly because I have dates in my URL which is a pain but even more of a pain to change.
The things you learn in hindsight…
The other reason is that regardless of whether a post is older, I have people who like to revisit or newly visit older posts because something resonates with them.
And while the style and links may be older they may still appreciate using it for inspiration.
That, and it also annoys me to no end when you see an image or something on Pinterest and want to see it in full, so you go to the site, and it has been updated with all new images and the older one is no longer there.
So to avoid that I keep the old one and write a new one.
I usually start with minimalist styles because they seem to resonate well.
Often though, I find that people conflate minimalist wardrobes with the number of items versus style, so it really depends on what you are looking for.
A 12 piece wardrobe is obviously a minimalistic wardrobe in size, but I like to show you through my posts that you can have a minimalist size wardrobe but reflect it in many different styles.
Furthermore, I also like to mention that our personal style often ebbs and flows, and it really doesn’t fall under one category for most of us.
So it might make sense for you to have a few mini capsules within your wardrobe that reflect these different styles.
For example, I love some great minimalist looks and pieces, especially the 90s minimalist inspired looks.
But I also have a maximalist who is deep in there and likes to claw her way out periodically.
Then there is the classic, casual, and extreme vintage lover and combined we have quite the mixture which can be hard to nail down in one small wardrobe.
So I find that often it makes sense to break your closet down into mini versions of these, so you can move through them or combine them as your style dictates that day.
I have my wardrobe organized like this, and it is really helpful to keep me focused and inspired.
This one reflects my minimalistic side, and while I often gravitate to greys and cooler tones for minimalist looks, I want to show that warmer tones are just as easy to adapt to the minimalist style.
A 12 Piece Minimalist Winter Capsule Wardrobe
Cardigan | Jeans | High Boots | Leather Gloves | Turtleneck | Coat | Brown Handbag | Flat Black Boots | Brown Sweater | Red Handbag | Burgundy Trousers | Silk Blouse | Scarf | White Button Up | Cable Knit Sweater | Herringbone Trousers | Beanie | Black Handbag | Puffer Boot | Black Jeans | Heeled Boots | Animal Print Bag | Sunglasses | Wrap Sweater | Sneakers
What is a winter minimalist capsule wardrobe?
Minimalist style is a fashion approach that emphasizes simplicity, clean lines, and a focus on essential elements. It involves curating a wardrobe with a few carefully selected, high-quality pieces that are versatile, timeless, and understated.
To be able to fully embrace this we need to understand the difference between trends and style so that we can build a wardrobe with a sense of longevity that reflects your personal style.
Trends are the latest fashion fads that come and go, while style is how individuals express themselves through their clothing choices.
Trends are external, short-lived, and driven by the industry, while style is internal, enduring, and personal.
It is common and encouraged for individuals to incorporate trendy elements into their personal style to create a unique and contemporary look that suits their preferences.
This will help to keep everything feeling updated and fresh.
There are some key things to keep in mind when building a capsule wardrobe, but very specifically if you have a minimalist style.
Quality Over Quantity: This one is so important to keep in mind. Minimalism isn’t about having fewer clothes; it’s about having the right clothes.
Try to Invest in high-quality, durable pieces made from materials like merino wool, cashmere, and sustainable fabrics. Quality garments are not only more comfortable but also last longer.
I always suggest the best that you can afford that is in your budget range.
These quality pieces last over fast fashion and because of this are very easy to find secondhand still in remarkable condition.
Versatile Outerwear: Your winter wardrobe’s centrepiece is a well-chosen coat.
A minimalist wardrobe reduces decision fatigue.
Neutral Colour Palette: Neutral colours are the foundation of minimalist wardrobes and a perfect place to start when you don’t know where to begin.
Neutrals can be stylish and elegant, making it easy to create chic outfits. They also mix and match without much effort.
Multi-Functional Pieces: Some clothing items can serve multiple purposes. For example, a cozy sweater can be worn casually or dressed up for a more formal occasion.
Layering for Warmth: Layering is key in winter, allowing you to adjust to changing temperatures. Turtlenecks under sweaters, shirts, and buttons ups give a nice contrast and depth to a look.
You can also layer lighter weight sweaters under heavier ones.
Style tip: Try layering pieces of different colours for visual interest and contrast.
Timeless Silhouettes: Minimalist wardrobes often feature classic and timeless silhouettes.
Style Tip: Many clothing styles have been in vogue for decades and continue to look chic. These are great pieces to have in your wardrobe.
Accessorize Thoughtfully: Minimalist doesn’t mean bland. A simple outfit can be elevated with the right accessories. Statement scarves, elegant jewellery, and a high-quality handbag can add flair to your look.
I love the look of a fitted black cardigan, buttoned up tucked into black oversized jeans, simple footwear, and some longer necklaces layered over top.
Personal Style Emphasis: Minimalism allows your personal style to shine.
Style tip: When you have fewer clothing items to choose from, you naturally gravitate towards the pieces you love, enabling you to develop a clear and authentic style.
Minimalist fashion is more than just a fashion choice, it serves as a statement of individuality, prioritizing self-expression over conformity to fleeting trends empowering you to embrace your unique style.
It allows you to celebrate your authenticity and your ability to make a lasting, impactful impression with clothing that stands out for its simplicity, and sophistication that stands the test of time.
Minimalist Winter Outfits for Women
Cardigan | Jeans | High Boots | Leather Gloves | Turtleneck | Coat | Brown Handbag | Flat Black Boots | Brown Sweater | Red Handbag | Burgundy Trousers | Silk Blouse | Scarf | White Button Up | Cable Knit Sweater | Herringbone Trousers | Beanie | Black Handbag | Puffer Boot | Black Jeans | Heeled Boots | Animal Print Bag | Sunglasses | Wrap Sweater | Sneakers
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Thanks Sara. I am loving this 12 piece capsule. I really like the pop of red with the bag and scarf. I recently bought a green crocodile bag and think I’ll try it out w the green bag and a green scarf instead of the red since I don’t have a lot of red in my wardrobe. I also liked how you mixed black and brown. I thought this was a big no-no but I see here that it looks good in a few of the outfits you put together. Sigh, wish I had vacation plans to Europe somewhere because this looks like a great packing list!!