I wanted to finish off the month with a short guide on using a formula to build a winter capsule wardrobe and using your personal style to stop yourself from falling into the capsule wardrobe trap.
And what is this capsule wardrobe trap that I speak of?
The mundane, cookie-cutter, basic formulas that you see in almost every example of building capsule wardrobes.
Is a great foundation of basics an important part of building a versatile and long lasting wardrobe?
Yes.
But does that mean that you have to get stuck in the boring capsule trap?
No.
What I do here is try to help people develop their personal style and build their wardrobe around that so the end result is a wardrobe that is perfectly in tune to your style and lifestyle.
So I wanted to show the formula breakdown and what you can choose instead of the basic pieces that you always see.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe Formula?
You know when you search capsule wardrobes and it populates images and articles that all seem to rotate around a specific set of items that only differ slightly by season?
The formula usually consists of neutral t-shirts, button-down shirts, a tailored blazer, straight leg jeans, trousers, a little black dress, and shoes like sneakers, loafers, and boots always in neutral colours.
Depending on the season you will get layering pieces like sweaters, or a trench coat, and basic accessories like scarves, belts, and jewellery always leaning to the minimalist side.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that if it is in tune with your style, I love myself a good minimalist look.
We begin to run into problems when people try to make these capsule wardrobes work for them when they are not their style and they end up giving up because it gets boring and repetitive, not natural and easy.
Where I come in, is that I always try to showcase how you can stick to this similar formula but to pick pieces that are slightly outside of the box.
I will often go all-in based on different styles or aesthetics, which works for many people. But what if your style doesn’t fall under a specific category style adjective?
Are you able to do this same concept while working with a style that fluctuates every day?
Yes, I consider that style to fall under the title of eclectic. Eclectic style will vary based on each person and which groups of styles they are drawn to.
Below is an example of an eclectic wardrobe that sticks to the same formula as the basic capsule wardrobes but isn’t basic.
It has 12 items of clothing plus shoes and accessories that I put together for you into outfits at the bottom of the post.
A 12 Piece Eclectic Winter Capsule Wardrobe
Turtleneck | Jeans | Grey Boots | Black Bag | Coat | Gloves | Blue Button Up | Loafers | Orange Bag | Leather Pants | Grey Sweater | Grey Pants | Brown Cardigan | Winter Boots | White Blouse | Cashmere Triangle Scarf | Knit Hood | Black Boots | Green Sweater | Striped Sweater | Sneakers | Sunglasses | Fedora | Blue Bag | Adidas Track Pants
What is an Eclectic Wardrobe?
An eclectic wardrobe is a diverse collection of clothing and accessories that draws inspiration from a variety of styles, eras, cultures, and reflects a highly personalized fashion sense.
Unlike basic capsule wardrobes, which focus on cohesion and minimalism, an eclectic wardrobe embraces contrast and creativity, often combining unexpected elements to create unique, statement-making outfits.
It might include a mix of vintage finds, bold prints, bright colours, and textures, alongside contemporary or classic staples.
Eclectic wardrobes often feature standout pieces like vintage jackets and denim, and unusual accessories.
The key to styling an eclectic wardrobe is being able to confidently mix and match diverse items, blending the unconventional with the familiar to build a look that still feels cohesive.
The key is to look for characteristics that make each piece not so basic. Look at each one as the individual item that it is and select the pieces that you are drawn to.
You know when you get that gut pull or thrill of excitement when you come across a certain piece for your wardrobe?
That is what we are looking for, for every single piece.
So I am going to give you the typical capsule wardrobe formula, and then explain what kind of pieces you could seek out that are not basic or picked to just check that particular wardrobe box.
An Eclectic Wardrobe Using the Basic Capsule Wardrobe Formula
1. Tops
Basics:
- A turtleneck in a bold colour or pattern (e.g., stripes, abstract print).
- A graphic tee or long-sleeve top for layering.
Blouses/Shirts:
- A silk or satin blouse with statement details (ruffles, embroidery).
- Asymmetrical button fronts for an interesting detail.
- Buckles, straps, or wrap details
Knitwear:
- A sweater in a vibrant hue or with a print.
- Cardigan with a large zipper.
- Colour-blocking or mixed materials.
2. Bottoms
Pants:
- High-waisted trousers in a rich fabric like corduroy or velvet.
- Really wide-leg pants.
- Jeans in a different silhouette like barrel or wide leg.
- Metallic or leather pants for an edgy vibe.
Skirts (if you want in winter):
- A pleated midi skirt with a bold pattern.
- A wrap skirt in wool or tweed for warmth.
- A faux-leather or sequin mini skirt for holiday flair.
3. Dresses
Everyday or Occasion Dresses:
- Sweater dresses with unique textures (cable knit, fringe).
- Mixed-pattern or patchwork midi dresses.
- Bohemian-style printed maxi dress with layers like Chloe.
- Velvet or metallic wrap dress.
4. Outerwear
Light Layers:
- Faux fur jacket in a statement colour or animal print.
- Military-style utility jacket with embroidered patches.
Cold Weather:
- A long wool coat in a jewel tone (emerald green, burgundy).
- A vintage coat with plaid or houndstooth patterns/faux fur collar.
- A puffer coat in an unconventional material (satin, metallic).
Blazer:
- Velvet blazer with brocade details or bold buttons.
5. Shoes
- Boots with unique shapes or detailing.
- Loafers in a funky colour or patterns.
- Sneakers with a bold colour.
- Block-heeled boots in metallic or velvet.
- Heeled ankle boots with a print (snake, floral).
Seasonal:
- Knee-high boots in an unexpected material (croc-embossed leather).
- Weatherproof boots with playful trims like fur or shearling.
6. Accessories
Bags:
- Crossbody bag with a bright colour.
- A structured bag in an unusual shape.
- Velvet or beaded clutch for evenings.
Scarves & Hats:
- A chunky knit scarf in a bright colour.
- Try a new shape like a triangle scarf in cashmere.
- A patchwork or mixed-material scarf.
Hats & Gloves:
- A beret or knit hood.
- A wide-brim felt fedora.
- Colourful leather gloves with contrast stitching or quirky details.
Jewelry & Sunglasses:
- Layered necklaces with charms or mixed metals.
- Statement earrings with tassels or abstract shapes.
- Vintage brooches and rings.
- Go modern with industrial style jewellery.
- Try sunglasses in a bright colour or interesting shape.
7. Specialty Items
- A cape or poncho with fringe or patchwork details.
- A belt bag in a fun print or colour to layer over coats.
Tips to Personalize Your Capsule Wardrobe
Color Palette & Patterns
- Patterns & Prints: Mix florals, stripes, plaids, polka dots, and animal prints strategically.
- Base Neutrals: Black, grey, navy, brown, or cream.
- Accent Colors: Jewel tones (amethyst, sapphire, ruby), metallics (gold, silver).
Key Styling Tips
Layer Textures: Pair soft knits with structured leather, silky fabrics with chunky accessories.
Mix Prints: Combine contrasting patterns like florals and plaids or stripes and animal prints.
Use Accessories to Elevate Basics: Add a statement belt, a colourful scarf, or unique jewellery to classic pieces.
Don’t Shy Away from Bold Outerwear: In winter, your coat makes the first impression—go for a statement piece.
Remember that this isn’t a checklist that you need to fill every spot. These are basic formulaic categories with some ideas I am giving you for the pieces that can fill some of those spots.
Building an eclectic wardrobe is about curating a collection of pieces that reflect your personality, mixing bold patterns, vibrant colours, and a variety of textures to create endless outfit possibilities.
The key to eclectic style is balance—pair statement pieces with versatile staples, layer thoughtfully, and embrace the unexpected. But most of all have fun.
Note: It is the biggest shopping weekend of the year, so while I did my best to make certain there were many sizes in stock, it is hard to predict sales and if the inventory will sell out quickly.
Eclectic Winter Outfit Ideas
Turtleneck | Jeans | Grey Boots | Black Bag | Coat | Gloves | Blue Button Up | Loafers | Orange Bag | Leather Pants | Grey Sweater | Grey Pants | Brown Cardigan | Winter Boots | White Blouse | Cashmere Triangle Scarf | Knit Hood | Black Boots | Green Sweater | Striped Sweater | Sneakers | Sunglasses | Fedora | Blue Bag | Adidas Track Pants
You might also like:
A Minimalist Secondhand Winter Capsule Wardrobe
How to Replicate Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Wardrobe
A 12 Piece Edgy Minimalist Winter Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece Romantic Winter Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece Minimalist Winter Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece 90s Minimalist Winter Capsule Wardrobe
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