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You can always count on an assortment of staples to put together a reliable uniformed look. That’s the thing about everyday pieces, they can be worn with just about everything in your closet. When it comes to a capsule winter wardrobe, the same rules apply, though the essentials are a bit different–more suited to braving strong winds and freezing temperatures and easy to throw in the mix when in a pinch.
Vogue’s Capsule Winter Wardrobe Wish List:
- The Fabulous Faux Fur: The Frankie Shop Joni faux fur coat, $495
- The Warming Winter Dress: Ulla Johnson Evangeline turtleneck maxi dress, $790
- The Fair Isle Sweater: Staud Moritz Fair Isle wool-blend sweater, $395
- The Puffer Jacket: The North Face Nuptse 1996 quilted down jacket, $330
- The Classic Yet Cool Corduroy: Citizens of Humanity Annina corduroy pants, $238
- The Lug-Sole Boot: The Row leather ankle boots, $1,590
- The Wool Coat: Mango structured wool coat, $300
- The Fleece Jacket: Sporty Rich Serif logo half-zip tech jacket, $277
- The Cashmere Crewneck: J.Crew cashmere classic-fit crewneck sweater, $128
- The Winter Accessory: Loewe scarf in alpaca and wool blend, $690
A roster of versatile sweaters and foundational layering pieces, such as a turtleneck or slim-fitting crewneck, is key for cold days. And like your favorite linen pants for summer, a pair of heavyweight corduroy pants in chic browns will be your new go-to. You’ll also want to have a dress that can extend itself into many outfits, think: a sweater dress great for a soirée or a snow day, plus outerwear that can comfortably sit atop even your heaviest knits. Our favorites include fabulous faux fur coats from Stand Studio and The Frankie Shop for instant chic, plus glossy puffer jackets from Tory Burch and Moncler that skate from the streets to the slopes seamlessly. Festive flannel shirts from Madewell and Prada are the ultimate transitional piece—stylish for now and once again for spring. The same applies to the fuzzy fleece jackets that not only made their mark on the fall/winter 2024 runways, but the street style scene, too. Shop The North Face’s heritage hero or Miu Miu’s viral option, below.
Lastly, we can’t forget about those classic winter accessories, like a chic leather glove from Banana Republic or Loewe’s fringed mohair scarf. Did we also mention that either of these also make for a can’t-go-wrong gift this holiday season?
Complete your chicest capsule wardrobe yet with our guide to winter’s must-have style essentials, below. You’ll stay warm and stylish all season long!
Festive Fair Isle Sweaters
No longer just an après ski-approved essential, Fair Isle sweaters have entered the mainstream fashion market—and in a major way! Chic off-piste options include Chloé’s runway-ready crewneck that’s snuggly as it stylish to Massimo Dutti’s cozy turtleneck which nets out with a wallet-friendly under-$300 price tag. In a pop of cherry red, &Daughter’s cardigan is sure to brighten up any winter blues, while Staud’s slate grey style is a minimalist must-have.
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Heavy-Weight Corduroy Pants
A heavy-weight pair of corduroys are not only extremely warm, but super-stylish, too. Soft brown styles from The Row and Nili Lotan transition seamlessly from work to weekend, while options from Citizens of Humanity and Alex Mill will appeal to the trend-curious shopper on a budget. The latter, in particular, polishes off any winter white outfit ideas to perfection.
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Chic Duster Coats
Whether you’re keeping things classy on an especially chilly winter night or dressing down for casual weekend attire, a chic duster coat is an all-in-one outfit formula that never fails. Just take Aritzia’s double-breasted option in a chic oatmeal color, for example. Wear it atop a chunky knit and black leggings en route to a Pilates class or with a sequin party dress and pair of festive heels at one of our your many holiday soirées to come. You can never go wrong with the classics, either. Our favorites include The Row’s tailored black maxi coat and The Frankie Shop’s camel choice. Honorable mention goes to Mango’s built-in-belted duster coat, which offers up a flattering cinched-waist look.
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Stompy Lug-Sole Boots
Beloved for its toothy rubber sole, the lug-sole boot is ideal for navigating inclement winter weather. And while it does have roots in functionality, that doesn’t mean lug-soles aren’t great for special occasions, say with a tailored trouser or knit dress. Highlights include Vince’s shearling-lined pair, The Row’s zip boot—an editor favorite—and Sorel x Proenza Schouler’s waterproof ankle bootie.
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Fabulous Faux Furs
This winter’s ultimate It item is undoubtedly the fabulous faux fur coat, worn adoringly by both the street style scene and Vogue editors alike. Options from Zara and Stand Studio are true-to-the-classics, while Nour Hammour’s standout shearling in a stunning ivory color is an heirloom-in-the-making. Otherwise, The Frankie Shop’s belted faux fur in a dark brown hue has been a seasonal staple for the last few winters—it’s just that good.
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Warming Winter Dresses
A casual knit or wool dress is a one-and-done piece that makes everyday winter dressing effortless. Opt for Khaite’s turtleneck dress or Toteme’s long-sleeve cable-knit choice, both of which go from commute-to-cocktail all too chicly. Just add one of the below knee-high black boots and voilà! For a welcome color pop, consider Ulla Johnson’s striped style or even By Malene Birger’s cozy caramel midi.
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Luxurious Cashmere Sweaters
Is there anything more luxurious than a delicious piece of cashmere? We think not! Luckily, this season’s styles are not only perfectly practical, but polished, too. Turn to Loulou de Saison’s fuzzy polo or J.Crew’s cherry red crewneck that we crowned as one of 2024’s top-gifts. Otherwise, new neutrals to consider include Jenni Kayne’s striped cashmere cardi or Éterne’s soft grey cropped sweater.
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Fuzzy Fleeces
Fleece jackets were a cold-weather staple in the early aughts, thanks to heritage brands like The North Face and Patagonia—and for 2024, the fuzzy find is back and better than ever with both the runway and street style seal-of-approval. During spring 2025 fashion month, several industry insiders could be caught sporting Miu Miu’s grey half-zip, below, and since then, the trend has simply skyrocketed. Newer iterations that also deserve your attention hail from Sporty Rich and The Great to Mother Denim.
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Sleek Knee-High Boots
No matter the year or the shoe trends at large, nothing screams chic quite like a classic black knee-high boot. Toteme’s pointed-toe pair is a fashion favorite, while heeled, round-toe boots from Mango and Aeyde will make for easy and elegant dressing. For stylish practicality, ground any winter outfit idea with Gucci’s glossy leather riding boots, a hero item put forward by Gucci’s creative director Sabato de Sarno.
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Puffer Jackets Parkas
Padded to perfection, blanket-like puffer jackets from Gucci, Moncler, and The North Face are sure to fit your every winter dressing need. The latter is especially beloved by celebs and fashion girls for its generously-sized extra-warm design. Also on our winter wish list is Tory Burch’s quilted-liner parka, which comes complete with a glossy finish to standout on the slopes and the city streets.
Flannel Shirts
It seemed like every luxury label included a ’90s-era-inspired flannel shirt on their fall/winter 2024 runways, from Prada and Miu Miu to The Row and Bottega Veneta. And like any top trend, the high-street was quick to follow with their own supremely chic iterations. Shop the new winter investment item, below, from the likes of Madewell to Polo Ralph Lauren.
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Second-Skin Layering Essentials
Don’t start an outfit without one. A close-fitting soft cotton jersey or cashmere-blend turtleneck will ensure a warm base with a stylish layering component underneath a button-up or roomy knit. Our go-tos from Uniqlo to Everlane, below.
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The Accessories Station
No capsule winter wardrobe would be complete without a cold-weather accessory (or two…or three). You’ll find us slipping into Banana Republic’s classic black leather gloves during the week, and Arch4’s Fair Isle beanie on holiday. Complete your look with Loewe’s fringed scarf and a warm, yet stylish pair of knee socks from Johnstons of Elgin.
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