In the UK, one of the best perks of having an unusually miserable July is that you get to plan your autumn and winter outfits early and trial some ideas ready for the colder months. I absolutely love fashion through the autumn and winter months, and the fun of putting together new outfits and looks that cheer you up through the grey and dark days, but it is important to me to try to shop less and to get as much wear out of my items as possible.
Here is how to put together a girly and feminine winter capsule wardrobe that is chic and stylish and accommodates your different style moods!
These outfit ideas are perfect for when you can’t rely on the weather, as they depend on layering pieces to create a cute look, meaning you can shed any extra layers when it gets randomly warmer and pile them back on again on colder days. These are just some ideas – you can adopt this as a guideline, or definitely feel free to change it up, based on your personal style and types of weather in your area!
Weather in the UK is predictable only in that you know it’s going to throw a lot at you. Staying comfortable and stylish and feeling cute can be a challenge with sudden rain showers, damp mornings that suddenly bloom into warm afternoons, those sunny but chilly days, the endless grey days and even the occasional snowstorm, if last winter was anything to go by!
But building a versatile winter wardrobe doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Let’s explore essential clothing items that are both budget-friendly and capable of handling the unpredictable winter weather.
Best Girly Winter Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
• White thermal top layers
I always love to start off with a white base because white really pops in winter and goes with everything! It makes for the perfect blank canvas for your outfit. You could opt for some long sleeved white turtlenecks, boat neck tops or slim fitting white or cream bodysuits, the perfect underneath layer to form the base of your outfit and keep you snug at the same time!
• A pair of off white or ecru trousers/pants/jeans
Keeping to the all white colour scheme or palette, opting for off white bottoms keeps the look super uniform and ski chic, without venturing in to 90’s boyband territory! This creates the perfect base that will make your accessories and next layers pop.
• A pair of neutral trousers
I also like to include a pair of neutral bottoms in tan or beige, to change it up a bit. I love how you can alternate them and they will go perfectly with the rest of the items in the capsule wardrobe.
• A pair of off white or ivory joggers or leggings
For more casual outfit days, when you want to feel chic and put together at the same time
• A pair of neutral joggers or leggings
Perfect to have to alternate with your off white pair, on a dressed down kind of day
• Two shorter/mini skirts
I try to go for thick, warm and cosy fabrics and love to pair these with tights, perfect for autumn and winter days that aren’t too cold or for any slightly warmer spells. Think tweed, cute knits and pleats for a cute and feminine look! These pair perfectly with any tops in this list.
• One jumper dress
A jumper dress makes for an amazing investment as it becomes a cute outfit all on its own!
• Around three cute jumpers
These are great to pair with either trousers/leggings or joggers or skirts, pretty much any pants option!
• A trusty and cosy cardigan or shacket
An easy layering piece that you can pop on and off with ease, and can add an extra layer of warmth for when you need it most, or to wear instead of a coat in autumn before the cold hits!
• A pair of comfortable boots that won’t let you down
To get you through the winter! A good rule of thumb is to try new boots on with thicker socks as well as normal socks, to get a feel for how suitable they will be to wear with your winter wear.
While functionality is essential, you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. Many affordable boot
options come in a variety of styles and colours, allowing you to find a pair that complements your
winter outfits. You can even find more expensive brands at a much better price by using SuperSales, which collects all sales from a wide range of web shops and lets you see what’s on offer and when. For example, you can browse Clarks sale shoes and boots quickly and easily.
• Comfortable sneakers or trainers that you love
Perfect for casual days
• A pair of knee boots or over the knee boots
For your more formal or dressy outfits, these will go perfectly with your skirts or jumper dress!
• A pair of white or light ankle boots
These will elevate every outfit! Neutral coloured chelsea boots will work perfect here too.
• A cute ‘jacket’ coat
Perfect for when you need more of a lightweight coat to cover up!
• A colder weather coat
This could be a super long length coat, a puffer coat, or anything to keep you super cosy and warm!
• A giant fluffy scarf (or three)
This is a great piece to make a statement and the perfect opportunity to opt for an adorable piece you love! You could take this opportunity to work in a pop of colour, or even keep it neutral, for a super sleek and uniform look. These are the perfect way to add pizzaz to your outfit and give it a whole different vibe. You could even keep a few of different colours and designs to change up your outfit for different days.
• A birdcage umbrella
• A cute and adorable tote bag
These will never not come in handy and make for the perfect ‘off duty’ bag of choice, perfect for shopping or carrying your revision notes. My absolute favourite of choice is this With jean bow tote bag, it’s even prettier in person!
• Your favourite winter bag or purse of choice
The best way to express your personality and put a particular spin on your outfit, to bring it to life! I always think a great tip is to have two in completely different styles or colours for different moods, that way you can put a completely different spin on an outfit with each one. For example, having one chic black or dark grey bag or purse will suit those days you want to feel perfectly put together, or an adorable
• Three to five pairs of tights
You can also layer these under trousers and joggers in really cold weather, they are so handy!
• Cute collars to add to your outfits (optional)
A winter capsule wardrobe is super great in that all the pieces in your collection fit together and you get a whole lot of equal wear out of all of your pieces. But to add a little something something to your outfits, faux collars are the perfect option! You can get so many styles, from adorable Peter Pan collars that create a dollette or coquette vibe outfit, or sleek formal collars that give the appearance of a crisp oversized shirt. These are the perfect way to change up your look, whilst keeping within your capsule wardrobe!
• Sleek and chic jewellery pieces
To tie your look together and look super polished! This is also an amazing way to put a different spin on each outfit, to create tons of different looks and variations.
• A good pair of gloves and bobble hat
These are not only functional but also great for adding a pop of colour to your winter outfits. Go with materials like wool or acrylic for warmth.
Tricks and tips
• Invest in thermal base layers
These give you a solid barrier against the cold. These snug-fitting garments are designed to trap body heat and wick away moisture, ensuring that you stay warm and dry.
• Water Resistance
Opt for boots that are water-resistant or waterproof to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
• Traction And Grip
Slippery surfaces are a common hazard during winter. Look for boots with robust outsoles that offer
excellent traction and grip. This will help you navigate icy pavements and wet streets safely.
• Insulation
Cold feet can quickly ruin your winter experience. Insulated boots are designed to keep your feet
warm even in freezing temperatures.
Navigating the unpredictable winter weather in the UK doesn’t have to be a daunting task for your
wardrobe or your wallet. Remember that shopping smartly and considering budget-friendly options
doesn’t mean compromising on quality or comfort. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to
embrace the changing weather while looking and feeling your best throughout the winter season.
