Winter capsules fail when they are built like summer capsules with a coat added. Cold weather dressing is a layering system, and the pieces have to be chosen to work together in stacks rather than alone.
Three layers, chosen as a set
A base that manages moisture, a mid layer that traps air, and a shell that blocks wind. Each must fit over the one beneath — a mid layer that will not go under your coat is not part of the capsule.
The coat is the budget
It is worn almost daily for four months and seen more than anything else. Spend the money here and economise on the layers underneath, not the other way round.
Boots decide the palette
Winter footwear is expensive and replaced rarely, so the rest of the capsule should be built around the boots you already own rather than against them.
An 18-piece winter capsule
An 18-piece winter capsule
- 2 merino base layers
- 3 long-sleeve tops
- 2 knitted jumpers, one heavy and one fine enough to layer
- 1 cardigan or overshirt
- 2 pairs of trousers
- 1 pair of jeans
- 1 insulated coat
- 1 lighter jacket for milder days
- 1 pair of waterproof boots
- 1 pair of everyday shoes
- scarf, hat and gloves as one matched set