How to Create a Sustainable Cold Weather Wardrobe

Co-authored by Natalie Kay Smith and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: December 11, 2022 References

Brrr! Is that a chill in the air? Time to haul out the sweaters, coats, beanies, and mittens. Whether you’ve accumulated lots of cold-weather options or you feel like your winter wardrobe is missing something, a capsule wardrobe is the answer to your problem. Capsule wardrobes are more eco-friendly and cost less than traditional wardrobes. Plus, they make it super easy to choose an outfit that you love every day. We’re here to help you create a sustainable cold weather wardrobe that makes getting ready a breeze.

1

Include about 30 pieces in your winter capsule wardrobe.

The goal is to build a wardrobe from classic pieces that can be mixed and matched. Feel free to add more or fewer pieces to your wardrobe—there’s no rule that says 30 is the absolute limit. However, if you end up with 50 or more pieces, it’s not really a capsule wardrobe at that point.^{[1]
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Research source} For a winter wardrobe, you might include:
- 2 tees or tanks
- 3-4 long-sleeved shirts
- 4 sweaters or cardigans
- 1-2 pairs of leggings
- 2 pairs of jeans
- 2 pairs of trousers
- 1-2 dresses
- 2-3 jackets or coats
- 2 pairs of boots
- 2 pairs of shoes
- 2 hats
- 2 pairs of gloves or mittens
- 1-2 scarves
- 3 purses or bags

2

Get out all of your winter clothing and accessories.

Now that you know what you need, it’s time to see what you have. Find all your cold-weather options, including pants, tops, sweaters, coats, shoes, boots, and accessories. Try to track down errant mittens, hats, and scarves as well. Gather everything in the same place so you can take stock of all of your options.^{[2]
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- You don’t have to count undergarments, pajamas, or workout wear in your capsule wardrobe.
- When committing to a capsule wardrobe, you don't have to automatically buy a lot of new clothes. You probably already have enough garments on hand for a capsule wardrobe!

3

Sort everything into categories.

Group items by type: pants, tops, coats, etc. Lay out your items in piles on your bed or floor. As you’re going through things, think about the last time you wore the item, whether it fits, and if it’s something you’d wear again. This will make it super easy to figure out what you can get rid of and what you still need to create a complete winter wardrobe.^{[3]
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4

Keep items you love that are in good condition.

Try to choose things that complement each other. Since you’ll be mixing and matching your clothes, it’s best to fill your wardrobe with timeless pieces that won’t go out of style. Neutral colors are king! Make sure everything you keep fits and is in good condition, too.^{[4]
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- If there’s something you love that doesn’t fit or needs to be repaired, take it to a tailor! You’ll spend less than you would replacing it and reduce your carbon footprint.

5

Donate items you’re not going to use.

If it doesn’t fit or isn’t in style, get rid of it! As a general rule of thumb, if you haven’t worn it in a year, it can go. If you have multiple items of the same kind, choose your favorites and donate the rest. Anything that doesn’t fit, isn’t flattering, or doesn’t make you feel good isn’t worth keeping.^{[5]
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- Donate your things to a reputable charity or second-hand shop in your area. That way, someone else can add the clothes to their wardrobe which is more sustainable than tossing them in the trash.

6

Make a list of garments and accessories you still need.

Every purchase should be intentional. Don’t rush out and buy a bunch of new items at this point! You just want to fill the gaps in your wardrobe. Quality over quantity is important here, as you’ll be wearing the clothes multiple times and want them to last.^{[6]
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7

Check consignment and second-hand stores.

Go ahead and treat yourself to that vintage Burberry jacket or scarf! Buying second-hand items helps you create a more sustainable wardrobe and allows you to pick up designer items for a reduced price. Spend an afternoon sorting through the options at your local thrift shops and consignment stores. Only purchase something if it’s on your list, fits well, and complements the items you’ve already got in your winter wardrobe.^{[7]
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8

Buy new items from sustainable brands.

Choose companies that are sustainable ethically, economically, and socially. Research the brand before you buy to figure out where and how the clothes are made. Look for labels that say “fair trade” or “b-corp certified” so you know the brand is eco-friendly.
- Some fashion brands purposely make low-quality clothing so you'll have to buy more garments later on.

9

Choose things made from high-quality fabrics and materials.

Wool is a great option for winter. It is durable, soft, and will keep you warm!^{[8]
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Research source} Resist the urge to jump on the latest trend or buy cheap pieces from discount stores. Instead, choose well-made items that you can wear for years to come.
- Pro tip: invest in the clothing you’re going to wear every day instead of splurging on something you'll only wear once for a special occasion.
- Opt for natural fibers instead of synthetic ones—they decompose more quickly and are better for the earth.

10

Stick to classic, neutral pieces.

Fill your wardrobe with garments that never go out of style. Tailored trousers, cardigans, blazers, and well-fitting jeans will look great for years to come. Choose neutral colors, like navy, black, grey, white, cream, tan, and brown. If there’s a certain color or palette that you love, include items in those shades as well! You want the clothes to reflect your personal style.^{[9]
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- You might choose 3-5 neutral colors and 1-3 accent colors.^{[10]
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11

Add flair with accessories.

A brightly-colored coat or handbag can take your outfit to the next level. A capsule wardrobe doesn’t need to be bland! If you find a printed pair of rainboots that you love or have a favorite handbag in bright blue, use it to add a pop of color to your outfit. Dress an outfit up with heels and jewelry or keep it casual with biker boots and a beanie.^{[11]
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12

Mix and match your items to create fresh looks.

Layering is key for winter! You can stay warm and look fashionable by combining your garments in different ways. Wear your favorite tee with skinny jeans and a leather jacket for an edgy look. Then, take that tee to the office by putting it under a blazer and pairing it with tailored trousers and nice shoes. The possibilities are endless!^{[12]
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- A grey knit dress, black pea coat, and black boots makes a great outfit for date night, while pairing that same pea coat with jeans and a sweater is perfect for brunch with your bestie.

Expert Q&A

Question

Is a capsule wardrobe a good idea?

Natalie Kay Smith
Sustainable Fashion Writer
Natalie Kay Smith is a sustainable fashion writer and the owner of Sustainably Chic, a sustainability-focused blog. Natalie has over 5 years of sustainable fashion and green living writing and has worked with over 400 conscious brands all over the world to show readers fashion can exist responsibly and sustainably.

Natalie Kay Smith

Sustainable Fashion Writer

Expert Answer

Definitely! A capsule wardrobe simplifies your life a lot—the more clothing you have, the more stressful and chaotic your wardrobe seems. Plus, capsule wardrobes force you to make more intentional, high-quality clothing purchases and think more carefully about the clothes you want to use.