My aim was to select 37 clothing items to mix and match through the winter months. I decided to take the opportunity to build up my basics and really think about the pieces I wanted to include in my wardrobe. I took inspiration from a Pinterest board I’ve curated over the last few years as I figured this was the way to make sure I invested in pieces I would wear in the future. I want to feel confident, be vaguely fashionable and above all, stay warm!

Coats – Eight items (Two new pieces)

Automatically I feel short changed. In summer I probably have one or two jackets to reach for but as outerwear forms part of the 37 pieces I have had to give up items from elsewhere. I couldn’t seem to get the selection of jackets down to less than six: I already owned all of these coats so there were no new purchases.
I shortlisted a super warm Primarni parka for casual days, an Oasis leopard carpet coat for a smarter look, an old faithful ‘pleather’ H&M jacket, a cosy faux fur number, a longish black H&M jacket with studs for the office and a bright pink Zara coat to brighten up dark days.
It seems faux fur gilets never go out of fashion and I’m wearing my H&M one non-stop for all occasions. When I went to a Christmas market last week I even wore it under my black studded coat. At £29.99 it’s easily the best thing I’ve bought this season and I’ve had lots of compliments. I also threw in a majorly warm cardigan from Zara which on mild days doubles as a coat.

Tops – 14 items (Six new pieces)

This is where I looked most to my Pinterest board. I realised I have an obsession with stripes, tartan, fishermen style jumpers and cosy layers.
Jumpers are such a big part of the winter wardrobe so they form an integral part of the capsule collection. I turned to Zara for the long cable sweater (with fancy side split to reveal a contrasting top underneath).
I haven’t ordered from Hush before but was was tempted by their colour block ‘dress’. I’m wearing it more as a tunic as it’s quite short but I have braved it with Primark’s thick fleece lined tights.
The final piece I bought was a very simple striped top from H&M. All the other tops I already owned and they reside mostly from H&M, Zara, Primark, Miss Selfridge and New Look. What can I say. I’m a total High Street girl.

Shirts are a staple of my work-from-home wardrobe so I added an old plaid and denim version, both from H&M. I also bought a Topshop Draped Blouse which I’ve found is perfect for the office with a vest under or for a night-out with some snazzy jewels.

Dresses & Skirts – Five items (One new piece)

Ideally I would have included more dresses (top and bottom in one? Hello!) but I figured four would suffice. The black skater style one is an oldie but goodie from H&M, the frilly Zara one was a summer bargain several years ago and the striped midi was a Primarni special from two years ago. After Miranda’s Winter Florals post I bought the New Look Flowered Dress. All four are great for the office with a blazer or a cardigan. I also included a Next leatherette pencil skirt purchased last year.

Bottoms – Five items (Two new pieces)

I had always thought I was the wrong shape for Topshop jeans, but thanks to Becki K I decided to give them a try. I ended up with two pairs of Jamie jeans; a dark blue and black ripped knee version. I absolutely adore them as they’re perfect for ladies with larger hips and smaller waists!

I already had a pair of black slim jogger pants from Primark (not shown) and have kept hold of my slim black H&M trousers until I find a suitable replacement. Finally I added my leather finish M&S trousers from last year.

The Standbys

I decided to allow myself the luxury of back-ups. After a week or so I have realised I need to include an extra skirt (so introduced an old sequin tube skirt from H&M) and also a couple of cardigans to partner with my dresses. This takes my total list to 40 pieces.
I’m also cheating and including a stash of long sleeved basic tops to wear under jumpers. I figured if you can’t see it then it doesn’t count?

For shoes, take a look at my older edit. I ditched the red flats taking it down to a measly five pairs as it’s really too cold to wear them.

Two weeks in and it’s going okay. It’s definitely not taking as long to get ready in the morning! All items fit and wash well and though they look fairly dull on their own, I’m getting more playful with accessories. A third of the wardrobe are new pieces, however a good chunk are early Chrimbo pressies.

What have you added to your winter wardrobe? If you’re trying out a capsule wardrobe how did you select the pieces?