It’s entirely possible to look warm and stylish at the same time, which is where a reliable winter capsule wardrobe comes in. These closet staples — boots, heavy coats, tights, knit dresses, and more — are the beating heart of your cold-weather looks, and we’ve rounded up our tried-and-trues for you to shop for the season ahead.

Like our autumn capsule wardrobe staples, our hardest-working winter pieces are those we’ve come to rely on for shielding us from the elements. These include hero items like fleece-lined leggings, second-skin bodysuits, cosy knit loungewear to throw your Arket Puffer Coat over, fleece and cashmere sweaters for wearing with wide-leg trousers, and chic black boots for work.

Of course, there’s something about winter’s shorter, gloomier days that makes most of us gravitate toward darker shades and muted colour palettes — we get it, they’re easy to wear and require little styling forethought. Luckily? That’s exactly what’s on trend for autumn/winter 2025.

Black is back and bigger than ever with full-liquorice looks on the runways of McQueen, Chanel, Junya Watanabe, and Yohji Yamamoto; deep, almost-black shades of brown featured on the Hermès catwalk; and burgundy remains a heavy hitter on the high street.

Building your winter capsule wardrobe is the ultimate secret to mastering personal style during the colder months. It not only maximises outfit potential, but the layering, mixing, and matching options are endless. But before succumbing to impulse buys (because winter clothes are expensive!), revisit what’s already in your closet and figure out what fall purchases you made that’ll definitely still work for the foreseeable future.

From there, you can decide what’s missing or past its prime. The winter season is a long one, but below you’ll find all our tested and endorsed layering pieces and other winter wardrobe essentials for making this time of year your warmest, most stylish one yet.

The coat

The best winter coats are selling out fast! ALIGNE’s reversible Barnaby trench was already a great value (hello, two-in-one), but on top of that, it’s actually on sale. If you want to snag a high-quality-looking faux fur coat, be sure to check out options from Zara. Their £109 belted design is a fashion editor must (and looks endlessly more expensive than it actually is). For more of a splurge, consider Karen Millen’s brushed wool scarf-neck coat; if you’ve not already spotted, it’s a favourite among Roxy Horner, Grace Jackson and a few of our other fave influencers.

Save when you shop for winter capsule wardrobe essentials with these Nobody’s Child discount codes at checkout.

The range of black winter boots on the market is limitless, though it’s hard to go wrong with the below two: one dressy pointed-toe option for work (AllSaints) and another, comfier pair for city strolls on the weekend (Dune). You’re set.

Save when you shop for winter capsule wardrobe essentials with these Dune discount codes at checkout.

The Long-Sleeve Top

“The perfect in-between when temps are mild enough that you can get away with wearing a snuggly coat and a single layer. My eye is firmly on the viral Intimissimi cashmere boat neck tops ever since seeing it on Kendall Jenner – I need them in every colour immediately.” – Karina Marriott, freelancer and stylist.

Save when you shop for winter capsule wardrobe essentials with these & Other Stories discount codes at checkout.

The Winter Leggings

The time for warm leggings is now. Lululemon’s Align pants aren’t the thickest of the bunch, but they hold up just fine when paired with a long coat or puffer. If you’re after a pair of fleece-lined leggings, Marks & Spencer’s Heatgen Medium Fleece Thermal Leggings are a bestseller for good reason: lightweight yet so warm, stretchy and high-waisted. Obsessed.

Save when you shop for winter capsule wardrobe essentials with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.

The easiest way to dabble in trends of the season is with a knit — and we’re loving the ones from COS, The White Company & H&M. Hush also has great everyday knitwear options for minimalists and maximalists alike.

Save when you shop for winter capsule wardrobe essentials with these COS discount codes at checkout.

Bundle up in one of the season’s best duvet coats — Lululemon has a great active option, Grace Beverley’s TALA convertible iteration made over £1million in sales in its first hour live, while a North Face puffer jacket will be an investment you enjoy for years to come.

Save when you shop for winter capsule wardrobe essentials with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.

Tailored trousers are a non-negotiable in any winter capsule wardrobe, in my opinion. This season, we’re seeing the influence of ’90s minimalism come back strong with sleek, well-cut trousers dominating both runways and street style. Whether you’re aiming for casual vibes or more of a polished office look, tailored trousers will always deliver that balance of timeless style and versatility.