One of our very best packing tips is to fill your closet (and suitcase) with reliable staples you can rewear again and again. Of course, those essentials will vary slightly by season. When building a winter capsule wardrobe, timeless basics, thermal layers, and durable shoes are key. Instead of panic-buying trendy outfits before every vacation—many of which you might only wear once—focus on adding a few high-quality pieces to your wardrobe that pair effortlessly with what’s already hanging in your closet.
If you’re headed on a fun après-ski trip or cozying up by the fireplace in an upstate cabin, you’re going to need comfy, versatile pieces to wear. Below we gathered the basics needed to build your very own winter capsule wardrobe ahead of your next trip. From cashmere sweaters and packable puffers to fleece-lined leggings and lightweight scarves, these are the multi-purpose must-haves worth every bit of space in your carry-on.
Must-haves for a winter capsule wardrobe:
The perfect long-sleeve
Dressing for cold weather is all about layering. The perfect base for every winter outfit: a soft, basic long-sleeve shirt that can be easily layered underneath jackets and vests, and be worn on its own, too. Neutral colors are your best bet—they can be tucked into just about any pair of pants you pack and can be reworn with almost any outfit.
The cozy sweater
What’s better than slipping on your favorite cozy sweater and curling up by the fireplace? Cashmere and cable knit sweaters look extremely polished when dressed up with a skirt and tights, and work just as well with simple jeans and loafers. These picks below are ultra-soft, warm, and supremely timeless—you’ll be wearing these sweaters for winters to come.
The loungewear set
The secret to dressing comfortably at the airport while still looking put together is a matching loungewear set. Slip on either of these sets from Spanx or Mack Weldon with a pair of white sneakers, baseball cap, and long coat over top and you’ll be serving effortless airport style instantly.
The winter legging
If I’m not traveling in a loungewear set, I’m rocking my go-to pair of black leggings. This time of year, I trade them in for an extra-warm pair of winter leggings. These are typically lined with a soft material like fleece and offer added insulation for those frigid, snowy days. Thermal leggings especially come in handy for outdoorsy winter trips—whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or just cabin-bound, these will be your new favorite travel companion.
The relaxed trouser
A sleek pair of pants like these relaxed trousers are so versatile—they transition from the office to a dinner date effortlessly. They’re fitted and flattering around the waist, but give your legs plenty of breathing room. Pair them with your favorite loafers or a plain white sneaker and you’re ready to go.
The dark wash jean
We all need that one tried-and-true, wear everywhere with everything pair of jeans. While I love my light-colored jeans most of the year, a dark wash is much more fitting for winter months. We don’t need to tell you just how often you’ll be wearing these this season. I always pack a high-waisted, straight-leg jean without any rips in my suitcase—even in the summer months, just in case.
The lightweight skirt
For something a little more feminine and fun than trousers, these midi and maxi skirts have you covered. Toss on your favorite sweater and a pair of tall boots and you’ve got yourself a chic date night look. The beauty of these skirts is that they transition well between seasons and are easier to pack than a bulky dress or pair of pants.
The packable puffer
Anyone traveling this season should invest in one good packable puffer. Styles like these from Patagonia offer a surprising amount of warmth for how lightweight and seemingly thin they are. The best part? A compressible jacket like the Nano Puff can be packed down into a small bag, making it a must-have for travelers with little suitcase room traveling from a warm-weather destination, or bringing multiple coats along.
The city coat
If you’re headed out for a day of sightseeing, you’ll want to throw on a chic long coat that offers equal parts warmth and style. These wool coats are great to wear over a sweatshirt, sweater, or light jacket, and lock in plenty of heat for a full day of exploring.
The durable boot
There’s no doubt you’ll want a durable boot in your closet this winter. Whether you’re looking for something sleek to dress up an outfit, a waterproof workhorse that can take on uneven terrain, or a timeless Chelsea boot made to last for years, we’ve got you covered. While boots certainly aren’t the most packable shoe you own (if possible, wear them on the plane), they always prove worth it.
The everyday sneaker
The year-round essential we’re packing no matter what: a comfortable sneaker. These versatile kicks from Adidas and Reebok will match any outfit in your carry-on, whether it’s a pair of jeans, leggings, slacks, or a casual dress. When you’re walking around a new city clocking upwards of 20,000 steps, you’ll definitely want a trusted walking shoe you can wear all day long, blister-free.
The scarf
They can be bulky, but there’s no denying the importance of an ultra-soft, warm scarf to protect our necks from extreme temperatures. Made of winter-ready materials like wool, cashmere, and alpaca, these lightweight scarves are great for travelers, whether you’re commuting to work, headed on a ski trip, or want something to wrap around you on a chilly plane ride.
The leather bag
Rounding out our list of the best winter wardrobe essentials for travelers is none other than a leather bag—the kind you’ll wear anywhere and everywhere this season and beyond. We’ve gathered a few of our favorite styles, from day-to-night shoulder bags to roomy totes that hold your souvenirs. I try to save packing space by bringing along a black or brown leather bag that will match any outfit in my carry-on and suit any occasion. Cuyana’s System Tote and Madewell’s Zip-Top Transport Tote come highly recommended by our editors for their spacious interiors, durable straps, and gorgeous looks.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
