Winter Capsule Collection — Socially Staci J

Winter Capsule Collection

Now that we’re officially in the winter season and post-holiday, it’s time to build the perfect winter wardrobe on a small budget. There are a few essential pieces that are an absolute must to get you through the winter season fashionably. I’ve created the perfect 7 piece capsule collection, which includes three tops, three bottoms and a pair of shoes. A capsule collection is a collection of items that all work together and can be mixed and matched to create numerous outfit combinations. If you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe, this can be done with the pieces I’ve curated for a little over $200. Yes, you read that correctly. You can create an entirely different wardrobe for $200. Let’s talk about it.

Chunky Knit Sweater

It’s cold and in some cases raining or snowing, so you need to invest in a chunky knit sweater for practical reasons. For the capsule, I’m recommending a sweater in a neutral color so that it can easily be paired with other pieces in this collection as well as pieces you already own. Chunky knits obviously can be paired with jeans, but they can also be paired over leggings, midi skirts and dresses, particularly if it’s oversized like the one below. This one is on sale for half off and it’s also available in a few other colors if brown does not work for you. I chose brown because it’s not the obvious choice, such as black, and it’s one of the trend colors of the season. The belt is not included, but this is an easy look to recreate.

Print Tunic Blouse

Printed silk or silk adjacent (polyester and the like) tunics are extremely popular and one of my favorite looks for several reasons. First, the length of tunics makes it versatile to wear as a dress in warmer temperatures (if it’s not sheer). Second, these types of tunics are thin enough to pair inside of mid-rise or hi-rise jeans and a belt for a polished look. This is probably my favorite go to look when I really want to look pulled together with minimal effort, i.e. work. However, the absolute best thing about this specific tunic is that it’s available in a snakeskin print, which is uber popular now, but also a classic staple you will wear for years.

Hight Waist Straight Leg Denim

How long have I talked about straight leg denim? Awhile. But I’m still not seeing a lot of you stray from your tried and true skinny jeans. Listen Linda. Skinny jeans will always be a staple, but let’s take advantage the resurgence of jeans that aren’t tight. I selected a pair that I own and they are now on sale for $23. Hi-rise straight leg denim paired with ankle booties and a chunky knit or the snakeskin tunic and you’ve got a couple of great looks.

Cowboy Style Boots

Cowboy boots were found all over the runway for A/W 18 and they tend to go on and off trend boards every couple of years. However in Texas, cowboy boots are a staple every year and sometimes year round. If you’ve ever been to a Texas A&M game, you’ll see a sea of college aged girls with maroon shirts, cut off shorts and cowboy boots. It’s like a uniform and a requirement for game entrance. But even outside of Texas, cowboy boots have always managed to stay relevant so investing in a pair of cowboy inspired boots is actually not that impractical. I found a pair of Sam Edelman boots severely discounted in a black supple suede finish and I think you need these.

Nordstroms, Sam Edelman, Sale $59.98, $149.95

Animal Print Midi Skirt

I don’t know how they do it, but H&M always manages to create inexpensive pieces that are right on trend. Midi skirts have been on trend for the past couple of years. Animal print midi skirts are on every blogger or “it” girl’s IG page, including mine. The skirt is such a classy look that can be dressed up with booties or down with sneakers. This particular snakeskin skirt is also a versatile and neutral print, so it’s really hard to find a color that doesn’t work with it. I can’t think of one. The best part is that this skirt is only $15. The tunic in the same print can be paired with this and worn as a two piece outfit, mirroring the look of a full length snakeskin dress. I love that idea and the fact that these two pieces can be worn together or separately.

Faux Leather Leggings

If you don’t have a pair of faux leather leggings in your wardrobe, slap your own face. It’s a dressier alternative to jeans and it instantly elevates your entire look. The brown chunky knit paired with these pants is a LOOK. The tunic over these pants is a LOOK. For a more casual look, try the pants with the tunic worn as a dress and top it with a denim jacket. This pair is from Zara and they are only $30. This is one of the best investments you will ever make for winter.

Thin Long Sleeve Roll Neck Top

Everyone needs a basic roll neck sweater in a basic color, such as grey or black. They are excellent for layering on cold days. For example, try pairing this top under the snakeskin tunic with the straight leg denim. Or you can also wear this solo with either of the bottoms I mentioned above. I selected the Prologue top from Target because of the unique split sleeve detail on the wrists and the price point is good at $24.

Let me know if the comments which were your favorite pieces and if you plan to pick up any of them. I hope you enjoyed the read.

SJ