You don’t need a closet the size of Texas full of clothes to have a wardrobe you love. You just have to have the right pieces to be able to style a variety of outfits. The process shouldn’t be complicated or overwhelming. If you live in a place where there are seasons, your wardrobe essentials will change from season to season. Since we’re in the dead of winter in Georgia, I wanted to share my winter wardrobe essentials you need when building a wardrobe. With these key staple items, you’ll have just the right pieces for the perfect outfit for every occasion.

For even more wardrobe tips, checkout my build a wardrobe series HERE.

Winter Wardrobe Essentials You Need When Building a Wardrobe

Wool Coat

The first winter essential you’ll need is a coat. For dressier occasions and to wear to work, a wool coat is great to have in your closet. I love this one from J.Crew. It’s made from J.Crew’s exclusive stadium-cloth wool. The hood is nice for those really cold days and the faux fur can be detached. With outerwear, I typically keep it pretty neutral colorwise, so it will match with most my outfits. This coat comes in classic, petite and tall fits.

Shop Wool Coats

Puffer Coat

A puffer coat is the another coat I recommend having in your closet for more casual outfits. I’ve had this Patagonia jacket for a few years, and it’s held up nicely. It’s not bulky, but very warm, and the perfect jacket for taking walks outside (if it’s not freezing). Puffers are perfect to wear with loungewear, activewear and jeans.

Shop Puffer Coats

Turtleneck

The next winter wardrobe staple is a turtleneck. Though they may seem simple, turtlenecks can easily be paired with a variety of pieces in your closet. Turtlenecks also act as great layering piece throughout the fall and winter with things like cardigans, blazers or ruanas. This turtleneck was a recent find and love the added feminine detail the pearls give on each sleeve.

Shop Turtlenecks

Neutral Sweater

Similar to a turtleneck, a neutral sweater is another great basic that you’ll find yourself reaching for often. Though I love the classic look of a sweater with denim, white or black jeans, sweaters can also be paired with skirts and dresses throughout the cold months of the year too.

Shop Neutral Sweaters

Winter Boots

Whether you’re trekking in the rain, snow or slush, having a good pair of winter, waterproof boots is a must. Because having wet and cold feet just isn’t my idea of fun. Aside from their practicality, boots are also on-trend right now. I like pairing mine with skinny jeans or leggings.

Shop Winter Boots

Knee-High Boots

The next pair of shoes I like to have in my winter wardrobe is a knee-high boot. They pair well with dresses, skirts, jeans and leggings, and can be dressed up or down. I recently bought these suede knee-high boots, and sprayed them with a suede protectant to keep them looking good as new. However, I think a leather material holds up better than suede does.

I prefer to have a little heel height on the boots, so they look a little dressier than a flat boot. That way, you can wear them with both jeans and dresses.

Shop Knee-High Boots

Winter Accessories

You can’t forget about your head and hands from the winter elements. So be sure you have a nice fitting pair of gloves or mittens, a beanie hat and a scarf. I try to keep my winter accessories neutral, so they can easily match my coat too.

Shop Winter Accessories

Faux Leather Leggings

I’ve been raving about faux leather leggings for years, and I think faux leather really took off this winter season. If you don’t have any faux leather in your wardrobe, I’d start with leggings. They look great styled with a casual sweatshirt to a sequined top. You’ll find yourself reaching for these again and again throughout the season.

Shop Faux Leather Leggings

Jeans

You can’t get more classic than a good-fitting pair of jeans. There are so many brands, fits and styles to choose from. I like to keep the style of mine classic without much distressing. That way I can dress them up with heels and a blazer or dress them down with a sweatshirt and winter boots.

Shop Jeans

Cozy Loungewear

For those cozy nights in, there’s nothing better than being in your comfy clothes next to a fire. I have the best luck at finding loungewear at places like Abercrombie & Fitch, lululemon, Petal & Pup and Spanx. Recently, I found this pink loungeset, and love the muted pink. When you have a matching loungeset, you suddenly feel more put together even if you are in your comfy clothes. 🙂

Shop Loungewear

What’s one of your top winter essentials in your wardrobe? Let me know in the comments below!

Shop the Post

Pin this Photo and Save this Post for Later!