That’s “interesting”, not “capsule”…
If you came here thinking this was another article about capsule wardrobes, I’m either about to delight or truly disappoint you. This is a guide to adding interesting pieces to your winter wardrobe that offer maximum versatility, no matter your lifestyle or personal style. It’s about finding pieces that work hard across every facet of your life, and that you find yourself reaching for all season long to pair with garments you already own. So use this as a source of inspiration for creating the ultimate multitasking winter wardrobe.
A quilted jacket
A well-cut quilted jacket with a slightly oversized fit can take you many places: walking the dog, hanging out at the playground on the weekend, brunch on Sunday morning and even to and from your corporate job without looking too utilitarian. The key is in the small details and tailoring, such as a contrasting collar fabric, exaggerated sleeves or a longer back panel.
Karen Walker Ridge Jacket, $325
RUBY Domino Quilt Jacket, $399
Ricochet Foster Jacket, $389
Stylish rain shoes
Get yourself a chic pair of rain shoes and you won’t know how you ever lived without them. Classic Barbour and Hunter boots in a fun pattern, or a solid black or khaki, will take you anywhere this winter, and the same goes for a rubber garden clog or slide. Slip them on with a pair of fun socks and you’ll look stylish and practical.
Barbour Wilton Chelsea Welly, $144
Hunter Chelsea Leopard Boot, $260 from Playpark
Plasticana Gardana Hemp Clogs, $155
Colourful socks
Speaking of socks, this essential accessory is not only important for keeping your tootsies warm during a cold snap, but with a fun colour or print, it can also add real personality to an outfit. A pop of red works with both colourful and neutral outfits alike, or you can simply choose whatever makes you happy. Bonus points for being low-commitment and available in a range of price points.
Noon Hamilton Possum Merino Wool Socks, $49
Ahipao Cashmere Socks, $129
Lamington merino Wool Roll Top Crew Socks, $32
The perfect pair of jeans
Barrel jeans are still having a moment and, thanks to Love Story, bootcut Levi’s are back too. But the “perfect” jeans only exist if they are perfect on you, so don’t follow trends, follow your heart. Once you find the denim that’s right for you, you will absolutely thrash it, but if you want your jeans to be true multitaskers, opt for a wash that isn’t too faded, doesn’t have rips and feels polished enough to wear across multiple settings.
RUBY Buzz Jean, $299
Levi’s 315 Shaping Bootcut Jean, $149
MAX Nevada Wide Jeans, $159
A not-black everyday bag
It’s time to get yourself out of that black bag rut. We’ve all been there, but once you realise that a brown, burgundy, olive or navy bag carries just as much versatility, you’ll be so pleased you branched out. If you have a penchant for an all-black ensemble in winter, then a bag in a still-neutral-but-slightly-colourful hue will add some fun without taking you too far from your comfort zone.
Yu Mei Medium Utility Bag, $395
Saben Isla Shoulder Bag, $420
Deadly Ponies Mr Maximese, $879
A big slouchy knit
An oversized knit can be thrown on over your PJs, worn over lycra to the gym, layered under a big jacket or worn as its own cosy layer with any style of pants. The opportunities are endless. Check the inside label to make sure there are some natural fibres in there for maximum warmth and garment longevity, think merino, alpaca, mohair and cashmere. And always follow the washing instructions.
SOPHIE Alpaca Blend Jumper, $328
Francie Campfire Raglan Knit, $484
Elle & Riley Cashmere Featherweight Oversize Crew, $590
A large square scarf
If you live somewhere that doesn’t get below freezing too often, then a silk scarf is a truly perfect winter accessory. Being a natural fibre, silk offers warmth while still being thin enough not to get stuffy, and it can be used in myriad ways. Tie one around your neck, wear it over your shoulders, cinch in the waist of a dress or blazer, or just tie it onto your handbag to add some colour.
Artifact Aqua Square Silk Scarf, $199
Dark Hampton Mulberry Silk Scarf, $169
Dries Van Noten Silk Scarf, $480
Tinted sunglasses
When the light is low, sunglasses with an orange, pink, light brown or even blue tint will protect your eyes and keep you feeling incognito without feeling too dark for the weather. Whether you’re into aviators, square frames, a 90s-style oval or big round 70s shades, you’re bound to find a tinted pair in a shape to suit your personal style.
Le Specs Dream Boat Sunglasses, $160
Valley Eyewear Rodeo Sunglasses, $299
Miu Miu Sunglasses, $726
Elevated track pants
When you have a solid line-up of winter outerwear like a blazer, a quilted jacket, a long trench, then a really well-cut pair of track pants can absolutely take you from the lounge to the outside world. Don’t feel like you have to reach for sneakers as your footwear of choice either, a loafer or ballet flat can help add balance to your outfit, alongside your excellent coat.
Kowtow Wide Leg Pant, $169
Sylvester Trackie Pant, $274
Leni Track Pant, $278
Loafers
The ideal alternative to sneakers when you need a bit of elevation, loafers are comfortable, stylish and warm, especially if they’re leather and worn with socks. It’s a good idea to try loafers on in person rather than trying your luck online, and take some socks with you too. Remember that leather will always soften up, but you still want to find a pair that’s going to be just as comfy as your favourite sneakers for extra multitasking points.
Assembly Label Avenue Leather Loafer, $190
Bared Footwear Chauna Black Leather Loafer, $329
Deadly Ponies Butterfield Loafer, $599
Long-sleeve tops with a POV
‘Tis the season for layers, but if you don’t want to be left wearing a sub-par underlayer when your jacket comes off, invest in one or two not-so-basic long sleeves to keep your look elevated. Ruching, a unique neckline or striking colour will all do the trick and pair well with jeans, tailored trousers and skirts.
Dominique Healy Luella Longsleeve, $220
Harris Tapper Long Sleeve Chaimberlain Top, $540
Ellis Label Warp LS Top, $249
A go-everywhere blazer
If you think oversized blazers are on the way out, I would argue they are a forever staple, especially when we’re talking about buying with versatility in mind. If your blazer offers that perfect level of ease and slouch, you should be able to wear it over your gym gear, to the office, to a kid’s birthday party or out to dinner without it ever looking out of place. If you feel at ease in it, it’s probably a safe bet.
Moochi Balanced Blazer, $499
SOPHIE Forever Blazer, $328
Twenty-seven Names Purpose Coat, $850