Everyone Asks How I Always Look Polished During Winter—These 7 Pieces Are My Secret
From soft cashmere to polished outerwear, these are the timeless staples that make my winter wardrobe feel elevated every year.


Every year, as soon as the clocks go back and the temperature dips, I do the same thing—stand in front of my wardrobe and wonder what, exactly, I wore last winter. It’s the annual ritual of rediscovering coats, debobbling knitwear, and vowing (again) to get serious about building a capsule wardrobe that actually works. This year, I’m pleased to report, I’ve cracked it—or at least come very close.
Winter dressing doesn’t need to be a puzzle. The key lies in well-chosen staples: those rare pieces that work hard, look expensive and go with almost everything. A soft cashmere knit that feels like a hug. Dark denim that bridges the gap between smart and off-duty. A funnel-neck jacket with just enough structure to feel modern. A wool coat that makes even the simplest outfit look deliberate. Add leather loafers, and a tote big enough for your laptop and your life, and you’ve got the formula for a wardrobe that works harder than you do.
The beauty of getting this right is the simplicity it brings: fewer decisions, more ease, and the smug satisfaction of knowing every outfit just works. Below, you’ll find the seven key pieces that have become the backbone of my winter wardrobe—each one timeless, versatile and proof that looking good in the cold really doesn’t have to be complicated.
Shop 7 Key Pieces for a Winter Capsule Wardrobe
1. Cashmere Knits
Style Notes: Think of a cashmere sweater as your autumnal armour—it holds heat without bulk and gives even a simple jeans-and-coat look instant polish. Go for a relaxed crew or subtle roll-neck in a neutral hue (stone, clay, charcoal) and layer it under outerwear or wear it as your headline piece.
2. Funnel-Neck Jackets
Style Notes: This is your transition layer: the piece that replaces the blazer or light jacket once the air cools. A funnel-neck adds contemporary structure, and if you choose a slightly oversized or relaxed silhouette, it retains that nonchalance this season is leaning into.
3. Dark Denim
Style Notes: Whether you opt for inky indigo or black, dark-wash denim is the quiet hero of the autumn/winter capsule—it’s less casual than washed-out blue, yet more versatile than formal trousers. Opt for a straight or slightly relaxed fit so it can be dressed down with loafers and a tee or dressed up with a coat and knit
4. Leather Loafers
Style Notes: The shoe you’ll slip on when you want to simplify the outfit but still feel composed. A leather loafer reads far more refined than a trainer and less formal than a heel. Choose one in black or deep brown; aim for a shape that works equally well with jeans or tailoring. It’s the understated finish to your capsule.
5. Wool Coats
Style Notes: When outerwear becomes headline, you need a coat that holds it together. Choose a generous wool coat in a clean cut—double-breasted or streamlined—so it looks intentional rather than thrown-on. Colour doesn’t have to be camel or black; consider deep chocolate, stone or charcoal for freshness. Wear it over everything, from jeans to tailoring.
6. Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: When it comes to trousers, winter calls for something that feels both polished and practical—and wide-leg styles deliver on both fronts. Opt for heavier fabrics like wool or tailored twill to keep the shape structured and season-appropriate. In neutral tones—think navy, charcoal, or camel—they’ll anchor your entire capsule, pairing effortlessly with knits, loafers, and longline coats. Consider them your go-to foundation for cold-weather dressing.
7. The Large Tote
Style Notes: Your bag in winter needs to be more than aesthetic—it has to be functional. A large tote, preferably in leather or structured fabric, offers enough room for layers, daily essentials and an umbrella without compromising style. Choose a neutral hue and make it one of your base pieces. It’s your capsule companion.

Marina Avraam is Senior Shopping Editor at Who What Wear UK, where she expertly navigates Zara, H&M, Toteme and Net-a-Porter (to name but a few) on a daily basis to unearth the most worthwhile pieces, while valiantly resisting the urge to add every single one to her basket. At Who What Wear, Marina is committed to curating a shopping experience that feels both aspirational and intentional, guiding readers to items—both affordable and investment—that will genuinely benefit their wardrobes.
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