Winter and I have a love-hate relationship, especially when it comes to getting dressed. With an ever-present chill in my room, I rarely ever feel like sliding out of sweats or pyjamas. That said, fashion makes me happy and is a form of creativity I enjoy. Plus, wool coats, boots and winter colour palettes are all favourites of mine. So, I needed a solution. Enter: the Londoners' winter capsule wardrobe. This succinct list cuts down on decision time standing in front of your wardrobe in the cold—and results in an abundance of perfect outfit combinations, too.
When I moved to the UK, I experienced the harsh truths of winter here. It's a cold that goes down to your bones—and it seems to last for ages. However, the festive spirit and those rare crisp, blue-skied winter days make the grey ones worth it. Part of navigating winter meant having to quickly learn how to dress for the season in a way that was functional but didn't hinder my personal style.
After reviewing my very wise and very chic colleagues' attire during this time of year, and spending several years mentally bookmarking inspiration from fellow Londoners and UK content creators, I've put together a fail-proof winter capsule wardrobe. It features a collection of trousers, tops, coats and accessories that'll see you through these frosty months. Oh, and these pieces go with just about everything you already own or are looking to buy from your winter wish list.
The beauty of a London winter capsule wardrobe is that also it translates elsewhere. These pieces lean toward classic and minimal, meaning you can pack them for a wintery trip abroad or wear them around other parts of the country. I take them with me to visit home in the U.S. and feel admittedly more stylish when I have pieces from my capsule on hand. Regardless of where you live, these impeccably dressed Londoners will give you ample inspiration for curating your own winter capsule this year. Whilst you can build on this selection, these 10 cold-weather fashion staples will give you a great, very chic, foundation. Enjoy!
10 Pieces in a Londoners' Winter 2025 Capsule Wardrobe:
1. Mock Neck Jumper
Style Notes: Mock-necks are the perfect happy medium between more voluminous turtlenecks and crew-neck knits. The cut is extremely elevated and gives you that extra bit of coverage in the cold. I find they keep you warm but don't get annoying after a few hours of wear—I can't always say the same about roll-neck jumpers. I love Alexis' elegant take on styling one. She proves they look perfect with a floor-skimming trousers and an extra-long wool coat.
Shop Mock Neck Jumpers:
This one sits neatly in the middle of a crew and mock neck.
A soft hue in a very cosy texture.
I have two of these knits and they're incredibly soft. I wear them almost every day during the winter.
2. Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: Whether you prefer wool, twill, silk or a blend, a pair of tailored trousers are a must for winter. They look polished under all your winter outerwear and work with a variety of footwear options from ankle boots to trainers. Danielle's monochrome outfit is one gorgeous example to screenshot for reference when building your own capsule outfits.
Shop Tailored Trousers:
Wool trousers are never a bad shout for winter, and this pair is especially well cut.
I've never heard more praise for trousers from my fellow London editors than when it comes to Reformation's Mason Pant.
The viral pant from The Row is back in stock, but I guarantee it's not for long.
3. Loafers
Style Notes: When I think of one of the most iconically-London shoes, it's the loafer. I've been proven that these shoes are chameleons and work with so many trouser types, always giving your outfit an elevated edge. And living in the UK, never have I ever seen so many ways to style loafers. They're worthy of your winter capsule (as well as your autumn and spring ones, too). Copy Marilyn's chic look by wearing your aforementioned jumper and tailored trousers.
Shop Loafers:
To me, the perfect leather finish is one that's lacquered but not patent.
This pair has a fun texture that still feels timeless.
A sleek pair that comes in this both a glossy chocolate and black.
4. Wool Coat
Style Notes: I'm a wool coat fanatic, and London's frigid days help me justify my inclination for buying this style of outerwear a little too frequently. There are so many colours, closures, necklines and sleeve types to choose from, making a wool coat a non-negotiable for a winter capsule. I appreciate Lucy's laidback but stylish aesthetic and will be wearing trainers and beanies with my coats for the foreseeable.
Shop Wool Coats:
You won't find a more classic option for your wardrobe than a double-breasted wool coat in black.
Camel coats are also on the list of outerwear pieces that are always worthy of adding to a capsule.
This comes in grey and navy, two additional timeless shades.
5. Cosy Scarf
Style Notes: If you've yet to invest in a warm scarf, this is your sign. You're missing out on an extremely versatile accessory that will save your neck, ears and lower face when frosty winds kick in. You don't have to settle for an ordinary one either. Brittany's choice of an extra-long version is perfect as it works as a scarf, wrap and head covering. The clip holding it together is a nice touch too.
Shop Scarves:
Toteme's scarves are always warm and super stylish.
A cosy triangle-style scarf—another trendy look as of late.
This has serious wrapping potential. It's a great extra layer over top of your coat.
6. Chic Hat
Style Notes: I'm a beanie girl through and through, but one of my most fashionable best friends living in London taught me the art of wearing more stylish winter hats. Whilst I'm still holding onto my stretchy knit caps, I've added a few more refined headwear options to the mix. Liv's fuzzy hat is an inspiring choice. The colour matches with all your neutrals and brighter shades, and it's warm.
Shop Winter Hats:
A picture-perfect winter accessory, and it's under £20.
Another chic head-warmer Londoners love? Knitted hoods, which are trending again this year.
Love your summer bucket hats? Swap them out for this wool version.
7. Heeled Boots
Style Notes: Heeled boots are my replacement for heels during the coldest days of the year. They're sleek and make every outfit feel nicer. It could be a lower heel too, such as a riding boot. But something that's polished and easy to dress up or wear in more casual situations is vital for your winter wardrobe. Taffy's boots are versatile and could be worn with a jumper and trousers or a dress. Her look is also a reminder of incorporating bright and playful colours, especially when the weather is anything but.
Shop Heeled Boots:
I'll never say no to a timeless boot with an interesting heel shape.
A classic silhouette with just the right height heel.
You'll love wearing these boots for many years to come.
8. Dark-Wash Denim
Style Notes: Sure, my white and light jeans stick around into winter, but it's truly the dark-wash pairs I reach for nearly every day. Deep indigo shades, black and almost-black navy tones have an edge over other hues of denim, making them feel a little more sophisticated, as proven by Kim's outfit. Not to mention, they'll work well with the rest of your capsule. You can wear them with jumpers, wool coats, boots, loafers and more.
Shop Dark Wash Jeans:
COS has some of the best dark wash denim on the market, including this tapered pair I've owned for three years now. The colour still looks crisp and deep.
A wide-leg cut is always relevant and easy to work into your outfits.
I have these in Dark Rinse and Black and have worn them all autumn and winter. They come in short, regular and long lengths and 16 sizes.
9. Leather Jacket
Style Notes: A leather jacket will carry you from the start of autumn to the early days of spring. I especially love these on crisp winter days where a puffer may not be necessary. Opt for a style you know you'll love and wear for years to come and it'll be an investment that pays dividends. I personally love the minimalist, panel cut styles that have been trending as of late, as seen on Lizzy.
Shop Leather Jackets:
So damn chic.
Everything about this jacket is flawless, from the colour to the cut.
Bomber styles are trending this season, but the shape really never goes out.
10. Elegant Tote
Style Notes: To top it all off, you need the perfect tote. Leather and suede are probably the most popular choices I've spotted on the streets of London, specifically in neutral tones, which will never date. Although I think it's fun to switch it up with a navy blue or cherry red for a joyful pop of colour. Style-wise, these add texture and interest to your look. Functionally? You can carry all of your winter essentials much more easily, and the longer handles fit nicely over bulkier outerwear.
Shop Totes:
The contrast seam on this bag really stands out.
A Liffner tote has been on my wish list for a while, and a good portion of my favourite influencers adore theirs. The leaf motif is so sweet.
If you'd like a tote in a slightly more saturated colour, this olive green is gorgeous.
