winter wardrobe essentials

Style
Written By Cate

Winter has more than arrived here in Calgary: we’ve had a couple of record breaking cold snaps this November. Although my fiancé and I plan on escaping the winter every year as snowbirds, I have always enjoyed the snow. My family is very in to snowmobiling and I never pass on the opportunity to build a snowman. I find a walk in the colder weather to be rejuvenating, just as I find a glacial swim to be. Needless to say: I am Canadian.

Just as I did in autumn, I decided to share my top ten picks for timeless winter essentials. Ten pieces obviously doesn’t go very far when you’re talking about layering for the cold, but I wanted to keep this list doable for you. These clothing items really do the most in your wardrobe: they aren’t slacking. As always, my criteria for timeless essentials are basics that can fit within most aesthetics, and can be personalized.

If you’re looking for a little more info on each piece and why I picked them, or just prefer watching/listening to reading, I have a full YouTube video out now.

timeless winter wardrobe capsule for Canadian weather, wearing black leather gloves, a wool beret, a navy turtleneck, and denim with black pointed leather ankle boots, and a vintage tie belt coat with shoulder pads standing in front of brick building

10 essentials for your winter wardrobe:

1. lightweight turtleneck

The thing to keep in mind about this list: I have gotten very good at staying warm without looking like the Michelin man. One of my tricks is to have a warm base layer that covers your neck. If your neck, head, hands, and feet are warm, the rest of you will be warm too. A lightweight turtleneck is perfect as it works as a literal base layer (like long underwear), especially in a wool or cashmere, but can also just be worn on its own.  

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2. wool coat

A classic black one works for almost any setting, whether that be a formal event, like a wedding or a funeral, or just going about town. I personally prefer an off black, like a charcoal, as black tends to wash me out; and for me, the longer, the better. I would definitely invest in this item, as you could literally have it for decades. The thrift store is a good place to start, especially if you're on a budget.

  • slim coat - if you’re looking for something a little more elevated and tailored

  • recycled wool cocoon coat - made from recycled Italian wool in a classic cocoon style

  • oversized wool coat - if you’re looking for a more oversized fit, this one’s made from recycled wool too

  • mohair coat - if you’ve got the budget and are looking for something extra fine

  • camel coat - the perfect colour of beige imo

  • belted coat - perfect if you’re looking for a bit of waist definition

  • slim coat - if you’re looking for something a little more elevated and tailored

  • recycled wool cocoon coat - made from recycled Italian wool in a classic cocoon style

  • camel coat - the perfect colour of beige imo

  • belted coat - perfect if you’re looking for a bit of waist definition

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3. boots

Which pair of boots you choose, totally depends on your needs. A classic lace up that’s insulted can be dressed up or down; a pointed boot is classic and more work appropriate, but not always the most practical if you do a lot of walking; a water-proof boot that’s rated to -40 is probably a little overkill for most people, but that might be the perfect boot for you. Obviously, a boot is most practical in your neutrals - and by ‘your neutrals’ I mean the ones you have in your closet. Like I mentioned before, I tend to avoid black, so brown works better with what I have in my closet.

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4. chic hat

This could also look different depending on your climate. I love a classic beret, or a knit toque (Canadian word for beanie). When choosing a toque, I would opt for something that’s neither overly fitted or slouchy, as either extreme can look dated or even comical. Things like pom poms can be fun, but they’re not always the most professional or dressy. Not a big deal if you’re picking up a second or fifth hat, but if you’re looking to just have one, simple is best.

5. leather gloves

I’m also a big woollen mitten stan, however, you cannot go wrong with a nice dressy pair of leather gloves. I wouldn’t judge you if you only opted for woollen mitts for all occasions though.

6. scarf

With most things in fashion, silhouettes tend to be the main deciding factor as to whether something is in or out. For scarves, the trendy silhouettes are either very oversized or very thin, so if you’re looking for something that will last in your wardrobe for a very long time, a medium weight, medium length scarf will do. The middle ground is always safe.

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7. sweater dress

I find a lot of the ones in store are either dated or overly trendy - it’s very hard to find a classic sweater dress. They are just so handy around the holidays, though, that I feel they’re worth pursuing. Who doesn’t like having a big cozy blanket that you can wear to family gatherings, casual office events, or even more upscale cocktail parties? A classic sweater dress is one of those things that can be so easily dressed up or down. 

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8. wool tights

Did I need to include wool tights just because of the sweater dress? Perhaps. But upon closer inspection, a pair of wool tights is actually a convenient base layer, just like the turtleneck. One of my favourite cold weather hacks is to layer wool tights under my trousers.

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9. cozy sweater

—that can be layered over the turtleneck top. This is why it’s great to stick to a colour palette: you can layer things together and expand your closet without adding an excess of items to it. The right cozy sweater can be worn on its own, layered over the turtleneck…or even…the sweater dress? And now you have a skirt that you didn’t know you had?! This is what I call wardrobe essentials!

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10. pants that work with the boots

Maybe that’s a little broad, but let me explain: if you live in a place with a lot of heavy snow, and you need the tall, heavy duty winter boots, it would probably be good to have tapered trousers or denim, something that fits into the boot. If you live in a climate with less (or zero) snow, any warmer pair of trousers will do! One of my favourite looks is a wide leg wool trouser paired with pointed ankle boots.

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Are there any winter wardrobe essentials that I missed? Anything you’d change or take away? Let me know your thoughts, and if I should do one for spring! I really tried to focus on the absolute necessities - I think once you have these pieces in your winter closet, you can branch out and have a little more fun. A fancy holiday dress? Leather pants? An artisan embroidered toque? The skies the limit!

Don’t forget to subscribe for upcoming news, thank you for reading!

Best,

Cate

PIN IT for later:

a practical style guide to winter wardrobe essentials wearing a beret and wrap coat vintage and turtleneck with denim and black pointed ankle boots in front of antique gold doors
winter essentials for 2022 your practical style guide with four images in the snow in Alberta wearing timeless classic neutral outfits
top ten winter closet staples with a jacquard nordic sweater and a cream cardigan and wool skirt detail shot
Cate http://catekittlitz.ca
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