Best Basics to Build Your Dream January Casual Capsule Wardrobe |

by Alina Orozco

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A winter capsule wardrobe built around casual and easy basic pieces that are versatile and comfortable to help you elevate your daily looks and make getting dressed easy.

Casual Capsule Wardrobe | Best Winter Basics For Easy Style

One of the key elements you’ll notice in this January Casual Capsule Wardrobe is that there is a limited color palette. This is intentional. Having a set of basics to mix and match is a great way to curate a capsule wardrobe and style these staples with your existing closet favorites.

This winter capsule has 22 pieces that I’ve styled into 16 different outfit ideas, I hope this inspires you to not simply buy clothes, but shop your closet and come up with your own personal capsule you’ll love and pieces you’ll reware over and over again.

Staple Tops

Basic Tee — A classic white t-shirt is a closet must that helps elevate your everyday wardrobe. Easily one of the best basics to buy this season. I own this Abercrombie essential easy tee and it’s the perfect fit, and the high neck is perfect for layering. Plus it’s only $25.
Bodysuit — I love this bodysuit for winter layering. Plus, when paired with jeans or faux leather pants, a bodysuit is a perfect evening outfit.
Long Sleeve Jersey— If you’re not a fan of the bodysuit but like that look, the Skims cotton jersey is a great basic to have in your closet.
Crewneck Sweatshirt — One of my favorite crewnecks it’s perfect to layer with a tee and pairs with jeans for a casual everyday style. But I also love the fit of this men’s hanes sweatshirt to pair with leggings.
Cashmere Sweater — Hands down my favorite purchase of 2024 were these Quince cashmere sweaters I own in two colors. I also love their slightly oversized crewneck.
Cardigan— Another versatile piece that works great all year around, but especially for winter layering. This one is one of my favorite cardigans, I now own it in several colors because I get so much wear out of them.

Staple Bottoms

Leggings — These are a huge staple for me, and I own several pairs of these butterluxe Amazon leggings, another best basic to buy. If you’re looking to invest in just one pair I recommend the Lululemon leggings for quality over quantity

Faux Leather Pants —I’ve had my Faux Leather Pants for a few years now, and I still reach for them consistently, especially during the colder months. They’re an easy way to elevate a casual outfit.

Black Denim — I have two favorites in this black denim category. If you’re petite, I love Madewell wide leg jeans, the fit is excellent. Another favorite are the Levi’s high rise jeans. A great staple for winter capsule, especially to wear with boots.

Dark Blue Denim—I love a darker blue jean for the winter months. Levi’s straight fit jeans are still a favorite. This straight leg option is perfect if you’re looking for a more fitted style that’s not a complete skinny jean.

Favorite Sets

Casual Set— I’ve shared this Amazon half zip sweatshirt and wide leg pant set quite a lot this year. Not only do I own it in two colors and wear it constantly, but I have also gifted these sets to my mom and sister this year. They’re so versatile and the material is buttery smooth.

Knit Set— This knit lounge set is new to me, but I have already worn it several times. The turtle neck oversized sweater alone is a great piece, and the knit pants just complete an overall chic and casual look.

Staple Outerwear

Quilted Puffer Jacket— I love a short quilted puffer jacket for those warmer days in the winter, and this one comes in a few colors. I have a similar one from Zara, but I’m itching to get another color in this style.

Wool Coat— Once you invest in a good wool coat, it will be a staple piece in your closet for a long time. It effortlessly elevates any winter casual outfit.

Long Puffer Coat —I purchased this long puffer jacket earlier this year, specifically to sit through my son’s soccer practice, and I have to say it keeps me quite warm and I love the color options.

Winter Shoes Round Up

Basic White Sneaker—I’ve had my New Balance 327 Sneakers for a few years and they still go so well with everything, from a work out sneaker to a fashion sneaker, they’re my favorite for several seasons now.

Trendy Sneaker— I love the trend sparked by Adidas sambas, and adding a fun colorful sneaker to your closet is a great way to easily update your entire wardrobe. I opted for brown Adidas sambas, but the red and green are also a great choice.

Small heel bootie —The kitten heel from Madewell is one of my favorite classic small heel booties.

Chelsea Boot — These waterproof chelsea boots come back every year because they are universally appreciated as the most basic, goes with anything winter boot. Comfortable, chic and waterproof.

Accessories For Winter

Leather tote—This classic easy leather tote is one of the best quality bags on the market. It’s perfect for mom life, or work commute and essential for everyday.

Cashmere scarf— This cashmere wrap is one of those items you won’t believe you lived without. It’s a great accessory to elevate any winter outfit and it works as a mini blanket for travel.