Make a Statement With This Winter Capsule Wardrobe

Mix ‘n’ match these stylish pieces to get you through the new year in style

No one’s got bandwidth to spare for sartorial fuss or more expenses during the winter season—so you can rely on this capsule wardrobe to make a statement every time. You’ll glide through winter’s requirements for both everyday functionality and back-to-work necessities with this edited selection of wardrobe staples. Leaning heavily into winter’s strengths, you’ll find lots of layering opportunities, beautiful pops of colour and playful textures.

1. Marlow Coat by Canada Goose, $1,250

This mid-length coat is the perfect balance between winter protection and stylish goes-with-everything topper. Strategically chevron-angled baffles help reduce bulk and create contours while you stay snuggled up. The raised shawl collar overlaps when zipped up but when worn unzipped, it opens up beautifully to frame your face like a dramatic portrait collar. And while this does come with backpack straps so you can easily shrug it off your shoulders when it gets too warm, you can also wear it unzipped but still belted to create a very casual but chic silhouette. Style aside, this is a top performer made from water-repellant fabric, articulate sleeves to increase range of motion, removable wrap hood, removable belt and rated for -20 C temperatures. Fits true to size.
Available online

2. Liberty Boots by Baffin, $220

Not your usual winter boots, Liberty offers cool, casual sneaker vibes camouflaging some serious footwear protection. These are the boots that will actually go with everything—from jeans to dresses to suits. Whether it’s snowy or icy, or just wet outside, these cushy, insulated boots are breathable and waterproof with slip-resistant soles to keep you sure-footed no matter how miserable the weather is. These mid-height, wool-lined boots also feature double zippers (inside and outside) for ultimate ease. Fits small so order a full size up.
Available online

3. Premium Lambswool Crew Neck Sweater by Uniqlo, $49.90

If you want that effortlessly oversized boyfriend fit, go to the source: this is a men’s sweater, but fits unisex in that cozy, cocoon way that all winter sweaters should. Even more important than the fit is this electric blue colour, which is starting to show up in designer collections. It’s the ideal non-colour-colour because it definitely adds a pop of colour, but blends in so well with all your other neutrals: black, white and grey. You’ll find it’s perfect peeking out from under a blazer, balancing out the colour and texture of vegan pants, or even thrown over a slip dress. For an oversized fit, even though this is a men’s sweater, go up two sizes still as it will shrink a tiny bit after hand washing.
Available online

4. Satin Camisole Dress by Uniqlo, $59.90

Everybody needs an elegant, minimalist slip dress in their wardrobe. This workhorse works all season, especially during the winter when it’s so easily layered with turtlenecks, button-down shirts and sweaters. And, of course, when it’s time, wear it on its own accessorized to the hilt for maximum party effect. This one fits small so go up one or even two sizes.
Available online

5. Tapered-leg Vegan Leather Pants by Reitmans, $22.49

An excellent dupe for Aritzia’s Melina Pant, these pants are incredibly soft and fluid with a good weight to them so they drape well down the legs—no crinkling, no bunching. They’re high-waisted, offer a bit of stretch, and come in a variety of inseams to accommodate buyers from tall to petite. And speaking for the latter, it’s a minor miracle not having to take trousers to the tailors for hemming. These run a touch big; if you’re in-between, go down one size.
Available online

6. Knitted V-neck Pullover and Pencil Skirt Set by Reitmans, sold separately, skirt $20.24, sweater $24.74

Nothing beats the versatility of a matching sweater and skirt set. Paired together, worn separately, layered with other pieces—this is like having 10 options in one. As a fresh alternative to classic black, warm browns and soft winter whites provide a different neutral that are every bit as seasonal. And this set, while machine washable, is so incredibly plush and luxurious you’ll have people asking if it’s cashmere. Fits true to size.
Available online

7. Unisex Cargo Pant by Kotn, $148

For your model-off-duty days, these cargo pants have just the right amount of slouch to be cool but structured enough so you won’t feel out of place when dropping in on impromptu cocktails. These let you enjoy the very on-trend cargo pants silhouette without having to give up all sense of style. The deep, saturated slate grey gives great dimension to your winter outfits—it’s an “almost black” that brings interest to nearly every colour, including black itself. The substantial twill cotton lends a sense of tailoring to these that definitely elevates them from other cargo pants. Fit is true to size for a snug fit so go up one size for a slouchy (in the best sense) look.
Available online

8. Unisex Cable Knit Vest by Kotn, $75

Channel your inner Emma Chamberlain and update your wardrobe with a colourful sweater vest. Surprisingly versatile, this little piece is obviously layer-able over turtlenecks and T-shirts and even a slip dress, but it’s adorable when worn on its own. Made from extra-fine lambswool, it’s lightweight and warm without any itch. Sizing is unisex so it’s already a bit large; order your usual size for the perfect oversized fit.
Available online

9. Oh So Soft Funnel Neck Sweater by Livøm, $25

Possibly the most essential piece of winter clothing to have in a capsule wardrobe—a black turtleneck—is a deceptively simple item. It can’t be a mock neck; it can’t be too sheer; it can’t be too thick; and it can’t be too tight. This one is just thick enough so it can be worn on its own, but thin enough so you can layer it easily under dresses, vests or even other sweaters. The neck drapes nicely without choking and if you size up, it’s relaxed without being baggy. Even better, this one is from a Canadian and family-owned company, designed in Montreal with a penchant for chic Scandi silhouettes.
Available online