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The days of me panic ordering trendy outfits before every vacation are long gone. Ever since I started investing in quality basics, I’ve been saving myself money and suitcase space, and stopped feeling like I have “nothing to wear” in my closet full of clothes. When I travel, I only pack hard-working staples I can wear with multiple outfits for a variety of activities on my itinerary. Of course, those essentials will vary slightly by season. When building a winter capsule wardrobe, everyday basics, thermal layers, and durable shoes are key.
Whether you’re headed on a fun ski trip or plan on cozying up by the fireplace in an upstate New York cabin, you’re going to need comfortable, versatile pieces to wear. I’ve done the legwork for you and rounded up a list of 10 must-haves to pack on your next cold-weather getaway. From affordable cashmere sweaters to surprisingly warm packable jackets, these multi-purpose essentials are the foundation of every winter capsule wardrobe.
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The simple base layer
Dressing for cold weather is all about layering. The perfect base for every winter outfit: a soft, basic long-sleeve shirt to wear underneath jackets and vests or on its own. I toss one or two solid-colored tops like these into my suitcase every time, whether I’m traveling for work, a girls trip, or a romantic getaway. Neutral colors are your best bet—they can be tucked into just about any pair of pants you pack and reworn with almost any outfit.
The cozy sweater
Is there anything more cozy in the winter than slipping on a perfectly lived-in sweater? These sweaters are equal parts polished and comfy, keeping you warm all day long while still looking put together enough for a business meeting or fancy lunch with friends. The best thing about the super-soft sweaters below is that they’re not too heavy or bulky, so you can actually pack one or two without it taking up your entire carry-on.
The relaxed trouser
A sleek pair of pants like these relaxed trousers are so versatile; they transition from the office to a dinner date effortlessly. They’re fitted and flattering around the waist, but give your legs plenty of breathing room on the go. Pair them with your favorite loafers or a plain white sneaker and you’re ready for anything.
The dark wash jean
We all need at least one pair of jeans that never lets us down. Even when I’m planning to dress up for most of a trip, I still like to give myself the option to throw on a comfy and casual pair of jeans just in case. A straight-leg, dark-wash pair of denim will go well with any sweater or top you’re wearing.
The packable puffer
Anyone traveling somewhere cold this season should invest in one good packable puffer. Styles like these offer a surprising amount of warmth for how lightweight and seemingly thin they are. The best part? A compressible jacket like the Nano Puff can be packed down into a small bag, making it a must-have for travelers with little suitcase room traveling from a warm-weather destination or bringing multiple coats along. I rolled up Alo’s Gold Rush puffer in my carry-on for a recent trip to Banff National Park when I didn’t have enough room to bring a second coat. It’s lightweight but warm enough for a day exploring outdoors when worn over a fleece sweater or sweatshirt.
The city coat
If you’re headed out for a day of sightseeing, you’ll want to throw on a chic long coat that’s both warm and stylish. These wool coats help elevate any winter outfit while locking in plenty of heat for a full day of exploring. A long coat isn’t exactly suitcase-friendly, so I recommend wearing it on the plane rather than trying to pack it.
The durable boot
You won’t regret investing in a durable boot this winter that can withstand a bit of wear and tear. These classic Chelsea boots strike a balance between practicality and style. They can handle uneven terrain and less-than-perfect weather while still rounding out a polished outfit. Even though boots aren’t the most packable shoe you own (if possible, wear them on the plane), they always prove worth it in cold weather.
The casual sneaker
The year-round essential I’m packing no matter what: a comfortable sneaker. These versatile kicks from Asics, Adidas, Alo, and New Balance will match any outfit in your carry-on, whether it’s a pair of jeans, leggings, or a casual dress. When you’re walking around a new city clocking upwards of 20,000 steps, you’ll definitely want a trusted walking shoe you can wear all day long, blister-free.
The cold-weather accessories
They can be bulky, but there’s no denying the importance of a warm scarf, beanie, or pair of gloves to protect us from extreme temperatures. These cold-weather accessories are always worth having on hand, whether you’re commuting to work, headed on a ski trip, or boarding a chilly plane.
The leather bag
Rounding out our list of items for the perfect winter capsule wardrobe for travel is none other than a leather bag—the kind you’ll wear anywhere and everywhere this season and beyond. We’ve gathered a few of our favorite styles, from day-to-night shoulder bags to roomy totes, that can hold your daily essentials and souvenirs. I try to save packing space by bringing along only one black leather bag that will match every outfit and suit any occasion. Cuyana’s System Tote and Lo & Sons’ day bag come highly recommended by our editors for their spacious interiors, durable straps, and gorgeous looks.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
