How To Build A Winter Capsule Wardrobe - Starting With The Shoes

Work Looks

For modern power dressing, start with clean tailoring and strong foundations. Opt for a classic grey suit and crisp white shirt, styled with a sleek loafer, like Emutail - a timeless combination that balances structure and ease. To dress things up without sacrificing comfort, try the black mini skirt layered under a blazer or oversized coat. Add a tall dressy boot, like Hillstar, to streamline the look and elongate the silhouette. It’s the kind of smart, no-fuss outfit that makes mornings feel effortless - and works as well in the office as it does for after-hours drinks.

Off-Duty Denim

Weekend style doesn’t have to mean compromising on polish. Start with blue denim, one of the core pieces in any winter capsule wardrobe. Tuck in a neutral knit sweater and finish with a crisp white sneaker, like Sialia for a casual yet elevated vibe - the kind of outfit that works for errands, travel days, or relaxed brunches.

Prefer something more feminine? A simple black tee styled with your favourite jeans and a pair of ballet flats - like Dotterel, is a nod to Parisian chic, without the effort. These pieces prove that the right winter shoes can ground your entire outfit - and make getting dressed feel easy.

Desk to Dinner

Versatility is everything when building a winter capsule wardrobe. And nothing is more versatile than a black dress layered under a neutral knit or longline coat. Add a dressy boot, like Rockfinch, and you’ve got a look that transitions seamlessly from your 3pm meeting to 7pm reservations.

Prefer a modern edge? Try black trousers with a minimalist black tee and Whydah in Velvet or another pair of textured flats. Understated yet impactful, this look is proof that when your winter shoes feel as good as they look, you can go all day - and all night.

Layered Essentials

This is where your winter wardrobe really flexes its styling potential. Start with a black dress - a capsule hero piece - and layer it under the mahogany bomber or wear it solo with a heeled boot, like Trocaz or Nightingale. Add tights for warmth, or bare legs for those unexpectedly sunny winter days. The bomber jacket also transforms a mini skirt into a cool-weather staple.

When layering is this effortless, you’ll find new ways to wear your winter wardrobe staples again and again. The key is in the foundation - each of these outfits is built around shoes that bring both form and function to your cold-weather style.