Last Updated on December 3, 2023 by Eve Dawes
The cozy Winter essentials to wear on repeat this Winter
Winter wardrobe essentials basics for mixing and matching all winter long. These winter basics are all under $50 but look way more expensive. They’re the Winter must haves and fashion essentials for creating a winter capsule wardrobe or if you’re looking to create a foundation for your winter wardrobe and update what you already have.
Most of these wardrobe pieces are perfect for layering to deal with all of the changing temperatures inside and out. In colors that are versatile and easy to mix and match. I love stylish and chic Winter looks and classics mixed with some of this seasons trends to give your wardrobe a quick refresh.
Scroll down for my best for budget Winter wardrobe essentials that will see you through Fall Winter this year. A lot of these pieces started at more than $50 but are on sale.
Winter capsule wardrobe basics
All of the wardrobe pieces you need for layering up all season long without breaking the bank.
Winter wardrobe essentials | Base Layers
If you only have one winter basic you shop for, a base layer is a Winter wardrone essential. Especially if you’re creating a Winter capsule wardrobe. I always seem to be too hot inside and too cold outside if I don’t wear layers.
There are so many cute base layers for Winter this year that it make it easy to build your outfit stylishly without just wearing a plain tank or long sleeve tee.
Express has so many styles of bodysuits and they come in lots of colors. So if you find a style you like, it’s worth getting it in a few colors to go with all of your different outfits and create lots of different looks with. A lot of them, like the black mock neck long sleeve bodysuit often go on sale with 40% off!
I personally prefer thong bodysuits for layering as they stay in place and create a streamlined base. Although you can never go wrong with a simple white t-shirt.
Winter must haves | Warm knits
Knits are a Winter classic and it’s not a winter wardrobe without them. From cozy matching knit sets to aprés ski looks to sweater dresses and long line cardigans.
If you’re short like me you might want to opt for shorter length sweaters to create the illusion of longer legs and to balance out wider leg pants and jeans.
Unless I find a super cute sweater I can’t say no too like the one above with it’s peekaboo back, I tend to go for thinner knits to layer with than super thick knits. That way I don’t overheat inside. I live in Vegas as well, so it’s never really that cold as we only get snow that settles about once every 7 years. Even in New York and London, I prefer to layer than to just wear one thick layer.
Stylish and cute sweater dresses are an easy outfit to throw on and still look chic styled with some knee high boots. Or even with tights or leggings on colder days. If you’re worried about bulk or want to show your belt, do the half tuck look with your sweater.
Winter fashion must haves | Leggings
Leggings go in and out of fashion but are still a good Winter capsule wardrobe basic. They’re a classic and easy piece to layer. They’re perfect under longer sweaters or sweater dresses and there are so many cute styles this year. Tan faux suede leggings are next on my shopping list and are perfect for mixing and matching with pretty much any color top and boots.
I also have quite a few faux leather pairs but my Spanx ones are my go-to’s and easy to dress up. Faux suede and leather leggings also give a more luxe look to outfits and look less like gym wear than just plain black ones. Check out these leggings outfit ideas to get the most wear from yours.
Winter Outer Layers
Shackets and lightweight jackets are easy to go from Fall to Winter to Spring or can be layered under a big winter jacket on colder days. They’re great with your sweater dresses, leggings and jeans or even over just a base layer on days that aren’t as cold.
Shackets and oversized lightweight jackets give a more relaxed, casual look for everyday and go with the chunky boot trend.
Winter Boots
One of my favorite things about dressing for Winter is that it’s boot season. Boots are such a winter basic that get so much wear. Most boots are over $100 but I scoped out a few that were under $50.
I’ve always had a good experience with ordering shoes and boots from JustFab and they have on trend, super affordable styles. Black boots are obviously the most versatile but white, cream and brown are also versatile and good for changing up your winter wardrobe.
Winter wardrobe bags
Bags can elevate any outfit and there’s lots of cute non-luxury brands that have on trend styles for this Winter. Soft leather slouchy clutches, woven and quilted bags are still a big trend. As are big totes which are perfect for carrying everything around all day.
Winter Capsule Wardrobe Must Haves | Dark Denim
Dark denim and denim on denim is another big trend for Winter this year. Dark denim pretty much goes with any color top and shoes in your closet and is easier to dress up than light wash jeans. It also shows rain and snow splash back less than lighter color denim.
It’s harder to find dark denim for your winter wardrobe for under $50. These ones were more expensive but are now on sale!
More winter wardrobe fashion & style inspo
Cozy knits and winter basics as well as more glam styles for the season. There’s a style for every occasion.
