10x kickstarters for a sustainable capsule wardrobe. The winter edition

Become a master of the capsule wardrobe.

The coldest month of the year is here. But what to wear? Chances are you’re stuck in a denim and knitwear rut. If you feel like you’ve got nothing ‘new’ to wear all you need is a well thought-through winter capsule wardrobe.

Cross reference your wardrobe with the items listed below and decide what you’ll need for these upcoming cold weeks, learn new wardrobe combinations and how to wear some of these key winter items far into spring.

Want to refresh the tips on how to build a sustainable capsule wardrobe? Or a reminder why it’s smart to invest in one? Read the first part of previous Sustainable Shopping Letter ‘10x kickstarters for a sustainable capsule wardrobe’. The Fall Editon.

Basically, it comes down to the fact that it brings you endless combinations for any occasion.

I’m ending this Newsletter on a personal note, with some (archive) pictures from my days - before the mediterranean climate - trying to beating the cold and what it looks like to dress for winter to me today. Sorry, if this makes you jalous!

Also, I added THREE DISCOUNT CODES. From brands I’d wear on a regular basis. Use them - but only if you really need them ;-)

As always, I love to hear what you’ve found via The Cosmospolite or what your looking for for next season. Just hit reply at the end of the email to get in touch!

Stay Cosmic,
Leonie

Shopping List - The Capsule Wardrobe - Winter Edition.

Corduroy pants, a long thick wool coat, creme wool heavy knitted sweater and leather pants make up the most important part of my capsule wardrobe.

I will take you step-by-step through the items you’ll need to build a capsule wardrobe. Following a buy now/wear now approach. Off course taking inspiration from my own wardrobe

Good to know: The orange texts are clickable (often shoppable) links. Some of which contain an affiliate link. Shopping via those links is much appreciated since it gives me a little fee wich allows me to continue to source the world wild web for contemporary and gorgeous sustainable clothes. The orange highlighted product description (under the titles) correspond with the item you see in the above mood board.

1 — Tailored corduroy pants

Camel corduroy Wynda pants Kolonaki €142

As a big corduroy pants fan I gasped a little awe when I came across this one from Kolonaki. If you like it a bit more loose fit check out this pair from Dedicated for less than €100. Wear it now with boots, in spring with loafers.

2 — The ‘it’s seriously cold outside’ knit

Daphne cable knit sweater Signe €199,95

The creamiest, coziest and most classic sweater is the cable knit from Signe (my most worn basics brand). Into massive turtle necks check out this wool one from Baserange (now with massive discount). Fan of the V-neck check out this one from Caes. Or this Jacquesmus fishermans knit or Isabel Marant turtle neck on Vestiare Collective. Especially the fishermans knit and V-neck are great for transitional spring weather.

3 — The Maxi Skirt

Blue denim skirt Raey €180

My favourite unexpected winter key item: the maxi skirt. It’s all the rage. And yes you have seen it in the fall edition as well. Beware it might come back in spring too. It’s just one of those ‘wear all year round’ items. I found a bunch of maxi skirts that work really well this winter season and are a great styling trick to get you out of that denim & knitted sweater rut. Go lady like in tweed and pair it with a belted short (shearling) vintage leather jacket as seen at Maryam Nassir Zadeh SS23 (below). Make it modern in a blue or black denim Raey Maxi skirt or make life easy in this comfy ultra fair priced black knitted one. And I think this other fair priced cargo style midi skirt looks really cool with those knee high boots at 9 (and sneakers in spring)

4 — The oversized wool coat

Wool camel coat Nanushka €750

Cozy up in an oversized coat. Make sure it’s big enough cause you’re wearing a heavy knit sweater underneath it. Mine (below) is a vintage black Agnes B. This camel Nansuhka is a classic. Ans so are this shorter black wool coat one from Thinking Mu or this boyish black wool coat. Both black ones are less of an investment

5 — Sturdy loose fit denim

Mams Tapered Chocolate (Natural Dyed) Mud Jeans €149,95 (check personal photo below)

Vintage Levi’s is always a good idea. They’re a wardrobe staple for decades now and can be worn all year round. At the moment I’m wearing my natural dyed Mud jeans mostly. It’s a go-to denim for (kids adventure) walks in the forest. I love the fact that the brand uses recycled and organic cotton and recycles each old jeans into a new one.

In need of pair of Mud Jeans too? I have a discount code for you. Use TRAVELINMUD at checkout and get 20% off.

PS. MUD Jeans wrote a nice story about my vanlife adventures. Read it here.

6 — Wool pants

Rib Pants in Stone Rhea €149

Have been wearing my Old Carcel wool split leggings over and over again when I was in The Netherlands. So comfy. Best worn with an oversized sports sweater, button up skirt or blazer. Check out these straight fits from Rhea, the balloon shape from Cordera or this cashmere luxury one from Nanushka.

Want a pair or Rhea pants. I have a discount code for you. Use THECOSMOSPOLITE at checkout and get 10% off.

7 - The (light weight) turtle neck

Amoto turtleneck Baserange €90

This is great for layering. Wear under your knit, sweater, overcoat or blazer. I love them most when semi see through - I’d wear it going out all year round. Already have this creme Signe turtleneck. If I was to buy a new one it would be this really basic creme long sleeve with tiny turtleneck from Armed Angels, this creme turtleneck with exposed seams from Baserange or their black turtleneck.

8 —Puffer coat

When the weather really gets extreme all you want is one of these. Feel like wearing a well shaped sleeping bag in Embassy of Bricks and Logs (Olive and black are my favourites) but more colours available and they’re on sale!). The coats from Marfa Stance are on my ‘maybe one day when I’m rich wish list’ and the entire recycled collection from OOF is pretty cool (and colourful)!

9 — Flat knee high boots

Chelsea like rider boots Aeyde €645

Get ready for a forest stroll in one of these knee high leather boots. Slick leather riding boots come from Essen (available in brown and black), Flattered made them thick soled in black, brown or camel, Khaki sturdy suede boots from Mireia Playa and Aeyde made knee high rider boots with a Chelsea like make over.

Need a pair of Essen boots in your life. I have a discount code for you. Use THECOSMOSPOLITE at checkout and get 10% off.

10 — Leather pants

Recycled leather pants Deadwood Studio €300

If you can’t find them vintage check the collection at Deadwood Studios. They use all sorts of recycled or alternative leather. Here are some of my favourite Etsy finds this sleek palazzo style, wide legged or brown.

And this me, in cold cold winter days, relying on my winter capsule wardrobe

Last week, in the wool coat - maxi skirt - heavy knit combo, beating the Dutch cold in vintage, MIISTA boots and my Bonchey shopper.

An oldie from a year and a half ago wearing the leather pants + wool coat + turtle neck combo and a hat to make it less ordinary. Also get one of those ‘I’m married to myself rings’ at ADORN.

Years ago. Still my favourites. A heavy weight vintage teddy coat, Wool Carcel pants (see below), MIISTA boots and vintage Scandinavian knit. Team Bonchey providing some colour to that classic winter palette. Read more on pops of colour in winter previous newsletter.

Wool pants I live in when in The Nethelands. These are from Carcel, the old Carcel - before it got new owners - they are no longer made. Sometimes to be found on Vestiaire Collective.

The cutest. This is dressing up for winter for me these days. Butter and chocolate in MUD Jeans and vintage yellow knitted cardi. Remember about the discount codes!