Best Winter Closet Refresh Ideas for 2023
Winter is a great time to refresh your closet and update your wardrobe. With the right apparel and accessories, you’ll be prepared to greet the cold weather in style and comfort. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Perform a Closet Audit
A good place to start when updating your wardrobe for any season is with a closet audit. Take inventory of what apparel and accessories you have, what you need, and which items are worn enough to justify a replacement. Now is the time to pull out winter clothing you’ve packed away and honestly assess whether you’ll wear it this year. If it’s been a few winters since you’ve worn a particular sweater or coat, consider donating it.
Pack away spring and summer items that you know you won’t be wearing—but don’t miss opportunities for layering your lightweight pieces or wearing them in new ways. For example, you could wear refashion your summer tank underneath a women’s cardigan sweater or layer a polo shirt beneath a crewneck pullover for a more preppy style.
Once you’ve cleared your wardrobe of unnecessary clutter, you’ll have a better idea as to what you need for the winter. Also, it’s easier to organize a decluttered closet, which brings us to the next step of your wardrobe refresher.
Consider a New Organizational Strategy
If you find yourself searching too long for a particular pair of jeans or blouse, it’s time to reorganize your closet. Consider implementing a closet organization system that combines hanging racks with drawers. Jeans and sweaters are two items that you can fold and stack, while blouses and tunics are best kept on hangers. Undergarments—including women’s long underwear —can be folded and kept in a dresser drawer or lingerie chest.
There are lots of ways to organize your winter apparel, so experiment until you find a strategy that works for you. You may want to group items by color or hang the components of an outfit together. There’s no wrong way to organize your apparel and accessories, so go with what works for you.
Add Key Pieces to Your Wardrobe
Now that you’ve decluttered and organized, it’s time to decide on new apparel pieces. You can’t go wrong with versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. Here are some wardrobe staples to consider:
Jeans
Women’s jeans are a must-have for winter and come in a range of styles, from high rise to skinny. There are jeans for everybody with a variety of washes, whether you prefer black, indigo, or lighter-hued denim with a faded look.
Tunics
One of the most versatile top styles is the tunic. Tunics come in pullover and button-down styles. Necklines also vary; you can choose from V-necks, scoop necks, keyhole necks, and turtlenecks. When it comes to color, winter is a great time for vibrant red, crisp white, and rich jewel-toned tunics.
Flannel Shirts
Another winter must-have is the flannel shirt. Women’s flannel shirts come in classic red plaid, as well as with other color options. Flannel shirts can be worn buttoned up and tucked in for a traditional winter look, or you can layer an unbuttoned flannel over a turtleneck and leggings for a casual outfit, which can also pair well with winter boots and a mid-length parka.
Sweaters
There are all kinds of sweaters to consider this winter. A rib-knit turtleneck or crew-neck sweater is a versatile option you can wear with jeans, slacks, or even a mid-length skirt. Or slip a chunky knit sweater with a relaxed fit over a sleek cotton top and black jeggings for an everyday outfit that’s cute and comfortable.
Pajamas
Speaking of comfort, women’s pajama pants and tops are winter essentials. They come in a variety of colors and prints, with cotton flannel and cotton/modal blends available. You can mix-and-match different tops and bottoms, or wear pajama pants with your favorite T-shirt.
Outerwear
Stay warm in cold weather with a hooded parka or down jacket. Try a down vest over a thermal top or turtlenecks. A versatile fleece jacket is good for indoor wear as well as milder winter days. Black, navy, and camel are classic color options for winter, but make sure not to overlook trendier options such as white, neon colors, and pastel hues.
Accent Your Wardrobe With On-Trend Touches
When refreshing your closet for winter, add a few accent pieces to dress up your neutral wardrobe items. For example, a slouchy oversized handbag in a bright tone can serve as the perfect pop of color for when you’re wearing a black sweater and corduroy leggings. A pair of elegant sunglasses is another accessory that can elevate your winter outfits. Women’s gloves and scarves are functional accessories that help pull your look together while keeping you warm.
Now that you’ve got some inspiration, take a look at your closet and see what adjustments are in order. With a little selective decluttering and smart shopping, you can put together a winter wardrobe that’s versatile, stylish, and comfortable.