Upgrade Your Winter Wardrobe While Saving Closet Space

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Our winter clothes are often the bulkiest pieces we own and they can be as dreary as the weather. So, how can you revamp your style this season while saving space at the same time? We’ll tackle both challenges with tips on how to incorporate trends into your outfits without overstuffing your closet. Make your hallways your new runway as you show off your updated, cold-weather style.

Fabulous Footwear

Good winter boots and shoes can often be bulky and pricey, so you may not want to buy more than one pair. A trick to spicing things up with just one good pair of shoes? Socks.

Start with a neutral shoe or boot and layer socks to change your look. You can style your socks so they peek over the top of your footwear, or you can surprise your friends and family when you slip off your shoes upon arrival. Socks are affordable, come in fun colors and patterns and don’t take up much space in your closet. Consider sizing up in the boot so you have plenty of room to add the socks. Then, get to shopping! The color trends for winter 2024 are calling your name (you can apply these to the remaining tips, too).

Vibrant bolds for a pop of color:

Samoan Sun — Cheerful, bright yellow
Orange Tiger — Vibrant, 70s-era orange
Rose Violet — Bold pink with purple undertones

Lighter shades for a softer look:

Nosegay — Pastel, floral pink
Waterspout — Cool, bluetone seagreen

Darker hues that feel like winter:

Lava Falls — Firey, orange red
Martini Olive — Earthy, briney green
Caramel Cafe — Decadent, rich brown

Three-in-One Jackets

Outerwear can take up a lot of closet real estate, but there are ways you can get around the coat clutter. Consider trading your old coats for a three-in-one jacket, which gives you more ways to keep warm. Plus, you can extend your winter coat into spring and fall by detaching the shell and wearing it separately.

You can find different styles and colors from popular brands like Lands End, NorthFace, L.L. Bean (Rust Orange is similar to Lava Falls), or find a bargain on Amazon, like this option in a color similar to Waterspout.

Multiple coats, one hanger. What’s not to love?

Hats

Stay toasty and trendy at the same time. You can change the feel of any outfit by topping it off with a stylish hat. Plus, they don’t take up much closet space, so you can likely add a few to your collection without worrying about where you’ll put them.

Flat, beaded and sequined cloche hats — C’est la vie. This style from 1920s-era Paris is making a comeback in winter 2022. Stay warm while time traveling to the roaring twenties.
Bucket hats — Protect yourself from the winter sun with this ’90s style that is making a big comeback. (Yes, you still need sun protection when it’s cold).
Berets — What started as peasants’ hats in 19th-century Spain and France has transformed into a modern style beloved by everyone.

Jewelry

Sometimes we choose our outfits based on comfort and practicality, and that’s okay! In that case, you can use jewelry to update your look this winter without having to buy a new wardrobe.

An added bonus? Accessories don’t take up much space, so you can donate or pass down some of your worn pieces and replace them with something new. Bigger is better right now, so think about chunky spins on the classics, such as:

Chunky chain necklaces — Another look from the ’90s that makes a statement with any outfit.
Oversized pearls — This twist on a ’50s favorite makes dressing up (or down) a little more interesting.
Chunky earrings — Along with chunky necklaces, chunky earrings are also in style this season.

Bottoms Up

Last but not least, let’s talk about pants. We love them, and we hate them — especially after a big meal. The good news is that the skinny cuts the ladies have been squeezing into for the past decade are getting swapped out in favor of more relaxed fits. Think wide and straight-leg cuts with more breathing room.

Splurge on these Spanx Air Essentials pants, just named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things this year. Or, Amazon has cost-saving options that give you a similar look at a fraction of the price.

Looking for more ways to make the most of your wardrobe? Read all about how a capsule wardrobe can maximize your closet space while helping you figure out what to wear.