
One of the most important considerations when curating a thoughtful and functional wardrobe is versatility. When I think about purchasing something new for my closet, unless it’s a special occasion piece, I always ensure it can be styled multiple ways with pieces from my closet. This will allow you to make the most of your wardrobe and create endless outfits. And to emphasize this point, I’ve created this winter mini capsule wardrobe in the spirit of the 3×3 challenge.
What is the 3×3 challenge?
A 3×3 challenge is a style challenge where you select 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes and see how many outfits you can create. It’s been making it’s way through Instagram and Tiktok. This exercise is meant to show that a few well thought out basics can easily be styled many, many ways. You don’t need a huge wardrobe to have a versatile closet.
In this post, you’ll find the items I selected for my mini capsule plus twenty styled outfits using the pieces. And, not to give you homework, but I highly encourage you to do this exercise with pieces from your own closet. It will spark your creativity and help you plan out some future outfits. Be sure to take pictures for reference later on!
Winter Mini Capsule

Three Tops:
Light Denim Oversized Button Down (budget-friendly option) // An oversized button down is such a versatile staple. You can wear it tucked, untucked, under blazers and cardigans, or with a sweater worn over the shoulders. I sized down in this style.
Black Relaxed Fit Blazer (budget-friendly option) // A black blazer is a wardrobe staple everyone should have it their closet. It can be styled casually or dressy and for a variety of occasions. I personally love pairing it with my Adidas Sambas and a baseball cap for a casual day.
Ecru Cardigan Sweater (budget-friendly option) // This beautiful cardigan sweater from Sézane can be worn with the buttons in the back or front making it extra versatile. It does have a slight scratchiness to it if you’re sensitive to wool. I recommend sizing down one.
Three Bottoms:
Dark Wash Straight Jeans // These jeans are the perfect high waisted straight leg jean. They are classic and timeless. Although I love trying new styles of jeans like wide leg and barrel, this style will always be my go-to.
Black Straight Jeans // I get the most wear out of my black jeans in the wintertime. I love styling them with creams and browns and also denim shirts as seen in this mini capsule. This exact pair is another favorite classic straight leg jean.
White Chinos // A pair of thicker chinos is a great winter pant. White jeans or pants are a nice way to mix it up and make some monochromatic looks with tans and browns. This style is also a straight leg with a relaxed fit. They do run a little big; I recommend sizing down.
Three Shoes:
Slim Sneaker // The shoe that needs no introduction, the Adidas Samba, is comfortable, easy to style, and very on trend. You can pair them with jeans or trousers for a casual chic look.
Black Loafers (budget-friendly option) // A loafer is a very polished and sophisticated footwear choice for winter. Try wearing these with a pair of socks to make them more cold weather friendly.
Brown Boots (similar; similar) // Besides sneakers, a classic heeled ankle boot is my most worn winter shoe. They are chic and timeless, and add a little height to my short frame. They also go really well with straight leg jeans.
Accessories:
I added a few accessories to my looks to make this mini capsule even more versatile – a few bags in black and brown, a black belt, and a baseball cap.
Brown Woven Tote Bag (sold out from Madewell; similar)
Brown Sling Bag (ASHLEYR15 for 15% off) (budget-friendly option)
Black Crossbody Bag (budget-friendly option)
Paris Baseball Cap (similar)
Black Belt (old from Mango; similar)
Outfit Ideas:




















Shop The Capsule
Read More:
Winter Capsule Wardrobe 2025
How To Style Loafers In 2025
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