Over the past many seasons of dressing my children, I have occasionally ended up with too many iron-requiring rompers and too few leggings-and-sweaters-for-outdoor-playground-excursions OR with a medley of beautiful pieces that don’t go together, i.e., a darling set of boots that don’t actually coordinate with anything else, or a skirt with no suitable top. I find the best way to ensure a well-rounded closet is to invest in something of a “capsule wardrobe” — tried-and-true staples I love that coordinate with nearly anything and that will stand up to heavy use — and then pepper in trendier, less expensive pieces and a handful of beautiful statement outfits for more formal occasions. Below, I thought I’d share a representative example of what I’ve bought for micro (six-month-old baby boy) and mini (nearly-three-year-old girl) this winter. All of the items in these “capsules” are essentially pieces I buy in every single size as my kids grow.
Baby Boy Capsule Winter Wardrobe.
+Kissy Kissy Pima Peter Pan Collar onesies. These are just the best. I bought several of these in every size for mini and am using them for micro — they are super soft and incredibly well made and I love them layered under anything, from overalls to sweaters. Some moms are not huge pans of peter pan collars on boys, and I get that. Definitely a look. You can also buy these bodysuits with a more traditional “boy” collar.
+Zutano fleece booties. The only baby footwear I have ever purchased that actually stays on the baby’s foot. Super soft and cozy and can be thrown in the laundry machine to boot. I have bought these in multiple sizes and colorways.
+Personalized knit hat. A girlfriend of mine gifted micro one of these from Madre Dallas and it has fetched more than its fair share of compliments. You can get the look for a little less with this one.
+Petit Bateau raincoat. These are so wonderfully-made and have a soft plush lining. I have also bought the similar Gap version for a fraction of the price and it’s wonderful, too.
+Long-sleeved polos (<<on sale!). Micro owns these in every size, usually in both white and navy.
+Patagonia fleece. For every day wear.
+Saddle shoes, for more formal occasions.
+Little English playsuits. I’ve written about these so much, but I love them. They’re easy (one-piece!), soft, and adorable.
+Mayoral toggle coat. I love these for both boys and girls. I will either buy micro a toggle coat or a field coat like this for more formal occasions.
P.S. Not shown above: I also always buy a variety of solid-colored leggings from Old Navy. I really like this exact style, especially in the heather gray and indigo colors. I pair them with a polo shirt or a statement sweater for an easy, layerable winter look. I also bought micro these boots when I need something in between fleece booties and saddle shoes.
P.P.S. Some of micro’s special purchases for this season: this plaid button-in, this emerald green button-in, this velour playsuit, this sweater, bloomers (different print), and this knit set.
Toddler Girl Capsule Winter Wardrobe.
+Mayoral coat. Mini owns this exact style and it is beyond precious. (Also, surprisingly, holds up well in the wash when run on a gentle cycle!)
+Wee Ones bows. I always buy in white and navy and then a few seasonal colors. I also buy a lot of bows from PoppyBows on Etsy.
+Cienta t-straps. I love these because they can be tossed in the laundry and they look more refined than your average sneaker. (More traditional toddler footwear picks here.)
+Cableknit sweater. Love the strawberry red color! In general, when buying these “capsule” basics, I try to stick with red, white, or navy and they go with the vast majority of purchases.
+Jefferies cableknit tights. I buy multiple pairs of white. I also like Condor’s ribbed styles.
+Elephantito Mary Janes (<<on sale!). She’s owned a pair in every size since she was an infant. I have often purchased her a metallic color, but nowadays I stick with black patent. Perfect for dressier occasions.
+TBBC rain slicker. I love these! They run large but thin, FYI. I have to layer super warm under these in the cooler months.
+Hunter rainboots. I am trying to buy these in gender-neutral colors so they can be handed down — I like hunter green and yellow best at the moment.
+Blueberry Hill hat. Love this new-to-me label and will be buying again next season. The cutest patterns.
+J. Crew layering tees. Also always have peter pan collar tops from TBBC and Bellabliss, which I like under jumpers.
+Everyday boots. Can be worn with jeans or dresses. Also has these.
P.S. Some of mini’s special occasion outfits for this season: this tartan dress (matches micro’s button-in), this stunning blue velvet dress, a red corduroy dress similar to this I bought from Jacadi a year or two ago, a white embroidered dress similar to this I also bought several years ago.
P.P.S. I also always buy several pairs of inexpensive leggings in navy and white from wherever I can get them on sale — Gap, Bellabliss, Ralph Lauren, Old Navy, Hanna Andersson, and these undershirts for layering beneath her clothing. I like buying both children solid white socks from Gap or Jefferies Socks because then you can mix and match pairs without a problem and I also find it easier to coordinate outfits that way.
P.P.P.S. Also might be of interest to you: baby gear I wish I’d known about earlier, going from 0-1 vs. 1-2 children, and my favorite sleepwear for children.