In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions and the idea of living a more sustainable and less cumbersome lifestyle, 2021 is the perfect year to consider building a capsule wardrobe.

Capsule wardrobes push us to think more about what clothing we actually wear and whether we truly need each piece hanging in our closets. A capsule wardrobe is a practice in editing your existing clothes collection down to your most favorite and/or functional items, then only wearing those garments.

Seasonal capsule wardrobes allow you to regularly clean out and curate your closet to build a wardrobe where each piece works with the rest of the collection to mix and match for a variety of looks from a limited number of garments. That may seem like a lot of work, but in the end, you’ll be able to free up some space, donate perfectly good garments to those who can use them, and relieve yourself from the “decision fatigue” of trying to figure out what to wear.

If like me, you are working from and/or staying close to home this season, a winter capsule wardrobe can lean more toward comfy-cozy pieces that suit your current daily needs. Dresses and high heels are probably not the most relevant clothing options as of late, but who knows what summer may hold. Right now, focus on pieces that make sense for your lifestyle and the weather. You may find that after a good closet cull, you’re in need of some key garments to bring everything together.

In general, a strong winter capsule wardrobe should include longline cardigans, which are practical, but also a bit more sophisticated in style than standard sweaters. A classic white t-shirt (or three), which may not sound like the most exciting piece, is a real workhorse for winter layering. Straight-leg jeans that can fit over, or in boots depending on your preference, and said boots — I’d recommend looking for a waterproof pair. A black turtleneck that can look great on its own but also peek out from beneath a chunky sweater or button-down shirt. And lastly, a great coat, whether a puffer, wool overcoat, or a rugged barn jacket, outerwear that speaks to your personal style, while being functional, is key in any winter wardrobe capsule or maximal.

After you’ve selected or invested in these key basics, you can start picking additional garments that fit your life and personal style. Pieces like a striped long-sleeve shirt, a floral high-neck blouse, a denim skirt, a black trouser, a maxi sweater dress, a wrap-style sweater, a pair of chunky sneakers, and even a snake-print bootie are solid examples of what to include in a capsule winter wardrobe. Or maybe you prefer neutrals as opposed to prints? Then, by all means, pile on the camel-hued knits and call it a day. If your job requires a uniform or dress code, you can include that in your capsule, or just focus your collection on the garments you wear “off duty.”

Accessories like tights, socks, scarves, knitted and felt hats, jewelry, and belts, are also part of a capsule collection. As with your clothes, edit your accessories to what you actually wear and consider donating the rest. Of course, if you have pieces with sentimental value like an heirloom piece of jewelry, or a handknitted scarf from your best friend that you don’t normally wear, obviously keep those memories. Personally, I try NOT to limit my accessories even for a capsule collection as having more options to add-on increases the versatility of basic garments and outfit combinations. But if you want to dive in on editing your wardrobe, then start rummaging through the accessory drawer.

Usually, pieces like activewear and loungewear get a pass from being included in a capsule wardrobe, but this winter is slightly different from in years past. You may find your capsule wardrobe heavy in soft pants and hoodies, which is perfectly fine. If that’s what you’re wearing, then that’s what you are wearing. You may want to go through those sweats and yoga pants and get rid of garments that are worn beyond wear and donation. Since the winter will be long (as winters always are), you might want to treat yourself to some fresh indoor pants and thermal Henley-style shirts.

Overall, a fully-realized capsule wardrobe means that you are never left with any single item that doesn’t feel wholly practical and stylish. In general, all pieces can be worn together, with two-to-three standout items for those unexpected occasions life throws at you. And while I’ve been suggesting donating what you’re not wearing, considering this is a seasonal practice, for quality garments that just aren’t appropriate this time of year, but could be part of a spring/summer capsule, find a place to store them, so they aren’t taking up space or become a distraction. And if you have investment pieces like a wool suit, fancy dress, or “good” shoes that you know won’t see any action this season, but when things return to a normal pace, will be more a part of your sartorial rotation, again properly store them in the hopes of better days for the future.