21. Winter Capris

Continuing my capri obsession during what will hopefully be the last cold month.

Back from a Substack hiatus as I’ve had my parents in town for two weeks, a few home improvements to finally get around to tackling, and just overall running around the city with very cold feet and basically the same winter coat on top. It feels good to be back! And capris … they are back, too. hehe.

I’ve been overly bundled for far too long, and only this week have there been teeny tiny nudges of springtime. Teasing us until it’s ready for its full reawakening. My beloved capris have been in hiding most of winter, until recently I had an urge to give them a chance with a pair of sheer tights. I was missing their silhouette that gave into my penchant for proportion play. I was missing how they instantly boosted my mood and injected a sense of personality into my everyday looks. I was missing how comfortable they felt on; stretchy like leggings but elegant like a perfectly fitting trouser. It currently feels like the right time to start wearing them again, even if they garner weird looks on the street. The best thing of all, all of these looks don’t even require a change of shoe. My vintage Ferragamo pumps are just the thing to keep them going, whatever million of styling paths I decide to take with them. (UPDATE: the vintage Ferrgamos had their last night last night after I tripped down a pair of stairs and broke a heel off. I am searching for my next pump).

Of course, imagine an oversized coat going over all of these looks as 50 degrees still doesn’t cut it when it comes to going fully coatless. The capri in the winter is all about having fun with fitted blazers, little boxy jackets, lightweight long coats and textured leather outerwear. My jacket game has become very strong lately, and I’m committed to putting every single piece into full rotation around a simple pair of capris. Here are 4 capri looks to get you easing out of the winter blues and nearing closer and closer to spring. I’m wearing this pair from J. Crew.

Leather and a pop of red.

Having a moment with black and brown leather, broken up with a vibrant red. This look feels very thrown together, which it is, and that is exactly why I like it. It’s a bit incognito with the oversized sunglasses and the sweater thrown nonchalantly over my shoulders. The more messily the tie at the front, the better. Also, a shoutout to Mango for really really upping their game with elevated, well made pieces that I see staying in my closet for a very long time. NYC has hit a week wear you can nearly get by with just leather if you pile on a layer or two of Uniqlo Heattech.

Mango leather jacket
Rue Sophie sweater tied around my shoulders
Demellier bag

Elegant blazer and a wooly touch.

This Destree blazer really elevates so many looks with its gorgeous wide collar and form-fitting waist. It brings an element of evening wear to my capris, but the balaclava brings it back down to earth with playfulness. A mix of texture play is always a fun way to bring a simple pair of capris to life. And added warmth is always a plus.

Destree blazer
Vintage Chanel bag from Rebag
By Malina knit balaclava

Edgy city slicker.

To me, this look has every aspect of proportion play that I adore. The oversized collar cascading down and around my neckline over the top of the leather jacket. The length of the jacket hitting below the bottom of my capris, but not too low below. The top/minidress combo sitting like a tunic. The oversized bag, balancing out the overall elongated effect of this entire outfit. I feel very badass and chic.

Mango top - Shop similar
Stand Studio leather long jacket
Mulberry bag

Refined and a tad off beat.

Minus the scarf, this outfit feels so neat and almost proper. This blazer buttoned up to the top, styled simply and straight forwardly, almost Victorian-esque. There are days when I crave wearing outfits like this as a base with room for one or two extra styling pieces. In this case, the scarf added a nice chunkiness without being too overpowering. And this Polene bag is one I’ve been using nearly every single day. Normally, I would have done a black bag, but on this day I wanted to go a bit off track with something lighter to cut into the black.

Rxquette blazer
Polene bag
Another Tomorrow knit scarf

Hope this post leave you inspired to pick up a pair of capris during what feels like months too early, and explore some fun styling ideas. I’m enthusiastic about getting dressed again, and I couldn’t be more excited about it!