How to Look Great in the Cold? Layer Up!

If you want to look great in the cold, the trick is to layer up!  It keeps you warm, it can adjust to temperatures that go up and down, it turns something plain into an interesting creation…and age doesn’t matter.  So here are some layering tips, outfit formulas, a style recipe and over 50 outfit combinations that I hope will be helpful to you.

How to Look Great in the Cold

According to designer Vera Wang, the key layering pieces for Autumn/Winter are:

“A leather jacket — the cropped motorcycle style is edgier than a blazer and makes a bold statement; long wrap cardigans — the fitted shape defines the body while the deep V front and cropped length show under layers; leggings — which work best when paired with long layers on top; and layered necklaces — vary the styles, materials and lengths to get lots of sparkle and texture.”

She also says to avoid the “too’s.”  “If it’s too big, too short or too much (for example, too many necklaces), it won’t look polished.  Tone it down.”

Other layering pieces that she recommends are:

• a dress.  (It’s easy and it’s slimming since it creates a single, fluid line.  You can layer underneath with a blouse or long-sleeve tee or add something on top like a jacket or sweater.)
• a long coat as an alternative to a suit jacket.  (Wear something with sleeves underneath; add necklaces of different lengths on top.)
• slim pants.  (They allow you to add long layers on top while keeping a long, lean look, and a flat waistband helps those layers lie nicely.  Pants should hit just below the ankle because bunching adds bulk.)
• an embellished t-shirt.  (It can be worn day or night.)

Layering Tips

These tips begin with transitional outfits from late summer to fall. Then they progress to warmer layering combinations for the cold of winter.

Starting with lightweight skirts and dresses, these can be layered over jeans.  This works best with skinny jeans and with skirts that aren’t too full or long (around knee-length).  For instance, take a dress or skirt that hits at the knee and add matching or toned pants, jeans or leggings.

Or start with jeans and something sleek against the skin.  Top with sexy knits, a touch of faux fur and a little leather.   Pair your sleeveless sweater with a bit of leather.

Dig into your Spring wares and pull out some layering pieces.

Pull out all your sheer, sleeveless tops and then layer something shorter over them.

You can take a sleeveless dress and wear it with tights, put a blouse or tee under it, or cover it up with a belted cardigan.  Turtlenecks are great under a sleeveless dress.

Layer a skirt over a dress.  Let the hem of your dress show.

Start with long johns or long underwear such as Cuddl Duds.  They’re available today in so many colors and styles, you won’t want to keep them hidden.  Wear the tops under open shirts or jackets, the bottoms as leggings.

Sweaters with 3/4-length sleeves can be layered up for an edgier look.

Layer a tissue tee or thin turtleneck under 3/4-sleeve tops, cardigans, sweaters, blazers, etc.

For cooler days, use a great go-with-everything fitted jacket in denim, corduroy or velvet.  Adding a fitted sweater or cropped blazer can make whatever is in your closet seem new.

Fleece is a natural insulator.  It acts like a heater to keep you toasty.  Try layering with a fleece jacket or vest, or look for fleece lining in other items.

If wool irritates your skin, try silk.  It’s surprisingly warm when lined or layered.

Layer a vest over your sweaters, tops, dresses, even over lightweight jackets.

A denim jacket or vest is a great layering piece that brings structure to loose separates, which can look sloppy.

Short-sleeved, funky t-shirts may be warmed up with long-sleeved ivory (or other solid color) t-shirts underneath.

Use leggings with skirts or dresses.

A pencil skirt is perfect for layering blouses, long vests, dusters.

Wear a top or jacket over an untucked shirt with the hem of the shirt showing.

Add a light, short-sleeve t-shirt or a camisole under a blouse or sweater.

Wear two camisoles in contrasting colors under a v-neck sweater.

For warmth without a puffer coat, start with a thin but not flimsy camisole under your clothes.  Look for a flesh-colored wool, silk or cashmere cami.

Layer darker shades under lighter ones (i.e., a black tank + black pants + a cream sheer sleeveless blouse + an ivory draped cardigan).

Start with a comfy sweater & jeans. To take it to the next level, add:

1. color;
2. neck accessories (i.e., choker, scarf, necklace, etc.);
3. mid-length boots or the latest trend in footwear;
4. layer with a turtleneck, cardigan, duster, vest, jacket, blazer, thermals, or whatever you like;
5. oversized sleeves, statement cuffs or the latest trend.

The Rule of Three

I like the rule of three that Cassie of the blog Hi Sugarplum! wrote about (link below).  To a base outfit of a slim top and bottom, add two more elements, such as a vest and a scarf.  You can continue to add layers, but adding at least two more creates an interesting outfit that goes beyond basic.

A Recipe for a Little Advanced Layering

First, choose base layers — such as a thin tank or tee and a pair of leggings.

Then, add a long-sleeved t-shirt or top in an interesting color or pattern.

Over that, add a button-down shirt, such as plaid or denim.

Next, add a chunky cardigan.  Shove those sleeves up to your elbow to show the layers.

You may add a blazer or fur vest.

On the bottom, you may layer shorts, a mini-skirt, a maxi-skirt, a dress, or jeans.

Finally, throw on some chunky socks and peep-toe ankle boots or flat tall boots.

What to Consider When Layering an Outfit

Vary Shapes and Sizes

Choose pieces of clothing that are a variety of sizes and shapes:  some tighter and more fitted, others looser and more stretchy.

Vary Fabrics and Textures

Select clothes made of different fabrics and textures:  cotton, denim, corduroy, velvet, etc.

Start at the bottom

Begin with a base such as tights (from woolly to lace-edged), leggings or skinny jeans.  Then add boots.  Try tights worn under knee-high boots.

Try layering a skirt or a long shirt, such as a tunic, over the bottom layer.  If you’re feeling daring, try some retro accessories such as legwarmers over your tights or leggings.

Kassie, at Cafe con Leche, layered Doc Martens (Journeys) over black knee-high socks (H&M) over gray tights (Forever 21) on the bottom.  Her basic outfit was a floral dress (also Forever 21) over a black underlayer. Then she accessorized with added a long pendant and a casual bracelet.

Here’s a closer look at the bottom half:

Move on to the top half

Begin with a form-fitting camisole or t-shirt.  Other layering tops are:  a lace turtleneck, a lace pullover, a mesh top, a Henley, a long-sleeved fitted tee, a thermal top, or even a body-con dress that you normally feel too self-conscious in.  After picking out the main piece,  find shirts that would match the color and fit of the main shirt.

Start with items made from thinner fabrics, such as:  a cotton tee, dress shirt or turtleneck.  Then layer them with heavier items such as:  a wool sweater, a corduroy blazer or a leather jacket.  You could also incorporate a blazer, shrug or cardigan into your final mix.

For a polished, professional look, you can layer a matching shell and cardigan (a twin set).  For a fashion-forward look, mix fabrics:  put a sequined shrug over a t-shirt, a velvet jacket over a beaded top, or a denim jacket over black jersey.  A shrug goes with anything from cute camisoles and tanks to casual t-shirts.

You can layer tighter, long-sleeved t-shirts under looser, short-sleeved ones.  Layer t-shirts under sweaters, dress shirts, polo shirts and long-sleeved shirts.  Or, wear a couple of different colored tees together.  Make sure to layer lightweight fabrics or else you will look bulky.

Throw a vest over a long-sleeved dress or thermal top.

Top off with a knotted scarf, a pin or button on your blazer lapel, or a funky hat.

Mix Patterns and Colors

As you layer your clothes, mix different textures, patterns and colors. Layer a patterned long-sleeved t-shirt under a solid short-sleeved one.  Contrast solid leggings with a top that has suede or denim details, or add a splash of unexpected glamour with an elegant bracelet, a sequined headband, or a colorful purse.

13 Layering Formulas

Layering Formula #1

 1)  Start with a thin, fitted camisole or shaper.  2)  Add a basic, lightweight top.  Plain, neutral or striped works best.  3)  Cover up with a shirt or lightweight cardigan.  A half-turned-up collar adds style.  Do not tuck.  4)  If seriously cold, add a sweater in a plain, neutral or navy color.  5)  Add a coat.  6)  Accessorize, especially with a hat, scarf and gloves.  You might want to belt your scarf.  7)  Mix it up (colors, textures, etc.)  Vera Wang says, “Mix it up; don’t worry about different shades clashing.  Layering lends a certain nonchalance.  Each element looks better, richer and more interesting when it’s put with something else, so clothes don’t look so serious.”

Layering Formula #2

1)  Start with an undershirt + long johns or warm leggings.  2)  Add a denim shirt.  3)  Add a sarong over the shirt.  4)  Add a colorful vest.  5)  Add warm socks and a beret.

Layering Formula #3

1)  Start with a white tee.  2)  Button or wrap a lightweight cardigan and tuck it into a skirt.  3)  Belt it.  4)  Add a vest.  5)  Add a beret, gloves and boots.

Layering Formula #4

1)  Start with a denim shirt.  An embellished collar makes it even better.  2)  Try adding a denim jacket under a lightweight parka.  3)  Add warm pants, such as flannel-lined silk.  4)  Add gloves and shoe boots.

Layering Formula #5

1)  Choose a jacket with elasticized cuffs and waist to keep the wind out.  2)  Wear a turtleneck and slim pants under it.  3)  Add a scarf and gloves.

Layering Formula #6

 1)  A knit blazer (or substitute a woven blazer in an all-season wool, cotton or linen blend) open over any jeans, leather or ponte pants, or a jean skirt.  2)  Add a white tee or a graphic tee or a comfy fitted tee.  If long, wear the tee over leggings, or front tuck into jeans.  3)  Choose trendy footwear (i.e., booties, slip-ons, slipper flats, loafers or gladiator sandals).  4)  Finish with a tote, cross-body, mini backpack, bucket bag or bowling bag.  5)  You may add a scarf or belt.  6)  Add jewelry, eye wear, and belt as desired.

Layering Formula #7

1) Start with a striped top + a jean jacket + black pants (i.e., black leather, snakeskin leggings, moto leggings, ponte knit.)  2)  Add trendy, casual footwear (slip-on espadrilles, cut-out booties, loafers, oxfords, cage sandals or Converse sneakers).  3)  Add a large tote in black or a light neutral, a satchel or a backpack.  4)  Finish off with jewelry, watch and eye wear as desired.

Layering Formula #8

1)  Boot-cut jeans + a classic top (a white shirt, a striped pullover, a long-sleeved fitted tee, a turtleneck, or a graphic tee) + a trench coat.  2)  Add fashionable ankle boots or Converse sneakers.  3)  Add a modern handbag.  4)  You may add a scarf.  5)  Add jewelry, eye wear, and watch as desired.

Layering Formula #9

1)  A long-sleeved or short-sleeved tee or tank long enough to show under a plaid shirt + any jeans or ponte pants + a cropped leather jacket.  2)  Add a fairly large statement scarf, untied and loose + casual boots (mid-calf, knee-high or ankle boots) or loafers + an oversize tote or a satchel.  3)  Finish off with jewelry, watch and eye wear as desired.  4)  If cold, you may add a huge wool coat, gloves, hat.

Layering Formula #10

1)  Start with a slim tank + biker shorts or a short slim skirt + tights. 2)  Add a sheer blouse in a longer length + a loose-fitting top/tunic/sweater over it.  3)  If it’s chilly, add a jacket.  4)  Add a scarf.  You may wrap it around a couple of times to add more layers. 5)  Finish with a great pair of ankle boots.

Layering Formula #11

1)  A tank top + 2) bike shorts or a short slim skirt or a short half-slip + 3) a light and flowing skirt + 4) a sheer blouse or a slip + 5) a shorter loose-fitting top + 6) a loose-fitting jacket + 7) a comfy scarf wrapped around a couple of times + 8) ankle boots + 9) over-the-knee socks.  — OR —use a body-con dress as a foundation layer.

Layering Formula #12

1)  Start with any t-shirt that is roomy and long enough to be worn untucked and exposed.  2)  Add a denim or chambray shirt or a plaid shirt.  Wear it loose and unbuttoned to showcase the t-shirt.  3)  Add black jeans, Ponte pants or stretchy cigarette pants.  You can wear blue jeans if you like the denim on denim trend, or even white jeans for a more crisp effect.  In fact, wear any color denim on the bottom in a straight-leg, skinny or boot-cut style.  4)  Add any cropped leather jacket.  5)  Add a statement scarf that’s fairly large in order to drape in front.  Wear it untied and loose like a fourth layer of clothing.  Choose a pattern that works with the palette of the outfit.  6)  Add casual boots, like booties, mid-calf or knee-high boots.  If the weather is mild, wear slipper flats, fashionable sneakers or loafers.  Choose footwear that matches your outfit.  7)  A casual, oversize tote is ideal, but a satchel that can be held by its handles is another way to go.  8)  Top with a huge wool coat or puffer, gloves and a hat if you need extra layers for very cold weather.

Layering Formula #13

1)  A long-sleeved lace top + 2)  harem pants, joggers, skinny sweatpants, or slim lounge pants + 3)  a heeled boot or clog for a lengthening effect + 4)  a poncho.  5)  You may add a leather tassel pendant, a long coin necklace, a fedora.

Layered Outfit Combinations

Following are ways to layer outfits during the transition to Fall, then through to the coldest days of Winter and even in the beginning of Spring when there are still cold snaps.

1. Day to Evening:  A thin t-shirt or camisole under a shirt + leggings under a skirt.  For evening – take off the leggings and change from the shirt to a dressy blouse.
2. Casual Fridays:  Try a wrap-dress or tunic-style dress over jeans.  If the dress has a low neckline, add a camisole.  You may also like to top with a jacket or cardigan or faux fur.
3. So warm it could even be for shoveling snow:  A fitted tank top + a t-shirt (fitted or at least not baggy) + a sweater + leggings or tights under your jeans.  Add a coat, scarf, gloves, a beanie, thick knit socks and boots.
4. A duster or kimono or a draped cardigan + a fitted turtleneck or sweater or a winter dress.
5. In any color or pattern:  Layer a dress or skirt with a top or two, a coat and a big scarf or shawl. Add high-top sneakers and maybe some fingerless gloves.
6. Boot-cut or flared trousers or jeans + a wrap blouse + a checked blazer, moto jacket, fur vest, jean jacket or cardigan. If it’s not cool enough to wear a cardigan, just wear a trench outdoors. Add ankle boots.

Layering with Bike Shorts, Leggings or Jeggings

1. A long white shirt + a short black sweater + black athletic leggings + a long black jacket.
2. A slim tank top + bike shorts or leggings + thigh-high stockings or tights + a silk & lace slip + a mini-skirt or dress or tunic.  You might like to add a shorter, loose-fitting topper and/or jacket.  You could also add a cozy scarf.  Wrap it around a few times.  Finish with boots.
3. A slim tank top + bike shorts or leggings + thigh-high stockings or tights + a silk & lace slip + a sheer or billowy blouse + a loose-fitting top and/or a jacket.  Add a scarf + boots.
4. Leggings + a long tank top + a not-too-long shirt/top + any sweater.  May add a scarf, hat, gloves, boots.
5. A long-sleeved fleece top + a plaid flannel shirt + skinny jeans or leggings.  Add ankle boots + simple stud earrings + a matching pendant necklace.

   

6. A long tank top + leggings + a turtleneck (the tank top shows at the bottom) + a long boyfriend cardigan + an outerwear vest.  Add boots.
7. A white long-sleeve t-shirt + a long black tank top over it + jeggings + a fur vest.  Add tall black boots over the jeggings + a rosary as necklace.
8. A short skirt + leggings or jeggings + boots.
9. A tunic tank + a longer-length cardigan over a shorter cardigan + leggings. Add tall boots + a statement necklace + rings.
10. A hip-grazing tank top + leggings + socks scrunched over. Add:  a longer-length turtleneck or a skinny turtleneck + a boyfriend cardigan + a fleece vest or a fringed vest + Western boots + a knit cap.

Layering with a Dress

1. A long-sleeved tee or thin turtleneck under a sleeveless dress.
2. A soft and cozy sweater over an airy summer dress.  Add a long necklace, bangles, ankle boots, rings. You might like to add pants underneath the dress for even more warmth.
3. A summer dress + leggings + a cardigan.  Add a thick leather belt + ballet flats + a scarf.
4. Layer a thin sweater under a dress + tall boots. If you feel daring, try a fisherman’s sweater under a loose dress.
5. A dress + a blazer.  Add a big necklace + a chunky scarf or a pashmina.
6. A t-shirt dress + a chunky sweater + tights + funky boots.

   

7. A short black dress + a black leather jacket.  Add boots, jewelry and maybe a beanie.
8. A sleeveless black dress + a black leather jacket.  Add black tights + tall black boots + sunglasses if sunny.
9. A dress + a plaid or flannel shirt open over it + a soft, thick, draped cardigan.  Add boots.
10. A dress + a cardigan + a jacket or blazer.
11. A leather jacket open over a jean jacket open over a dress.  Add boots and jewelry.

Layering with a Skirt

1. A quilted or flannel pencil skirt + a long-sleeve top + a velvet blazer.  Add a colored belt + a chunky, colorful necklace +  edgy ankle boots.   Top with a pea coat and a fringed scarf.
2. A slip that you can see peeking out (or a camisole) + a skirt  + a silk blouse + a vest + a cardigan.
3. Three tops + a skirt + some leggings + a pair of shoes.  Use assorted colors.
4. A tank top over a chiffon skirt over matching leggings + an open cardigan.  Add a long and sexy scarf.
5. A camisole + a mini-skirt + a thermal top + a sweater + a slouchy boyfriend jacket or a sweater jacket + thigh highs or tights + boots.  Show the thermal cuffs.  Add a pendant, rings and maybe a beanie.

   

6. Start with a fitted graphic tee or a long-sleeve printed tee + skinny jeans or jeggings. Wrap a sarong over, knotted in front.
7. Wrap a long, thick scarf around your hips to make an instant skirt!  Belt at the waist and wear with coordinating tights and boots.
8. A cardi + a Henley or split-neck or deep-v top + a cami + a skirt.  Add a necklace, boots and/or over-the-knee socks.
9. A camisole + a short skirt + a thermal top + a sweater over. You might like to a slouchy boyfriend jacket + tights + ankle boots + a beanie.
10. A tank top + a short skirt + a sheer or embroidered mesh tunic-length tank + a loose-fitting top or tunic + a loose-fitting jacket if cold. Add tights + ankle boots + a cozy scarf.

Layering with Jeans

1. Layer patterned tops, jackets, cardigans with classic denim.
2. An embroidered Henley + a matching vest (sheer or not) + blue jeans.  Add a couple of necklaces.
3. A camisole + jeans + an unbuttoned shirt + a cardigan.  Add a necklace, like a chain + a bracelet.  Roll back the shirt and cardi sleeves together.
4. Any sleeveless top + jeans + a shirt + a vest unbuttoned over it. Add a necklace or two, a bracelet, a watch, a ring, or any other accessory you like.
5. Start with a tunic-length tank (especially nice with lace trim) and blue jeans. Then add an embellished cardigan. Finally, you might also like to add a long draped vest.
6. A tunic top or longer-length t-shirt + blue jeans + a shirt worn open as a jacket + a cardigan or jacket over.
7. A white tee + two lightweight jackets (one may be a jean jacket) or a cardigan + pants or jeans. Add jewelry. You might like to turn back cuffs, layer bracelets and/or add 1-3 delicate necklaces.

Long, Layered Looks That Call for Slim Bottoms

1. A black top + black skinny jogger pants + a moto jacket + a long vest or sleeveless blazer.  Add booties.
2. A thin turtleneck under a classic oxford shirt + a boxy knit sweater over + slim, straight-cut pants.  Add a faux-fur vest cinched with a canvas belt + oxfords + leather gloves + a satchel.
3. A tank + a thermal top + a sweater + a jacket + slim bottoms.
4. A blazer + a vest + a shirt + slim bottoms.
5. A t-shirt + any slim bottoms + a thick sweater.  Add a scarf + a cozy coat.
6. A long-sleeved or short-sleeved t-shirt + a long button-down vest + a blazer in a contrasting color + slim bottoms.
7. A short structured jacket over a long top over a skinny pant.  Add a structured bag + a ballet flat.
8. A graphic tee + a flannel shirt + a suede shirt over it + your bottoms of choice.  Add a plaid scarf.
9. A long-sleeved sweater + a blouse (sheer, short-sleeved, 3/4 sleeve, long-sleeved, etc.) + a vest (fleece or any kind) + skirt or pants.  You may add a necklace or a bracelet around the sweater cuff.
10. A white tee + jeggings or black faux leather pants + a jean jacket + plaid flannel shirt tied around waist.  Add short boots + a cap.
11. A white graphic tee + skinny jeans or leggings + a beige blazer.  Add beige boots + pearl studs + mixed gold bangles.
12. A long camisole under a low-cut sweater that peeks out in the neckline and below the sweater hem + slim bottoms.
13. A camisole or t-shirt under a cardigan + bottoms of choice.  You may button the cardigan, add a narrow belt.
14. A long-sleeved t-shirt + a blazer + bottoms of choice.  If the tee is plain, add a colorful patterned scarf.
15. A cotton or silk camisole + a hooded jacket + bottoms of choice.
16. A white or colored or graphic t-shirt + a hooded jacket + bottoms of choice.

Layered Looks that Can Go with Any Bottoms

1. Over your basic top and bottom, layer a hoodie and a fitted jacket, like a blazer. Leave both the hoodie and jacket open, or close them. Add a scarf.
2. A thermal top + a shirt, t-shirt or blouse + a sweater, pullover, etc., with full or half sleeves + a jacket or blazer + bottoms of choice.  Then add accessories, such as a scarf, cap, gloves, etc.
3. A vest + a blouse or turtleneck + a blazer + bottoms of your choice.  Wind a scarf around your neck.
4. A camisole + a sheer blouse + a cardigan or blazer + bottoms of your choice.
5. A thin, soft t-shirt + a hoodie + a soft blazer or jacket, preferably in corduroy, crushed velvet or cotton. Add bottoms of your choice.
6.  A long-sleeved soft t-shirt + a fitted short-sleeved tee + a fitted jacket or hoodie + bottoms of your choice.
7. Wear a long, soft tank top under or over a short-sleeved or long-sleeved t-shirt. Top with a fitted jacket or hoodie or a loose, open vest. Add bottoms of your choice.
8. A long cardigan + a shorter jacket or vest + bottoms of your choice.
9. A long fitted camisole under a t-shirt + bottoms of your choice.
10. Heather gray or other type of cozy undershirt + a silky peasant blouse + a wool cardigan + bottoms of your choice. Top with a faux fur coat.
11. A bra-top camisole + a thermal top + a sweater + bottoms of your choice. Cuff the sweater to show the thermal. Then top it all off with an outerwear jacket.

There is so much information packed into this post that it just has to be helpful to you! Please let me know what you gained from these styling ideas by leaving a reply below!

Let’s Connect!

Like this post?  You might also want to read:

• “How to Transition Your Outfits in the Fall”
• “How to Dress the Warmest on the Coldest Days“
• “How to Get Good at Layering Bracelets“

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Angie

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Autumn/Winter Style, Fall/Winter, Layering, Outfit Ideas, Style, Tips and Advice, Transitional Weather