7 Ways To Layer Your Look This Winter
When the temperature drops, layering is one of the best dressing strategies you can adopt.
In Australia (particularly Melbourne), a day can begin chilly and a turn of the sun in the afternoon can have you wishing you perhaps had some clothing layers to peel away. Also knowing that perhaps you’d need those layers again later.
So layering can work two fold: it makes for an interesting outfit and is ideal for tran-seasonal weather days.
Many of my clients love the idea of layering but are perplexed by how other women are layering with so little effort – or so it seems.
Now layering is not as tricky as it looks. I promise.
Fears of looking bulkier or mismatched clothing combinations are common but can be easily avoided.
So today, I’ve offered seven solid layering tips, as well as a few ideas to get you layer-ready.
- Layering needs to be seen as being relative to your body proportions so you can still see your shape. For example, if you don’t want to lose your waist, you can place a belt over your entire outfit.
- If you are more of a solid lady (heavier through the top and mid section), you should opt for a maximum of one to two thin layers.
- If you are a leaner lady, you can carry off more volume in your layers so, move into the three to four piece range.
- Layers can be contrasting colours or tonal. I prefer tonal as it offers more of a slimming and elegant approach. A patterned or print top works well beneath a solid colour so it can peek out via the neckline, hem or cuff.
- Keep layers all of a relative thickness, this adds to the look and you won’t feel too overwhelmed or bulky.
- With fabrics, feel free to play with texture. Combining different materials can look a little less bulky than layering the same and again make for an interesting outfit.
- Long line tops and cardigans are your loyal friend when it comes to layering. It helps you work with different lengths to suit your body shape.
Bardot: Check shirt $79.95 and dress $99.95 with grey cardy $179.95
Seed: Jumper $149.95, vest $169.95, jeans $89.95 and boots $199.95
Cotton On: Long sleeved t-shirt $14.95, sleeveless dress $19.95 and plum cardigan $39.95
Sussans: Shirt $99.95, knit $79.95 and jacket $169.95
French Connection: Stripe dress $89.95 and warp cardigan $219.95
French Connection: Skivvy $49.95, wrap around cardi $99.95 and necklace $49.95
Metallicus: Trench $199.95, dress $149.95 and roll neck tunic $99.95
Finally, for our trend setters, this season, dresses over pants are back. I know, we haven’t seen this since the late 90’s! It’s a little hard to carry off but do experiment with it if you’re game. It will look best on ladies who are in the tall category. http://checksandspots.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/11m.jpg
Do you layer or avoid it completely?
If yes, I’d love to hear your layering tip.
Hi, what is the brand of the red/blue check shirt you are wearing in the first few pics please?
Hi Karen, its an old one from French Connection. I have not seen another similar in the silky fabric to even recommend…….sorry 🙁 xx
I wouldn’t get through Winter without layering. I always start with a singlet tucked in, a long sleeve fine wool or cotton top (usually with a vneck or round neck), then add my knit, shirt, jumper and then if I know I’m going to be outside most of the day, I add a vest, scarf, blazer or coat! And I always wear TWO pairs of socks in Winter – a nice thin cotton pair with a chunkier wool/cotton blend over the top! Can you tell I feel the cold??
I LOVE my two Metalicus long sleeve scoop neck basic tops – wash them regularly as they are on high rotation in my wardrobe!
Love to know somewhere to buy wool or wool blend layering basics in neutral colours at a reasonable price – locally I can’t find them.
Thanks Cindy and Lacey
Carla
You sound like me Carla……..a bit of a cold fish!!!! The best at a reasonable price I think are from Kookai for the wool blend. The sizing might be iffy in there but give them a go as great quality basics!!!! More expensive option……..skin and Threads!! xo
Great tips! I love to layer because I am not a fan of wearing bulky coats in the winter. It is easier to layer than to walk around all day with a bulky coat!
Glad you like the tips Lanae! Layering is definitely a MUCH easier way to keep warm in Winter and feel good 🙂
Great advice as I was in the perplexed bunch! I now have a few great ideas to help build some clear direction for layering. I love the idea of patterns under under block color and the pics show it working really well!! Thanks Cindy!!!
You’re welcome Jenny! Have fun playing around with some layering combinations! 🙂