The Art of Layering
The Art of Layering
How to make multiple pieces of clothing look good (and keep you warm).
The best thing about cold weather is the outfit layering potential. Yes, roaring fires, hot toddies and an excuse to spend the afternoon in a cosy pub come into it. But sticking just to dressing, it’s the idea of putting on multiple pieces that are not only warm but can create a completely different outfit with each combination, that gets my creative juices going.
I love putting on different pieces and seeing what I can come up with. Some standard, some not so standard but still work. But I do think there is an art to it. You don’t want to put on so many layers that you a) overheat b) can barely move your arms or legs and c) can’t put your coat on because you’ve suddenly become overly bulky.
I have a few layering go-tos that I’ve tried, tested and worn year after year. They keep me warm, they’re easy to shed whenever I find myself in a space where the heating’s cranked up or I’m on the tube at rush hour, and they all add an interesting spin to an outfit.
Double coats
This is a look I’ve worn a few times recently when I haven’t wanted to wear a thick top but I know I’ll need warm layers when I’m outside. The white coat is made from light cotton, so it’s more of a summer jacket, while the beige coat is wool. The two colours complement each other and break up the black jeans and shoes, adding something ‘extra’ to an outfit. As the white coat is light, it means I can also get away with wearing it indoors as part of my outfit, giving me a couple of different options when I get to my destination.
Leggings under cropped trousers
I saw this styling on Studio Nicholson’s Instagram a few years ago: a pair of cropped trousers with leggings sticking out underneath. It’s one of those images that has always stuck in my mind and a way of styling trousers I knew I could instantly recreate with items I had in my wardrobe. Not only does the contrast of slim-fitting leggings underneath the loose, cropped-leg trousers create an interesting silhouette, but it’s practical too. The leggings add a layer of warmth (bare ankles are not the one in autumn and winter) and stop that dreaded need to shave your legs.
Turtlenecks under oversized shirts
I’m a big fan of an oversized shirt. My wardrobe’s full of loose, billowy shirts in linen and cotton that I live in throughout spring and summer. They’re such a big part of my capsule wardrobe that I can’t bring myself to pack them away when autumn and winter come around but luckily, a warm layer underneath can work magic. When shirts are oversized, you’ve got a bit more space to play with. It means popping a turtleneck or roll neck underneath won’t be too bulky, especially if you go for one that’s quite slim-fitting like this one from Fub. I always like to choose a contrasting colour too; the rich red of this ribbed turtleneck stands out against the ecru of the shirt, adding a whole new dynamic to the outfit.
Vests over jumpers
I’ve got into vests over the past few years and frankly, I’m not sure how I dressed in winter without them. They add an extra layer of warmth without veering into overheating territory, you can take it off easily, and it adds another piece to your outfit so you’re not just living in your same old jumpers and jeans combo 24/7. I like the contrast of the colours in this outfit, it makes the grey vest stand out as the “main” piece against a backdrop of black but the outfit works just as well without the vest too.
Dresses over trousers (and jackets under coats)
Catch me on the coldest days of winter and chances are I’ll be wearing a variation of this outfit. On those cold, cold days, the more layers I can put on the better, and if I’m wearing that many clothes, I may as well make the outfit look interesting. In this instance, it’s all about using different lengths that, when stacked on top of each other, stand out in their own right. Grabbing a mid-length dress and putting it to work over a pair of trousers is a great way to do this, especially if it’s not tight-fitting so it can slot easily over the top. A hip-length or cropped jacket has the same effect, while the longer coat ties it all together.
Long dresses under skirts… and scarves around waists
I’ve included two images here, just to show you how many layers have gone into this outfit. I have a long-sleeve jersey dress from Raey, it’s one of my wardrobe basics that’s a bit of a workhorse. It fits really well, it’s a blank canvas so I can wear it multiple ways, and it’s just one of those pieces I feel good in every time I put it on. It’s made from jersey though, and not a particularly warm one, so it needs a couple of layers to make it wearable in winter. I’ve been wearing it with my wrap maxi skirt, also from Raey, on top, and wrapping a black cashmere scarf around the waist, which adds a little more shape and texture to the outfit (and warmth for your tush).
A suit under an oversized coat
I like a suit, especially if it’s relatively casual like this one. They always look like an “outfit” and they don’t take a lot of thought to put together. But on colder days, they’re not the warmest thing to wear. Unless you’ve got a wool suit with plenty of room under the jacket to wear your thickest of jumpers, they’re not going to do much in terms of keeping you warm. So adding a coat — make it oversized so it fits without feeling restrictive or bulky — is the best way to keep wearing your suits throughout winter. You could go sharp and super tailored, à la Saint Laurent SS25, or loose and more casual like my look here. But whatever you do, don’t pack your linen suits away just yet.
Any items marked with * have been gifted by brands. All thoughts, picks and reviews are my own.
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Whoa!! Obsessed with the double coat
So many good examples, love this! I totally forgot about double coats!