With a few well chosen clothing items you can look stylish and sophisticated while also staying toasty warm.
So leave the chill behind “ the layered look is a breeze to pull off with these simple rules.
Start with thin and light materials
Lighter and thinner fabrics should be closest to your skin “ sealing in your bodies warmth and maintaining balance in your clothing items. Successful layering doesn’t look like you just piled on your warmest clothes. Instead it presents a few carefully chosen items from lighter to heavier that look warm and stylish without looking heavy or bulky.
Add progressively looser fitting clothes
By far the most important rule of layering! Avoid the stuffed sausage look and make sure your tightest layer is first, followed by looser fitting clothes. Your last layer of clothing should move freely and not look stuffed or get wrinkled or crinkled from your layers underneath.
Wear compatible materials
Not all materials work well together. Make sure your different layers are complimentary and mix well together to create a complete look. Couple similar materials together, or combine them with neutrals. A fitted silk shirt with a delicate cashmere wrap work well together, as does a cotton blouse and velvet jacket. But a cotton camisole, silk blouse, thick wool dress and velvet jacket makes for couture confusion. Stick with a style, and ensure each of your materials project that look.
Avoid too many layers
Spend a few seconds perusing any runway show and you’ll notice the models usually max out at three or four layers of clothes. Follow the stylist’s lead and make sure you don’t go layer crazy. If you need to add more than four layers to stay warm consider changing your materials to warmer, tighter knits that are thick enough to keep you warm.
Add a dash of colour
Have fun with your layers and add a touch of colour into the mix. Colder weather typically invites darker colours, but this season’s popular bold reds, pinks, blues and purples can add some flair to your winter look. You can have a peak of colour in one of your inner layers, with a purple t-shirt under a brown jacket, or top off your look with your colourful top layer, like a red jacket over a fitted grey dress.
Don’t forget scarves
Never underestimate the warmth a stylish scarf provides! From thin cotton to thicker wool, scarves are a great addition to an otherwise blah outfit, and they keep the chill at bay. There are many ways to tie a scarf or drape it loosely over your shoulders to add intrigue to an outfit, while also keeping you warm.
Finish with accessories
Complete your layered look with some well chosen accessories that add the finishing touches to your ensemble. Make sure your accessories compliment the look you’re trying to achieve with your layers. If your look is delicate, soft and luxurious your accessories should be too.
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