Layering is a must-know skill for cold weather dressing. Layering clothing for winter is a creative and exploratory process. It can be used to cover up a cloudy day when the sun won’t come out, or a windy night when it’s snowing. street-style mavens provide endless layering moments this season, from leather coats over colorful knitwear, to flannels under trenchcoats.
Wearing contrasting colors, textures and blending different hemlines or lengths can all be done to enhance your aesthetic. It can also be functional and fashionable in winter with thermal bases like cashmere tops, long-sleeved tops and thin turtlenecks. Or you can slide tights under your favorite leather midiskirts or pleated trousers. A showgoer photographed during Paris Fashion Week styled a modern suiting with a houndstooth coat. This proves that you can easily transition your fall jacket. Do you prefer to wear essentials from head-to-toe? A leather bomber is the perfect partner to a cashmere shirt and striped poplin sweater. Look to the street style tips below for 10 winter layering ideas.
1: Use knits in bright colors under suede.
Layering multi-colored Knitwear (or complementary pastels) in different contrasting colors is a simple yet elevated way to dress for winter.
2: Layer a warm sweater under a light jacket.
Your first instinct might be to store away your lightweight outerwear until spring when the temperatures drop. With the right layering of your thickest sweater, you can still wear that lighter jacket. For extra warmth, add another layer below, such as Uniqlo Heattech’s long-sleeve.
3: Transform a trench with a flannel or cashmere coat.
The trench coat has been the anchor of every transitional look for years. Rohe’s trench, a favorite for its lightweight coverage and versatility, is modernized by a twisted neck and deconstructed layers. Style-wise, add it on top of a cashmere sweatshirt, then add a colorful flannel underneath.
4: Play patterns.
Fashion industry loves bold animal print. Wild prints are both neutrals and statement makers at the same time. Pair yours with a basic blazer for winter layering and add a striped top to create a contrast.
5: To look your best, pair a bomber jacket with a top draped in lace.
The off-duty models were right: a leather jacket, particularly for urban dwellers who want to look stylish and put-together in the cold weather. This street style star shows that the top with the draped design is perfect for layering.
6: Use preppy colors and combinations.
Prep is back! This isn’t your polished prep from the past, sorry Blair Waldorf! The star of the show is an oversize grey coat, but the supporting actors are a chunky Polo and a knitted shirt with hints of menswear. To give the look a more boyish feel, finish it off with a Gucci shoe.
7: Double up the denim.
The utilitarian trend is taking a modern twist this season with new colors and cuts. Add a layer of denim to your outfit with a blue shirt, followed by a pair of jeans. Then add an oversized fur jacket in the popular chocolate brown.
8: Don’t forget the cape!
The barn jacket and the shearling coat may still be popular, but another outerwear choice that combines elegance with functionality is the cape. Cos’s luxe capes are back in style and even better than before.
9: Pile on essentials.
It’s never too late to embrace basics, but the essentials have evolved beyond blue jeans and white T-shirts. This vintage leather jacket will look great with a Cashmere Sweater and Striped Button-Down. Keep it current by adding a cuffed denim.
10: Wear a statement jacket over your suit.
Fashion is dull when it’s all work and no fun! Now, the suiting is not just for work. A hound stooth jacket can be used to soften a full suit. Let your striped shirt peek out from behind the blazer to add some color.
