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It’s Winter in New York and what better than layered styles to feel comfy and cozy yet stylish! It’s important to know how to layer clothes for cold weather. We all layer our clothes as the weather gets chilly but it’s more or less done for function rather than for fashion. I am often told that it is difficult to keep things practical as well as flattering. So, in this blog I want to share some of my personal winter layering tips and tricks for those of you who want to look chic while still feeling as snug as a bug.

Before I start, I will be sharing two of my favorite pictures at the end of the blog. Plus, not all the photos in this blog are in the look book. So, make sure you scroll to the bottom to checkout all of the amazing pictures and the secret to layering your basics in style.

So, how do you layer your favorite pieces in a functional AND fashionable way?

It’s simple! The first step to any great layered look is to start with simple basic separates like a white top and a blue denim. Look for solid colors, neutrals, and clean silhouettes to start. By the way, layering tip #1: ‘if your pair of pants are thin or not of a winter-apt fabric, consider wearing thermals or your daily workout leggings’. Next, add a sweater, tank top, a hoodie, a vest or any piece of clothing you liked to wear during the Summer. Keep in mind to choose the right basics+layer 2 combo to avoid a bulky look. Add a blazer, jacket or coat and don’t forget to accessorize.

While you put together your outfit, always keep the temperature in mind! The weather is usually unpredictable and hence, layering tip #2: ‘keep your eye on the impact of the finished look and how the outfit will look if you need to peel a layer or two off throughout the day.’

Here is how I layered my basics to the Edge in NYC -

I decided to choose a basic white knit turtleneck from Zara and cargo pants from Shein for my base. Given the fabric of the pants, i layered it over my workout legging to keep me warm in the windy outdoors of the City. While I had an option of wearing a v-neck black crop top, I layered the turtleneck with a black ribbed tank top.
Here is the full look:

This is the best picture we could get in 45 seconds that they gave us to click. I must say that is an amazing idea to make sure everyone gets an opportunity to enjoy at THE EDGE of the Edge. But is it really…if you can’t get an Instagramable picture when you get there after waiting in the queue?

Anyhow, for the third layer, I picked out a gray overcoat from Zara to complete the monochrome look I was aiming for. From my experience, I would suggest choosing a puffer jacket or a long overcoat over a pair or cargo pants or boyfriend denim. Here is the look with the coat:

And finally, I accessorized with a cute belt, a leather baguette bag from Mango and a pair of chunky combat boots to combat the cold. See what I did there? 👀😁

Sharing a close up of the look below to show the actual color of the coat. I must say the indoors had a strong warm yellow lighting…see the color difference!?!

Now what good would this blog be without giving you all alternatives or denim and skirt basic examples!
Following is another example of layering your white denim and a bodysuit with a puffer jacket. While above look qualifies for a day out or even a dinner, the following may just be the perfect outfit you want for your Sunday brunch.

I’d like to emphasize that if you feel lost with how to layer clothes for cold weather, the best place to start is with simple, versatile building blocks. Regardless of which layers you add on top, it’s best to start with clean basics that will pair seamlessly with subsequent pieces.

Layering tip #3: Choose a neutral color palette for your base. Make it easy on yourself. Keep details minimal—a little goes a long way!

You realize how important it is to choose a neutral color palette for basics? It makes it easy on you to top the first layer with either more neutrals or a bright color without having to worry about clashing.

If you start with a more detailed and elaborate base layer, choosing a second and third layer gets increasingly difficult. Busy patterns, multiple colors, voluminous ruffles, and unusual cuts are harder to work with and less versatile. Skip these for now while you learn how to layer clothes for cold weather.

Let your creative juices flow when it comes to accessorizing any outfit. I personally like matching all my accessories but again, that’s a personal choice. For the brunch, I wore my favorite boots from H&M which have an inner lining and a very soft sole and an adorable beanie to match with the boots.

Now, the following is another look but make sure you are fully aware of the weather and your capacity to resist the cold. For a dinner in a heated glasshouse over one of the last weekends, I decided to wear a thick knitted pencil skirt and a v-neck cream blouse.

Again, skipping straight to the outerwear, I layered my outfit with a classy black peacoat from H&M and accessorized it with a salmon pink scarf, beanie, a beige hex bag from Charles & Keith.

Layering tip #4: Remember that your outermost layer defines your look. Opt for a red fur coat over a white knit dress to make a statement look or choose a buttoned peacoat for a fine dine or a professional setting. Have fun with colors and stay warm.

Now that you understand how to layer clothes for cold weather, you can begin to create beautiful, harmonized looks with infinitely more depth and interest than a single-layer look.

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Finally, revealing the two pictures i loved the most. The first one is where i stepped on the glass bottom and could see everything from 100 floors above ground. The second is where we tried a bit of photography and turned out to be a great shot - actually showing the edge and the full Empire State building. Which one did you like more? Let me know in the comments below.

Puffer Jackets or Coats?

Comment down below and let us have some fun.

Here’s the tip for the week-

Tip #15: By building with the neutral or pastel basics, being mindful of the layers per weather, and experimenting with finishing touches, layering will become an effortless and exciting way to showcase your unique style. The key is to go easy on yourself and pick out the simplest base and then layer as per your silhouette.

If you’re ready to start layering but don’t have the outerwear to pull your looks together yet, click on the Winter tag at the bottom of this blog to find all the winter related blogs with coats.

Already have a full wardrobe but still looking for a little extra help pulling it all together? Email me or comment down below and I will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect outfit for the occasion.

If you like the blog and have any questions, let me know what you want me to address next.

I hope you enjoyed the blog and found the perfect style for your silhouette!

Xoxo,
Stylouette

Shama Kamat