Don’t know what to do for those crisp mornings, warm days and cool nights? It might be the perfect weather, but finding the perfect outfit can be a little tricky. While you take out your winter clothes and start packing your summer tees and shirts, think twice! Even though the summer clothes are half sleeves, made of cotton, often these tees and shirts help you with the art of layering during the winter and give you the warm and comfort as well as a stylish look. Let's start with the essential 3 layers:
1. Lightest Weight First
This is where your summer tees come handy. One of the first things to remember about layering, start with a thin shirt, then add a slightly thicker mid-layer and top it all off with a jacket or an over coat. This allows you to look good/fashionable with the different colours; layers as well as you can adjust your clothing to the temperature of your surroundings. The first layer should be breathable, light as well as the lightest colour among all the layers.
2. Adding a Mid-Weight Middle Layer
There are different ways to layer for various occasions. If you are going to the office on a regular day, you are indoors; therefore heating is a plus point. However, this is where your layers come in; you will be travelling in the cold to get to your office. The office is the perfect place to celebrate and enjoy your classics: blazers, coats, shirts, etc. A vest or blazer or even a cardigan will keep your body warm but can also reveal your white shirt. Look for pieces than you can quickly pull off and on without compromising your overall look. You want to look good at all times, adding a versatile mid-middle layer would help immensely.
3. Final Layer/Top Layer
This the most important layer as it is the one that will keep you warm. Finishing touch is your jacket, blazer, overcoat or coat. Chose just one bulky item of clothing, if that is your final layer, and then make sure your other layers are relatively more accessible and breathable. You want to bundle up and not look bulky.
A few things to help make your outfit more stylish:
- Accessorize with Scarves
On those cold, windy days; your ears and neck tend to get cold super fast! Adding a blank scarf is the perfect option. You could use it to cover your ears still look fashionable. It could add colour to your outfit as well as dress it up with a pop of colour or bold designs.
- Socks Leaving a Lasting Impression
Don’t forget your socks! Allow your feet to leave your outfit’s lasting impression. The quirky fun, bold coloured socks matching your outfit can really complete your outfit.
- Colour Scheme
Choose complimentary colours. Even though this is an unsaid rule, it is worth mentioning once. Remember to chose one strong or “star” colour and the others should be supporting characters or complimentary colours. If your main piece has a pattern or print, then the others should plain garments. You can construct the rest of the outfit around the main piece. Think of this as a gradient. They should flow seamlessly between each other, for example monochromatic, rather than disjointed. For example, if you have a beige over coat, which is your stair piece, then choosing whites, creams and greys would be a good choice rather than pinks and oranges or even greens! Keep it simple and you will never go wrong.
Just because its cold outside, and it’s not spring or autumn anymore, that does not mean you have to tone down your love of colour. Anything is acceptable in winters as long as it is combined with complimentary colours. Make the lightest colour your base, then go darker and bolder as you make your way outwards!
- Don’t go crazy with Layers.
Even though there is no set number of layers, please do avoid the hobo man look or Joey from F.R.I.E.N.D.S look. If you cannot move under the clothing, that means you have too many layers on. Comfort comes first. Always have enough breathing space so you do not feel suffocated.
To Conclude, Remember:
- Bottom Layers: Basics belong in the bottom. Lightweight shirts, thinner fabrics, like cotton then layer with heavier fabric: wool or denim.
- Middle Layer: This could be anything from a cardigan, vest, denim jacket or even a hoodie. Winter fabrics include tweed, flannel, corduroy, wool and cashmere.
- Top Layers: Finishing touch is your jacket, blazer, overcoat or coat. The occasion should determine your top layer as it would be the clothing that is most visible.
Enjoy your winters! If we have missed out any tips, please add them in the comments below, we would love to hear from you!