Layering 101: Part 2 of How to Stay Warm in the Cold and Still Look Cool: Surviving Winer with Your Style (and Dignity) IntactJanuary 6, 2011tags:
basics,
belts,
boots,
bulky,
cardigans,
cinch,
How To's,
knee socks,
layering,
Looklet,
tanks,
tights,
why is this model's hair so big?Welcome to Part 2 of this series on how to stay warm in the cold and still look cool. The most important advice I can offer? Layer, layer, layer! Layering is the key to keeping warm but still maintaining your style. If you do it well, layering can make for a complex, creative look that catches the eye while also keeping out the wicked cold. Once you become a pro, you can blend all kinds of fabrics, colors, or prints into one funky outfit. Take that, winter! Layering 101:1: The Basics: For the layer closest to you skin, start with a pair of tights or leggings. If you’re going to wear jeans or pants over them (if I wear pants in the winter there’s generally something under them), I suggest a pair of stretchy, basic tights that won’t make for extra bulk or get ruined by the roughness of jeans rubbing against them for hours.
Even in Chicago winters I refuse to sacrifice my love of dresses, so I tend to wear two paris of tights most of the time, or a pair of tights under my leggings. If you’re adventurous and interested in taking on a current trend, try layering a thick pair of brightly colored tights under an open-weave, patterned pair like I did
here. Even with the open weave two pairs are warmer than one, and provided that you choose tights that are stretchy and well-made, you shouldn’t be adding too much bulk.
Next, layer on a close-fitting tank top of a non-cotton material. I have a stock of basic tanks from places like H&M or American Apparel. The tank should be fitted: too loose or too tight and it prevents warm air from resting between your body and the material. Choose something in a thin material that will hold its shape.
Socks are key to not freezing to death in the cold. I’m a big fan of
SmartWool, which makes non-itchy, relatively thin wool socks that keep your tootsies toasty. Knee and over-the-knee socks are currently super on-trend and provide a great extra layer on top of tights.
2: Beyond the Basics: After you’ve got your basic pieces, it’s time to add some color, volume, and sass. I have a set of winter standards: a turtleneck and jumper dress, a sweater dress with a cardigan and belt, a pair of shorts and a sweater, a skirt and top combo, or a dress and cape. At this stage you want to find colors and prints that are distinct but harmonize well and pieces that are designed to layer (i.e. no beading on a shirt under a sweater, no cloth flowers or ruffles on skirts bulging out from underneath tops). Avoid heavy or thick fabrics or anything that will bunch under or over another piece. Again, for pieces underneath others, fitted is generally best.
When it comes to layering, the cardigan is a girl’s best friend. It can be worn over a dress, a skirt and top, or jeans and a tee, and it can come off when it gets warm inside, a key feature in not sweating to death once you’ve made it from the tundra to the indoors.
3: Layering Chic!: After you’ve layered several pieces and have a look you like, add on the accessories. In Chicago, a scarf is a must. It’s both an essential part of urban style and a major factor in keeping out the cold. A fur stole can work well in place of a scarf, too. It’s super warm and has a vintage flare that makes any outfit look a bit more luxe.
With layers, it’s important to avoid looking too flowy or bulky. Try a belt to cinch things in and help streamline your look.
In winter I tend to be a serious devotee of knee-high boots. They’re in style, look great, and add a thick layer over tights and socks. They’re also pretty much impervious to snow, which means no soggy, freezing feet. And who doesn’t want to look a little badass when you’re tromping through the winter wonderland?
And finally, I often stay away from complicated jewelry or other accessories in the winter. I’m wary of my outfit looking too busy or getting my pieces all tangled together. This happens often and I end up looking like a cat stuck in a box. Fun for others, not for me. So, I generally let my scarf, shoes, and bag do the talking for me.
4: Ready for the Cold!: Once you’ve got your outfit and your accessories, it’s time to layer on the final pieces- the hat, gloves, coat, and bag. The beauty of skillful layering is that you’ll be warm enough that you won’t have to wear a giant coat that obscures your entire body and outfit. There’s nothing worse than getting FGLC (Fat Guy in a Little Coat) syndrome in winter, so pick a coat that’s loose enough to allow room for the pieces you’ll have under and that’s long enough overall so that you have some extra warmth over your tights.
Coats, gloves, and hats can be super fun, so pick something that keeps you warm but has an exciting print or interesting details. Since your coat is the first thing people see of your outfit in winter, make it something special or at least eye-catching. Experiment with wearing gloves over coat sleeves or even with arm warmers in place of gloves.
Now, put it all together and there you have it- a warm, funky outfit that has you looking cool but feeling toasty out in the cold!
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