Layering 101 - It’s cold! Here’s how to dress for it

Are you or do you know someone who seems to be more at home in warm weather climates than cold? You know that person who has tons and tons of summer or all-season clothes with an itty bitty winter section? Is it possible that you or “your friend” is layering deficient an underdeveloped layerer?  If it’s cold, layering is good. It satisfies one of our basic needs of being warm.  That doesn’t mean it has to look forced.  Here’s how to do it with style. (Feel free to pass this onto “your friend” who needs a little layering education.)

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1.  FIT - Wear more fitted pieces under less fitted or bigger-sized pieces. This one may seem obvious, but when it’s a piece you really really like, you may be tempted to wear it even if it doesn’t work. Like that sweater you love but fits a bit snug? Best to wear something very fitted under it or nothing at all.  Otherwise the shirt will be bulky under the sweater and cause it to bag out in awkward places. Same goes for vests.  Be sure the shirt below the vest has a smaller arm hole than the vest.

Yes! Top fits more snug than the vest - even in the arm hole.

No! Sweater is too snug - especially with a shirt underneath.

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2.  FABRIC WEIGHTS - Layer lighter weight pieces under heavier weights. Have you ever noticed that a silk blouse over a sweater appears off? The reason is that the layered weights don’t make sense.  You know it’s wrong but may not know why.  Now you know! WARNING: advanced stylist tip coming… Beware of the visual weight, or the illusion that the fabric is heavy due to the texture of the fabric, even though it is actually lighter weight. You’ll want to make sure the visually weighty piece is layered over something that visually appears lighter weight.

Yes! The turtleneck weight is lighter - and appears lighter - than the heavily textured sweater over it.

No! Shirt appears lighter weight than the top under.

Yes! The denim jacket may be heavier weight than the blazer but the blazer appears heavier due to the texture. And it's working.

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3.  PATTERNS - Mixing patterns can be a daring endeavor which is why some people will avoid it at all costs.  When done right, the effect can be a harmoniously creative expression that will set you apart from the pack.  It doesn’t have to be too complicated.  Just remember that matchy-matchy is good in terms of color.  You want the patterns to have at least one color in common.  And matchy-matchy is not good in terms of the size of the pattern.  You want to pair small-scale patterns with medium to large.  Small-scale with small-scale will fight (and make you appear grade schoolish), medium with medium, large with large not good. Instead go with a small-scale pattern with a medium-scale, medium with large, etc.

Yes! The shirt, vest, and jacket all have blue in common. The pattern in the vest is smaller in scale than the jacket.

Yes! The tie, scarf, and jacket are all taupe and tie in well with the colors of the sport coat. The extra small scale pattern in the tie works well with small scale pattern in the jacket.

No! The colors are not repeating each other and not working.

No! Patterns are all the same size and they are FIGHTING.

No more excuses. You are now permitted to own more layers than a puffy coat because there is officially a cure for being an underdeveloped layerer.  You only need to put this new-found knowledge into action. Implementation is the key to surviving in a style starved cold weather climate.  I believe in you! Should you need a little extra support in your layering quest, I'm just a click away. 

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Are you wondering how to apply this to clothes you (or “your friend”) currently own? A wardrobe evaluation is a great place to start! It also makes an extremely thoughtful gift.  Learn more HERE.

HELP ME STYLE WHAT I ALREADY OWN

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