How to Layer in the Winter (And Still Look Cute!)

Layers. We layer everything, don’t we? We layer our hair, our sandwiches, our blankets, our salads, our makeup, our clothes, our jewelry, our soil, our art, and even our home decor. Layers are a great thing. They create texture, symmetry and balance, and in some cases, aesthetics. Sometimes, however, when used incorrectly or without much thought, layers can be a disaster! Any Friends fans out there? We aren’t all like Joey who can handle a trifle, just because we like the individual pieces. Custard? Good! Jam? Good! Meat? Good! So when it comes to our clothes and home decor, too many layers or layers with the wrong proportions can create quite a crazy, er, interesting look. For this post, I am going to create a few winter fashion looks that require layers, which is a MUST for me in the winter. And to avoid looking like the abominable snowman, I have to put some thought into creating those layers. I thought I would do the work for you so all you have to do is find similar pieces in your closet and recreate the look. I will warn you: being a work-from-home-mom, my winter wardrobe basically consists of flannels, t-shirts, cardigans, sweatshirts. I will try to use as much variety as possible, so bear with me. Here are 5 Ways to Layer in the Winter, and still look cute!

Look #1: Graphic t-shirt, flannel, chunky cardigan

Pair these with: distressed jeans, black denim, or black leggings, sneakers, ankle boots or riding boots

Optional add ons: beanie, layered necklace

Look #2: Plain t-shirt or tank, chambray button up, chunky cardigan

Pair these with: jeans (darker or lighter than the button up to contrast), olive joggers, black denim, and booties or canvas sneakers

Optional add ons-boot socks (even with ankle boots!), hat, layered necklaces

Look #3: Turtleneck tunic and long cardigan

Pair these with: leggings, black skinny denim, black knee high boots or riding boots

Optional add ons-layered bracelets, hat, knee high boots, belt, scarf

Look #4: tank top or cami, plain button down, oversized sweater

Pair these with: distressed denim, skinny jeans, ankle booties, sneakers

Optional add ons: layered necklace, ankle boot socks, (and apparently bare feet :p)

Look #5, jersey or plain cotton dress, long cardigan, leggings

Pair these with: knee high boots or ankle boots

Optional add ons: Scarf, hat, layered necklaces, skinny belt

Now that I’ve done the thinking part (and that’s always the hardest), go to your closet and create some layered looks for yourself. Before you think that you don’t have anything to create a layered look with, just dig a little deeper. You never know what you might like! If it looks a little frumpy, tie a skinny belt or scarf around your waist to cinch it and show that you still have one! I must admit, I even created some outfits that I’ve never paired before just by preparing for this post.

Have a happy and warm week!