Mastering the Delicate Art of Layering: Guaranteed Stylish Look!
Combining comfort and style, a difficult exercise when temperatures are at their lowest. We tend to sacrifice our style to face the harshness of winter. But all that is over! With our layering tips, you will master the art of layering your clothes with taste and subtlety.
1. The fundamental rule of layering
Wear your layers from the thinnest to the thickest to minimize the thickening of the silhouette. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to wear thick or loose materials underneath, at the risk of creating large unsightly folds that will give the impression that you have a good twenty rolls wandering freely.
Moreover, fitted cuts retain heat better than loose cuts due to the effect of micro-friction with the skin. So opt for turtlenecks, bodysuits, or tank tops for example (warm, form-fitting, and thin). Just be careful with necklines for a harmonious result!
2. Horizontal layering and vertical layering
Vertical layering consists of stacking pieces of increasing length to elongate your silhouette. For example, a shirt, a leather perfecto, and a long blazer as shown in the photo below.
Image of Shiny Squirrel
However, vertical layering involves leaving the clothes open so that the different layers are visible. It is therefore important to combine vertical layering with horizontal layering. While the latter can indeed widen the silhouette, it will protect you from the cold.
Here is an example of horizontal layering: a white shirt worn under a chic and original sweater. The sleeves, collar, and bottom of the shirt peek out from the sweater for a look that is both polished and casual.
Click here for an original printed sweater
Combining horizontal clothing layering is therefore essential for warmth, while vertical clothing layering is crucial for elongating your silhouette.
Photo of Mwangi Gatheca
Don’t forget that your legs are an excellent asset for verticality! So also bet on shorts and skirts to elongate your silhouette. If you think it’s too cold to wear a skirt… Read on!
3. Fleece-lined tights: essential in winter!
Yes, it is possible to be warmer in a skirt than in pants! The micro-friction of tights on your skin helps create warmth, so don’t hesitate to show off your legs in winter to slim your silhouette and double up on your tights, girls!
Feel free to add chunky wool socks peeking out from your ankle boots.
Photo by Nevina AlleeClick here to buy tights
Or for high knit socks for a cuter and sexier look.
Photo by Nanoud
4. Mix and match of materials
Being able to differentiate layers is crucial to avoid looking like a shapeless "block." Hence the importance of mixing fluid materials with knitwear, leather, or felted wool.
For example, a thin cashmere cardigan over a satin top, a mid-length trench over a denim jacket, a navy felt coat over a camel leather perfecto, etc.
5. Prints and colors: yes, in moderation
Layering clothes inevitably adds bulk to your silhouette, so avoid wearing a fully visible printed garment as it amplifies the effect. But if it peeks out at the collar, sleeves, and waist for example, the print adds a very nice original touch to your outfit.
You can also wear the floral print. A floral printed skirt/dress, a chunky knit sweater on top, high socks over tights, ankle boots… all topped off with a felt hat and a long coat, and you’re good to go!
6. The essential hoodie
For a more streetwear touch that keeps you warm, the hoodie is your BFF! Worn with slim jeans and ankle boots for a rock style like a true Anglo-Saxon, or paired with a skirt and high wool socks for a cute style, it’s up to you to decide.
Dark gray hooded fleece cardigan Helena - Les Petits Imprimés
An idea for perfect layering: T-shirt, hoodie, and leather jacket. So we won't be cold like that?
7. Layer two coats or two scarves
Yes, yes, it's allowed! For example:
- Wool coat + parka
- leather jacket + wool coat
- denim jacket + leather jacket
- blazer + wool coat
- two wool coats in different colors…
There isn't a single perfect combination, rather a multitude of creative ideas to adapt according to your body shape, color palette, and tastes to be elegant while staying warm.
If you opt for two scarves, choose two different textures or wear two scarves layered on top of each other. And don't forget the verticality: let at least one end reach the top of your legs!
100% wool scarf available here
8. Bonus: two essential tips
a. Belting
Are you wearing a long sweater dress? To create horizontal layering while wearing just one piece, adopt the reflex of belting to highlight your waist and thus structure your silhouette lightly.
b. The role of jewelry
When it comes to jewelry, the sautoir is ideal for adding verticality to your outfit and slimming your silhouette through optical illusion. A must-have! Just like long earrings or a crossbody bag, especially if the strap is a metal chain.
And there you go girls, you know everything about layering! Your turn to play ;)
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