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When it comes to cold-weather dressing, one thing is for certain: you’re going to need to master the art of layering. For cloudy mornings when the sun simply won’t rise, late nights out when the wind is howling, and snowy drops during work weeks, layering clothes for winter requires some creativity and exploration. Luckily, the mavens of the street style scene have provided endless layered moments, from suede coats atop colorful knitwear to updated flannels layered beneath trench coats, to emulate this season.
Layering can be used as an aesthetic amplifier—wearing visibly contrasting hues, combining opposing textures, or blending varying hemlines and lengths. Or, come winter, it can be both functional and fashion-forward with thermal bases, like cashmere tee’s, thin turtlenecks, and long-sleeved jersey tops, or by sliding tights beneath your favorite pleated trousers or leather midiskirts. One showgoer captured during Paris fashion week styled modern suiting with an oversized houndstooth winter coat, proving that you can transition your favorite fall blazer. Prefer to wear head-to-toe essentials? A leather bomber jacket is a chic partner for a cashmere sweater and striped poplin shirt. For all your cold weather needs, look to the 10 winter layering tips taken from street style, ahead.
Vogue s Favorite Layering Pieces:
- The Suede Topper: Madewell The Kline blazer, $498
- The Punchy Knit: Lisa Yang Mable cashmere sweater, $470
- The Striped Poplin: J.Crew Étienne oversized shirt, $98
- The Effortless Bomber: Acne Studios faux leather bomber jacket, $800
- The Must-Have Tank: Commando Whisper layering tank, $54
- The Lightweight Turtleneck: Frame rib turtleneck, $188
- The Chic Car Coat: Burberry long houndstooth car coat, $3,550
Tip #1: Add pop-of-color knits beneath suede
Utilitarian and whimsical, layering multi-colored knitwear in different contrasting shades (or in complementary pastels) is an easy yet elevated way to layer for winter, thanks to texture combinations when playing with the season s favorite fabric—suede.
Tip #2: Layer your warmest sweater with your lightest jacket
When the temperature drops, your first instinct may be to stow away lightweight outerwear till spring. However, with the right layer of your thickest knit, you can keep that lighter jacket in rotation. Add another layer, like Uniqlo’s Heattech long-sleeve, below for extra warmth.
The anchor of any transitional look is, and has always, been the trench coat. Adored for its versatility and lightweight coverage, Rohé’s trench is modernized with a twisted collar and deconstructed layers. Styling-wise, layer it atop a cashmere sweater, and then add a flannel shirt beneath that for a pop of color.
Tip #4: Play with patterns
Leopard, leopard, leopard—the fashion industry can’t get enough of bold animal prints, and for good reason. The wild print is both a neutral and a statement-maker at once. For winter layering, pair yours with an everyday blazer and let a striped tee add a contrasting mix.
Tip #5: Pair a bomber with a draped top to be best dressed
Off-duty models had the right idea—a leather bomber jacket is the ultimate cold-weather staple, especially for city dwellers wanting to look cool yet put-together. Ideal for layering, this street style star proves that the artfully draped top is the perfect mate.
Tip #6: Embrace preppy combinations
Prep is back, baby! But this isn’t the polished prep of the past—sorry, Blair Waldorf! While an oversized grey coat is the star of this show, a chunky polo and men’s-inspired knitted shirt are the supporting actresses. For even more of a boyish finish, top the look off with a Gucci loafer.
Tip #7: Double-up the denim
This utilitarian trend takes a more modern approach this season, with new hues and cuts taking the forefront. Layer up on your denim with an over shirt and blue jeans layer beneath an oversized fur coat, preferably one in the season’s beloved chocolate brown.
Tip #8: Don t forget about the cape
Barn jackets and shearling coats may still reign supreme, but there’s another outerwear option that bridges the gap between elegance and functionality. The cape is back and better than ever, thanks to luxe options from Cos. Keep your look monochrome by layering it over a slim-fit turtleneck and jersey tee.
Tip #9: Pile on the essentials
There’s never a wrong time to embrace the basics—but the essentials of now have surpassed blue jeans and white t-shirts. This vintage leather jacket is the perfect piece to top off a cashmere sweater and striped button-down pairing. Add a cuffed jean to stay current.
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Tip #10: Place a statement coat over suiting
All work and no play makes fashion, well, dull! The suiting of now has moved beyond the office. Temper down a full set with a houndstooth coat. Make sure to let your striped shirt (tucked behind a blazer) poke out for some color.
