Survive the Rest of Winter With These 4 Essential Layering Tips

base layers for winter
Photographed by Acielle / STYLE DU MONDE

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As tempting as perusing spring’s new arrivals on your favorite e-tailer might be, the harsh reality is that the next few weeks promise continued cold weather. The tail end of winter can be the most difficult period to dress for too. Maybe the sweaters you bought back in the fall feel tired or you haven’t had the chance to try some of our winter layering tips and styling tricks just yet. Good news: The key to looking stylish while dressing warmly this winter isn’t just about a good sweater or coat, it’s the basics. Let these four styling hacks, a few important accessories, and some stylish base layers for winter be your guide when it comes to staying warm and chic for the rest of the season.

Start with a Great Base Layer

Base layers for winter are essential. If you spend a lot of time outside, think of getting dressed for a day in the city as you would for a day of skiing. Start with a thermal base layer, like Uniqlo’s Heattech leggings or Matek’s jersey high turtleneck bodysuit, that can be worn either hidden or exposed. Just add your look for the day over the thin layer, whether it’s a sweater or a dress that reveals some of the base layer’s color or print. Trust us, you’ll be much warmer and more comfortable outside—and won’t overheat while indoors either.

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Photographed by Phil Oh
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Matek The Gerenuk Turtleneck Bodysuit

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Taion Self-Heating Inner Down Jacket

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BDG Urban Outfitters Half-Zip Ribbed Top

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Uniqlo Heattech Extra-Warm Stirrup Leggings

Keep Cool While Staying Warm in an Elevated Fleece

Similar to the puffer jacket, the fashion fleece is another winter staple that we are so glad is having a comeback. It s warm, cozy, and—thanks to brands like Sandy Liang, Marc Jacobs, and Donni—stylish too. Wear one alone as a light jacket on warmer days, or layer one under a big coat for colder ones. Style tip: Leave your coat open at the top, and zip up your fleece all the way to show off the high neck while still achieving maximum warmth.

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Photographed by Phil Oh
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Sandy Liang Frey Moire Pocket Fleece Jacket

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Donni Tri-Fleece Pullover

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Levi’s Crop Ao Sherpa Trucker Jacket

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Marc Jacobs The Fleece

Use Your Turtleneck as a Statement-Making Layer

Street-style stars have demonstrated layering brightly colored and patterned turtlenecks for many seasons now, proving that there are multiple ways to incorporate the statement piece into your winter outfits. Sneak one under a button-up shirt or wrap jacket for a chic pop of color or let the turtleneck do all the talking under an open blazer or coat.

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Photographed by Phil Oh
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Paloma Wool Flow Top

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Other Stories Wave-Print Stretch Turtleneck

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Diane Von Furstenberg Brandy Pullover

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Nanushka Madi Tie-Dyed Turtleneck

Small Accessories With Big Impact

For quick and easy cold-weather style hacks, look no further than these small accessories. Veronica Beard’s cable-knit dickey gives the illusion that you have in fact worn a full additional layer, sans bulk, and even comes with a matching set of cuffs that double as arm warmers. For an edgier, borrowed-from-the-boys look, try JW Anderson’s neck band, a simple addition that with just one zip has the power to give even your most repeated outfits new life, all while keeping you warm too.

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Photographed by Phil Oh
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JW Anderson Wool Collar

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Gucci Strawberry Logo Tights

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Veronica Beard Upstate Knit Dickey With Cuffs

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Fendi Double-F Logo Metallic Tights