The Art of Layering

Aside from holiday parties and ugly sweater get-togethers, the possibility to slip into winter weather fashion doldrums is nearly second nature. With cold winds, blustery temperatures and lazy days galore, living out December in pajamas and wool socks, the heavy duty coat and tangled bedhead is practically the unofficial weekend uniform. That being said, when your friends or family finally get you out of the house and away from your latest Netflix binge, creating the perfect layered look can be a touch trickier than you may think. With these handy tips from Instagram style bloggers, we put together a few inspiration ideas to make sure your street style still rocks even when all you want to do is curl up beneath the covers and wait for the season to pass.

Fit to Scale

One key aspect to a layered look is dimensions and lengths. To avoid the dreaded bulk, be sure to pay attention to where each hemline falls. Cardigans, blouses and vests should all have varied hems to create the illusion of dimension and space. ChiCityFashion takes this idea to the extreme with her billowy duster and ankle cut pants. With flatforms for an extra boost in the height department, this look creates drama and intrigue. Just be sure to remember: baggy top layers look dynamite in the face of crisp winter winds but might not be the most warming of options!

Top to Bottom

The best way to approach a layered ensemble is to view the outfit from top to bottom. Make sure the palette plays well together and be sure to mix and match different sized patterns and textures when layering garments. Pretty Little Fawn’s autumnal-inspired get-up, with mustard orange hues, flannel and ankle boots, appears effortless, especially from the perfectly seasonal color choice. Topped off with a casual, floppy hat, this look screams late-fall, winter weather style, with or without the fall leaf background.

Make a Statement

For those interested in standing out in a crowd, do not discount the statement piece. Whether it is a bold-hued scarf or metallic tights, adding a touch of flair amidst sweaters and blazers, boots and skirts, is sure to add a perfect highlight amongst a sea of black. Where Did U Get That shows how to utilize several statement pieces at once with her pleated gold metallic midi skirt and fuchsia cable knit sweater. The trick to balancing all these bold and bright statement pieces is texture. The pleats compliment the cable and a simple black leather purse is the perfect period to the loud and vibrant look.

New Classics

As the saying goes: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. While street style and blogs have become all the more necessary for style inspiration over the past decade, some fashion high notes will always remain timeless. Take Man Repeller’s classic camel peacoat, striped sweater and relaxed fit jeans for example. Not only is the palette neutral and approachable but each of these pieces—when paired with other options and looks—are equally versatile and sure to last in your closet season over season. Coming up with layered ensembles takes an incredible closet inventory so a few classic options to last you through the years are a necessity, especially when America’s obsession with preppy neutrals is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Accessorize This

While clothing is key to any layered look, do not forget about accessories. Whether scarves, sunglasses, shoes, bracelets or rings get the heart racing, these small details are where the art of layering really shines. Not only are scarves and all their various ties the epitome of understated cool but they are also a practical winter weather necessity. The Golden Girl shines with a patterned silk scarf and leather bracelet combo. Never discount a little added bling. When else can you rock metallic cuffs, big and bold layers, and a swath of red lipstick other than this time of year?