How To: The Art of Layering
How is it already Monday again!? This weekend in Connecticut finally felt like fall with some pretty cool temperatures. It was still beautiful weather, but I have to say I miss those 70 and sunny days. With the weather getting cooler (well, who knows if it will stay this way), I thought I would share how I’ve mastered the art of layering. Yes, it is an art! As long as I can remember I’ve always been perpetually cold. I mean, it can be the middle of summer and you’ll still catch me in a sweatshirt. Dealing with being cold is something I haven’t always been good at. I remember my pseudo-rebellious teenage years (I was never really rebellious!) when I would resist listening to my mom’s advice about dressing warm. All I cared about was “looking cool,” but would end up miserably cold and severely underdressed. Eye roll.
Luckily I quickly realized that being cold was not “cool” and that I could actually be warm and look cute too! My mom has definitely been my mentor when it comes to layering (she’s always cold as well). So I’m here to share all my tips and tricks to staying warm and putting together the perfect layered look.
How to Layer:
Step 1 – pick your base – So your base should differ depending on the temperature you’re dressing for. If it’s 50-60 and sunny maybe you just need a t-shirt, but if we’re talking 40 and below then you’ll definitely want a long-sleeve layer (and maybe even 2 base layers, like a cami under your long-sleeved tee). I personally prefer my base layer to be an athletic material. This Lululemon long-sleeved shirt is my go-to base layer. Here are some other options as well:
Step 2 – sweater weather – “Sweater weather” and layering are basically synonymous for me. If it’s cold enough to wear sweaters then you can bet I’ll be layering to stay warm! Obviously not all sweaters are equal. I have my lightweight summer sweaters, my chunky winter sweaters, and everything in between! Pictured here is one of my warmest turtleneck sweaters. I love how it is a little roomy so I can fit one, two, or even three layers underneath. Unfortunately this sweater is a few years old, but I found lots of similar options below!
Step 3 – lightweight outerwear – Before throwing on a warm coat/jacket I always grab a lightweight layer. This layer is key in case it ends up being warmer than expected. If that’s the case you’ll be glad you were prepared for the worse, but you’ll also be able to shed your outer layer and be comfortable in your lightweight layer. My two go-to pieces are this Marmot vest ***currently 50% off, and only $50!) and my Nano Puff Patagonia.
Step 4 – protect yourself – So all these layers won’t really do anything for you unless you throw on a good jacket/coat on top of everything (unless you’re in a more mild climate then you might be fine with just three layers). There are so many different options thought! I have three jackets that I’ll switch between depending on the weather/temperature. All three jackets are longer (they come down right above my knee), which is a personal preference, but I think the length helps keep me a little warmer. The warm-weather rain jacket pictured is by Kate Spade (similar here). My puffy winter jacket is by SAM (not pictured). I also own a warm wool coat from J.Crew (here). Oh! And how could I forget my Barbour? 9 times out of 10 I’m probably layering with my Barbour jacket on top, or I have it in the back of my car in case I need it. More coat/jacket options below!
turtleneck: Old, options below! • denim: AG Jeans • boots: Vince Camuto • coat: Kate Spade (similar) • base layer: Lululemon • vest: Marmot • tote: Draper James
