How I Like to Layer For Warmth AND For Style in Autumn/Winter

January is just about over AT LAST and I couldn’t be more pleased – let’s look at what I’ve been wearing, shall we?

Okay I have a confession to make: I wore this outfit back in November. Eagle-eyed Brits will notice the poppy on my lapel which gives it away as the time around Remembrance Day. Seeing as it’s actually now January 74th (YOU know what I mean…) then yeah, it’s from a while ago. I thought about not mentioning the fact that these photos were taken weeks ago and just going, Hey, look what I wore this weekend!

But gadzooks, that devious poppy gave the game away. F*ckin boooooooo…

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Anyway – although it was milder back then (and Autumn of course), the weather’s back to being generally milder again. This week is averaging out at 11°C (about 50°F) every day, and I’m good with that. It means that in the daytime – as opposed to when I’m out walking early morning, which is still COLD – I get to layer and feel a little more stylish than when the temperatures are below freezing.

(Because when it’s properly cold all I tend to wear is the same fleece-lined, waterproof jacket every day. I’m not complaining, it’s as warm as hell and I love it but I do feel kinda Michelin man-esque wearing it, but there’s nothing better for walking the dog. Word of warning: if you get one, size up CONSIDERABLY. I sent back three before I got to the right one: I settled on an XXL in the end, and I’m about a size UK14 at the moment.)

Shop the look:

So I could TOTALLY wear this outfit in the current weather, but seeing as Britain has the most changeable weather known to mankind (the Scottish Highlands set a new high for January in the UK of nearly 20°C/68°F the other day, I mean WTF), who knows what February will bring. If I get to heavily layer what I’m wearing – for both warmth and style – then I’m golden.

This outfit consists of all old items except for the sweater, but even that was charity-shopped – it’s my current favourite knit thanks to those fabulous colours. The longline waistcoat (bought many years ago from M&S I’m afraid, but take a look at these fabulous tailored wool waistcoats from Kettlewell/ughhh now I want the one in the ginger colourway/oh and they’re on sale too) is so versatile. It works over dresses, underneath coats, over sweaters, over shirts… you name it, it does it.

More tips for adding layers in autumn/winter

A long, tailored wool coat is the coat du jour: The ultimate winter coat for layering. I find that shorter coats or jackets don’t really lend themselves so well to layering, but if the coat is long and “straight” then you can add anything from a neat denim jacket to a blazer to a longline waistcoat (underneath, as here) to a big woolly blanket/scarf affair (on top). See this outfit: me bundled up under a massive scarf worn on top of the same navy pinstripe coat I wore above.

Add collars (faux or real): I’ll often layer a long-sleeved t-shirt underneath a sweater in cold weather (I added a white one, above, which meant that the white trainers had a little strip of white to play off) – and yes, I’m using the term collar loosely here, but it’s like a little bit of trimming at the neckline. Any sort of faux or real collar layered under a sweater elevates the look and gives you something to match to those white trainers – or anything else that needs another little something in the same colour. Like this beautiful white lace collar under a plain sweater.

Roll-neck sweaters are your friend: They give you a way to wear your summer boho dresses, or anything that seems just a bit too summery. Just add a ribbed (or similar) roll neck under dresses, jackets, cardigans and coatigans and you’ll add warmth, an extra colourway and interest. I have a few of them in basic colours that go with everything in my wardrobe: grey, white, black, orange and red. (OMG now I’m thinking I need a yellow and pink one #EyeRoll.) See this outfit of a dress over a roll neck and trousers plus the same navy coat, as above. Again.

Longline waistcoats are versatile: As seen above, they’re a winner when it comes to layering to keep out the cold as well as adding colour. See how I wore the same longline waistcoat (or is it a gilet…?!) with a knitted dress and then with a chunky knit and peg-leg trousers.

Unconventional pairings: Don’t be afraid to wear a dress over trousers, or a waistcoat over a coat, or a coat over a jacket. Remember, there aren’t any rules. Just play around with your layers and have fun, but be aware of proportions. The rule of thirds is a good one to go by, but to be honest if you like it, just wear it. See this outfit: an oversized shearling waistcoat over a coatigan, or this one: a longline jacket over a dress over trousers.

Your turn – how do you like to layer in autumn/winter? Any tips? Tell us in the comments…

Thanks for reading,

Coat: Jaeger (old, similar) / Waistcoat: M&S (old, similar – but do check out these tailored wool waistcoats in four colourways, they just don’t have burgundy sadly) / Trousers: Asos (similar) / Sweater: Charity shopped (love this cashmere one) / Trainers: Amazon (old, similar) / Bag: La Redoute (old, similar) / Earrings: Asos (love these) / Prescription glasses: Specsavers