How to Stylishly Layer Clothes in Winter

Plummeting temperatures and slews of snowfall demand cozier clothes, but the typical winter outfit involves more shudder-worthy bunching and bulging than chic girls wish to imagine. From donning baggy coats to frumpy boots, it sometimes seems like staying stylish come the first freeze is impossible. But there are plenty of ways to tactfully layer clothes for cute combinations that promise protection from Jack Frost. Curious about how to layer fashionably and fabulously? Follow these steps, gals!

*Choose a comfy camisole: Find at least two staple camis in fun colors to wear over your bra. Ensure that the camis have a little stretch so that they skim your body, but aren’t tight. Anything with too much lace or other decorations might show through your next layer, so plainer cuts are usually best. Depending on how cold your environment is you may want to wear more than one at a time, maybe even in varying lengths.

*Search for the perfect tee: Layer a close fitting tee over your camisole. Again, something with some stretch will be the most flattering because you will be wearing at least a couple more layers over it and don’t want to appear too bulky. For a trendy look, choose a tee that’s slightly shorter than your camisole so that part of the cami peeks out. Aim for winning color combinations, like black & white, bright red & violet, chocolate & forest green, and spunky yellow & orange. If necessary, wear more than one tee.

*Grab a long-sleeve: Next, select a sleek long-sleeve that doesn’t bunch or ride up over your bottom layers. The top can have buttons or be buttonless, but the key is to maintain the slimmest profile possible. Keep in mind the neckline of the tee you have on underneath, too. Concealing the bottom tee’s neckline is generally prettier than leaving it exposed, especially if you have a thick short neck.

*Snag a vest or tank top: This step is optional, but if you want to be extra snuggly, fetch a sleeveless layer to put over your long-sleeve or your sweater. You can choose a puffy down vest for plenty of insulation or simply slip on a tank top that goes with your bottom layer for added flair.

*Put on a sweater: Unless you’re trying to achieve a slouchy artsy look, find a slim-fitting sweater, again keeping in mind the neckline of your bottom layer. Since this will probably be your top layer besides your coat (exceptions for those of you who live in very cold places and may need 2 or even 3 sweaters), make your choice expressive. A hood, interesting pockets, unique buttons, zippers, or a neat design can complete an outfit. And as a side note, if one of your bottom layers has a collar, pull it out and fold it over the sweater’s neckline so that it doesn’t bunch up and make your collarbone area look puffy under the sweater.

*Find Long Johns: Long Johns should fit well so that they don’t bunch up under your pants, but they shouldn’t be too tight or else sitting and walking will become painful. Preferably choose a pair in an attractive color or with a tasteful pattern; after all, even if no one else sees them, at least you’ll know they’re nice. Wear crisp pants (i.e., avoid sweats!) over the Long Johns to look well polished.

*Finish the look: Accessorize with a nice scarf, legwarmers, earmuffs, a hat, gloves, and a coat, depending on the weather and your personal tastes. Also remember that the right jewelry and make-up can punch up even the blandest outfit, so find something that really pops but doesn’t clutter the outfit.

Don’t let the cold scare you into dressing thirty pounds heavier. Wear multiple layers of slimming fabrics for surefire style. Thankfully winter clothes don’t have to be ugly clothes!