It’s unlikely that you want to look wider or bigger (although you may want to use layers to balance your figure). Thankfully, layering for winter doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style for warmth. With the right clothes and approach, you can stay cozy without feeling weighed down or bulky. Below, you’ll find our favorite tips for building sleek, stylish winter layers so you can layer for winter without looking bulky.
How to not look bulky when layering?
This article has many tips for layering without adding unwanted bulk. You need to consider how balanced your outfit is so you don’t add width all over, even when adding additional clothing. Take a look below for more important factors to consider.
How do I complement my figure in winter clothes?
The great thing about layering is that you can actually use it to look taller and slimmer if that’s what you want. Read on for more tips. However, a major one is to add a long, lean layer in one color over a ‘column’ of a different color. This way, you can draw the eye vertically and create the illusion of extra length.
If you’re interested in using this technique, then also take a look at our article on how to look taller and slimmer.
How to layer for winter
Let’s dig into how to layer for winter in more detail.
1. Start with a lightweight base layer
When considering how to layer for winter, start with your base layers. Choosing the right base layer can make all the difference in staying warm enough during the cooler months. Your first layer is essential for insulation and regulating your body temperature. Look for a fitted, moisture-wicking thermal top, a slim turtleneck, or a long-sleeve bodysuit in a breathable fabric. Choosing neutral colors will give you versatility that you can build on.
UNIQLO is a good go-to for your base layers. We like their HEATTECH range.
UNIQLO HEATTECH Scoop Neck T-Shirt
Nora @juststylela above (read her style interview here) shows how to layer a sleeveless sweater over a long-sleeved top.
Get her look with this similar shirt, vest (another option here), jeans, booties, bag, earrings and sunglasses.
2. Don’t forget your bottom half
When you think about a thermal base layer, a vest or T-shirt probably springs to mind first. But don’t forget your bottom half. When temperatures drop, keeping your legs warm can significantly improve your comfort level. Add thermal leggings or fleece-lined tights to keep your legs warm without adding too much bulk. These are designed to insulate while fitting closely to the body.
3. Add a mid-layer for warmth
Once you have your base layer, add a mid-layer to trap heat and add an extra layer of insulation. A thin sweater, cardigan, or fleece works well in a fitted style. For added warmth, consider cashmere, which adds warmth without excess fabric.
Nordstrom Crewneck Side Slit Wool & Cashmere Sweater
4. Look for thin insulating fabrics
If you choose suitable fabrics, you can opt for thinner materials without needing to choose thick, bulky options. Wool, cashmere, and synthetic options designed for insulation, like fleece and lightweight thermals, are excellent choices. Bamboo is another great option. Then you can layer up with merino wool and quilted down.
netdraw Bamboo Viscose Long Sleeve Thermal Undershirt
5. Don’t underestimate your camisoles
They’re the thinnest layer you will find, but adding a camisole under everything can make a huge difference. Camis help trap air pockets and, therefore, keep you even warmer. Choose silk for a luxurious feel under your other layers.
Uwila Warrior Soft Silk Lace Trim Camisole
6. Wear structured outer layers
If you want to be sure you still have shape while wearing your layers, choose structured outerwear. So opt for a tailored wool coat with a belted waist, or a fitted cut to create shape. This can give you a defined silhouette even when wearing multiple layers.
Bernardo Belted Wool Blend Longline Coat
Kimba @kimbalikes above opts for a classic long coat that you can wear belted to emphasize your waist or open to create long, lean lines.
Recreate her outfit with this similar coat, dress, boots, bag and earrings.
7. Consider length when choosing your layers
Choosing longer layers can create a streamlined, elongated look, even when layering up bulkier pieces. A longer outer layer, like a knee-length vest, draws the eye vertically, which adds a balanced and flattering effect to your outfit. Keep your underlayers fitted if you choose a bulkier layer, such as a puffer vest. For example, a mid-thigh vest over a slim sweater and leggings can provide warmth without looking boxy.
8. Use color to streamline your layers
You can create a streamlined, elongating effect that creates vertical lines rather than width by dressing in a column of color underneath and then adding a long vest or coat in a different color on top.
Columbia Pike Lake Water Repellent Hooded Puffer Vest – Vuori Pose Cardigan – BP. Elastic Waist Wide Leg Fleece Cargo Pants – GiGi New York Chloe Mini Shopper – UGG Ultra Mini Classic Boot
9. Use accessories for warmth
Don’t forget the power of accessories to add not just style but warmth. Scarves, hats, and gloves will keep you warm in targeted areas, often meaning you don’t need such bulky clothing elsewhere. Choose cashmere or wool scarves and hats and cashmere-lined leather gloves for a polished look.
10. Choose slim-fit pants
If you have a lot of layers on your top half, choosing slimmer jeans, pants, or leggings can help you balance out your outfit so you don’t look ‘wide’ all over.
11. Think about closing any gaps
Wherever you have skin showing, you will be letting the cold in. Now, we’re not suggesting you opt for a face-covering balaclava. But you should think about filling in any gaps, like wearing a scarf to cover your neck and opting for socks that are long enough to cover everything between your boots and pants.
12. Add a belt
If your coat doesn’t feature a belt, you can always add one on the top to create a waistline. A wider belt generally works best with your outerwear.
B-Low the Belt Milla Leather Belt
13. Choose fleece or faux fur lined boots
Keeping your feet warm will go a long way toward keeping the rest of you warm. Choose thermal, fleece, or faux fur-lined boots to keep your extremities cozy so the rest of your clothing doesn’t have to work so hard.
14. Don’t forget your body shape
As with all of your outfits, remember your body shape when you put together your winter layers. You’re always looking to create balance. For example, if you have a pear shape, then adding a wider layer on top can balance out wider hips, while if you have an inverted triangle shape, you want to do the opposite. If you are an hourglass, you may like to show off your waistline so you don’t look wider than you are.
Cathy @themiddlepageblog above (read her style interview here) chooses a shift style dress that has a modern yet retro feel. She adds a long coat and thick tights to stay warm.
Steal her look with this similar dress, coat, tights, pumps, necklace and sunglasses.
How can I stay warm in winter without looking bulky?
We’re sure this article has given you lots of ideas for how to stay warm when the mercury dips without adding additional width or bulk.
Would you add any tips for layering without looking bulky in winter? When you think about how to layer for winter what comes to mind. Let us know in the comments below.
Continue reading:
- Building the perfect winter capsule wardrobe: all the cold weather essentials you need
- How to wear dresses in winter to be cozy and chic
- The best winter coats for women this season and how to choose a coat
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Feature image by Kimba @kimbalikes
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