How To Layer Clothes For Cold Weather

When it comes to the colder winter months, layering doesn’t always have to be so practical, and not all winter trips call for icy, snowy weather. From layering your clothing to simply dressing an outfit up, an overcoat seamlessly showcases your personality and style. Aside from this, it’s also a great way to stay comfortable during the colder seasons. Dressing in layers prepares you for the unpredictable fall and winter weather, and if you layer properly, it’s a tried and true trick that allows you to slip layers on and off as the temperature and your activities change throughout the day. So today, I’m sharing how to layer clothes for cold weather to stay fashionably warm.

How To Layer Clothes For Cold Weather

So let’s talk layering! When it comes to layering for the cold weather, there are a few main benefits besides making a fashion statement.

  1. It allows you to stay warm and cozy when out and about in the colder weather, and you can remove layers when you get settled at a dinner or by a cozy fire at a friend’s house.
  2. As you know, I love a great capsule wardrobe and this includes a travel capsule. Layering your capsule pieces makes it more versatile, allowing you to wear your staple pieces in more ways than one.

Cold Weather Layering System

If you want to get a bit more technical, here is a 3 step layering system to follow if you are braving the colder weather.

  • A Base layer that keeps your skin dry.
  • A Mid layer (insulating layer) that keeps your body temperature warm and body heat controlled.
  • An Outer layer (shell layer): that protects you and shields you from wind and rain. Always look for wind resistant or water resistant in the product details.
How To Layer Clothes For Cold Weather

Long Sherpa Jacket (sold out linked similar) one under $100 | Similar Boots | Sherpa Pullover (sold out linked similar) here | Faux Leather Leggings

For this cold weather look, lots of layers were involved. For my base layer, I reached for a thermal long sleeve top, layered with a sherpa pullover, and added another long sherpa for my outer layer. I was out on the town that day so I styled the tops with faux leather leggings, wool socks, and snow boots from Rag & Bone. I added a Target scarf and Amazon sunglasses to finish the look.

Wide Range of Essentials to Dress for Cold Weather

Below, I’m covering cold weather essentials to rotate on a chilly day or for your cold weather vacation. Simply click on any of the “show now” buttons for direct access to the products.

Sweaty Betty

Base Layer

When layering your clothing for colder weather, a base layer is always a good idea. This moisture-wicking, thermal, breathable and seamless set is the perfect base layer for colder days or a ski trip.

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Winter base layer - How To Layer Clothes For Cold Weather

Icebreaker

Tech Thermal Leggings Base Layer

These highly compressible thermal leggings are the perfect midnight base layer bottoms. It’s a stylish and chic alternative to traditional long underwear worn in colder conditions. Made with 100% merino wool, you’ll be safe and warm from the elements all day long, no matter your activity level.

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Northface

Fleece Sherpa Insulating Mid Layer

Soft, high-pile fleece makes this zip hoodie a great insulating layer that can also hold its own against the cold.

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Fleece Sherpa Insulating Mid Layer
Shell Layer Vest - How To Layer for Cold Weather

Northface

Shell Layer Vest

This sleeveless insulating vest makes an excellent year-round layering piece for running errands or a ski trip.

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Sam NYC

Down Puffer Outer Layer

This stylish puffer won’t just keep you warm, it also protects you from the elements. Because it’s water-resistant as well as wind resistant, it’s a great choice to use as a ski jacket.

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Down Puffer Outer Layer - How To Layer for Cold Weather
Sherpa Trench Outer Layer Coat - How To Layer for Cold Weather

Alo Yoga

Sherpa Outer Layer

Sherpa & trench — a match for the ages. The full-length, classic trench silhouette gets reinvented for right now in our cozy, coveted sherpa, with an open front and zippered pockets to keep your stuff safe en route anywhere you may go.

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Woolrich

Wind & Water Resistant Jacket

This wind-resistant and water-resistant plush parka is ideal for harsher, colder weather conditions. It features bold logo lettering around the removable hood and a dramatic zipper on the side for easy ventilation.

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Wind and Water Resistant Jacket - How To Layer Clothes for Cold Weather
Wool Blend 2-in-1 Jacket - How To Layer Clothes for Cold Weather

Woolrich

Wool Blend Jacket

This 2-in-1 Sideline Parka with a recycled wool blend is both functional and sophisticated. The light outer shell with a removable inner layer is perfect for cold conditions.

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Nordstrom

Middle Layer Cashmere Sweater

Elevate your mid-layer in this relaxed-fit hoodie knit from a supremely soft wool and cashmere blend.

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Cashmere and Wool Sweater
Wool Socks

Smartwool

Wool Socks

These soft wool socks are the perfect base layer to keep your feet warm when you dress for cold weather. The reinforced rib design keeps them from slouching so they keep their shape and stay put.

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Ugg

Cashmere Beanie

Regulating your body temperature and body heat can be a challenging factor when out in the cold. This textured cuffed cable-knit beanie is great for completing your outer shell.

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All Weather Touchscreen Gloves

Ugg

All Weather Touchscreen Gloves

These gloves allow you to stay warm while being connected no matter the weather. These touchscreen-compatible, quilted all-weather gloves trimmed with cozy, genuine shearling cuffs are a must-have in cold weather.

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Nordstrom

Wool and Cashmere Scarf

This luxe cashmere scarf is knit with soft ribbing for adding extra layers when staying warm out in the cold. It also comes in a range of colors to match any of your winter outfits.

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Wool and cashmere scarf
Cold Weather Snow Boots

Inuikii

Cold Weather Snow Boots

A classic and cozy sneaker-inspired boot that’s perfect for keeping your toes toasty, these Inuikii booties are a two-tone version of the label’s signature style—and a pair you’ll want to wear all season long.

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Chic Winter Outfit Ideas on Layering Your Clothing

Winter White Work Outfit Idea
Chic Winter Outfit Ideas - How To Layer Clothes For Cold Weather

Amazon Pouch Bag | Cream Trousers (Sold out, shop similar here) | Cream Wool Coat (Sold out, shop similar here) | Half Zip Sweater

When it comes to layering for work, this winter white outfit idea is the perfect option to look chic and put together to stay warm. I started with a base layer of a long sleeve white tee, added a zip-up sweater for my mid-layer, and a merino wool coat will keep your body temperature warm. I accessorized with a tonal matching amazon clutch and my Krewe sunglasses.

Black and White Winter Work Outfit idea
Black and White Winter Work Outfit idea

Mackage Black Wool Coat (Sold out, shop similar here) | Target Blanket Scarf (Sold out, shop similar here) | Chanel Black Bag | Black Round Sunglasses (Sold out, shop similar here)

Another outfit idea for work is a chic black and white look. Here, I kept the base layer tonal with an all-black trouser and black wool coat for my outer layer. On a colder day, I added a chunky scarf for extra layering, round black eyewear, and a black tall boot under my trousers.

Sherpa Jacket and Legging Outfit Idea
Sherpa Jacket and Legging Outfit Idea

Alo Sherpa Jacket / Similar Sneakers / Similar snakeskin Leggings

As the new year kicks in, most of us are setting new wellness goals, but being outside requires layering your clothing. This Alo Sherpa jacket is the perfect option for your outdoor workouts or a midi layer on your ski trip. You can easily style it with printed leggings like I did above, or wear it with faux leather leggings and a winter boot.

Boyfriend Blazer & Chunky Knit Scarf Outfit Idea
Boyfriend Blazer & Chunky Knit Scarf Outfit Idea - How To Layer Clothes For Cold Weather

Anine Bing Boyfriend Blazer | Agolde Lana Straight Leg Jean (Sold out, shop similar here) | Target Scarf (Sold out, shop similar here) | Suede Pumps

This boyfriend blazer and scarf outfit is the perfect transition from fall to winter looks when you dress for cold weather. I got this scarf at Target and it’s perfect for adding extra layers when the temps don’t call for an outer layer yet but you want to add to your outer layer. This Target scarf has since sold out, but grab this exact replica from Quince!

Be sure to check out my post recent posts for more style inspiration!

40 Winter White Nails

New York Street Style: The Ultimate Guide to Achieving It

Winter Fashion Color Trends

How To Wear Mom Jeans in Winter

Chanel Dupes: Luxury Looks For a Fraction of the Cost

Please feel free to email me at thegraydetails@gmail.com if you have any questions!  I’m always happy to help with styling or picking out a specific outfit for an event!   Have an amazing day!!

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As always, thank you so much for stopping by today, I truly appreciate all of you! xx, Amanda

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