7 Clever Layering Hacks Fashion Girls Swear By For Winter
Winter fashion can be tough, sure. But not totally dreadful. In fact, we'd go so far as to say that dressing for the cold is one of our favorites. Why?! Because it leaves tons of room for creativity. A skill that remains at the crux of said creativity? Layering! But before you get overwhelmed or pigeonhole layering as totally pragmatic, believe us when we say that there's a certain artistry to it that makes Winter dressing fun. Truly!
The genius of layering lies within those out-of-the-box, clever, and sometimes quirky whims. An extra sweater styled as a scarf here. An unexpected pop of glitter via sparkly socks there. Fitted mock-neck tops worn beneath lower necklines to ward off chill. And so forth. Since these layering hacks aren't always the most intuitive, we viewed it as our duty to bring you some creative Winter outfit ideas that are A) stylish (duh) B) incorporate layers, and C) are easy to pull off (phew!). Does it get any better? We think not.
Whether you're already growing tired of tights, craving easy-but-warm combos that go beyond a sweater and jeans, or simply need some fresh color ideas, ahead, witness seven layering hacks we love for Winter, as illustrated by some of our favorite fashion influencers. Shop each layered look head to toe, including some of our favorite new pieces from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's.
The Layered Outfit: A Mock-Neck Sweater + Pleated Miniskirt + Tights + Boots + Bandana
Transform a warm-weather miniskirt into a Winter staple by layering a cozy sweater over top and adding in a pair of tights for extra warmth. A colorful quilted bag, a pair of Western boots, and a bandana tied in your hair achieves a result that we happily refer to as quirky-chic.
POPSUGAR Balloon-Sleeve Funnel-Neck Sweater
Golden Service Pleated Mini Skirt
Kurt Geiger London Mini Kensington Leather Crossbody Bag
Free People New Frontier Western Bootie
The Layered Outfit: A Sweater + Another Sweater + Utility Pants + Boots
A beloved fashion-girl hack for staying cozy sans a scarf? A second sweater styled as a scarf. Whether you choose to wrap a second knit around your neck or simply drape one over your shoulders, this look is supereasy to pull off with either matching sweaters or a mix of colors. Go for a pair of utility trousers tucked into slouchy boots for an unexpected finish.
POPSUGAR Balloon-Sleeve Funnel-Neck Sweater
POPSUGAR Turtleneck Side Slit Tunic
POPSUGAR Utility Paperbag Pants
The Layered Outfit: A Teddy Coat + Cropped Jeans + Boots + Sparkly Tights
This outfit is actually quite simple: a cozy teddy coat, jeans, and ankle boots aren't exactly groundbreaking. The secret and rather subtle sauce, however, is a pair of sparkly tights (or knee-high socks) that peak from beneath the hem of the jeans. Not only do they make cropped denim more wearable in the cold, but they're just plain fun when the rest of your outfit is rooted in basics.
POPSUGAR Sherpa Trucker Jacket
POPSUGAR High-Waisted Kick Flare Jeans
Calzedonia Patterned Knee-High Socks
Nine West Windsor Dress Bootie
The Layered Outfit: A Sweater + Neon Long-Sleeve Tee + Leather Pants + Bright Socks + Sneakers
If you're the type to rock a base layer beneath your knits, go the extra mile with a pop of neon. Keep the color coming with bright tube socks and coordinating sunnies (pink hair not required, though totally encouraged if that's your jam).
POPSUGAR Fluffy Pointelle Sweater
Topshop Lime Long Sleeve Lettuce Mesh Top
Apt. 9 x Cara Santana Faux Leather Cargo Pants
Apt. 9 x Cara Santana Faux Leather Cargo Pants ($34, originally $68)
Forever 21 Oval Tinted Sunglasses
The Layered Outfit: A Turtleneck + Cropped Sweatshirt + Utility Pants + Boots
Embrace the athleisure look by layering a cozy turtleneck underneath a cropped sweatshirt. Then, take your look in an edgy direction with a pair of utility pants and chunky combat boots. For a fashion-girl finale? A designer bag! Preferably one that can be worn crossbody.
POPSUGAR Turtleneck Side Slit Tunic
Nike Cropped Jersey-Trimmed Fleece Sweatshirt
POPSUGAR Utility Paperbag Pants
Prada Leather-Trimmed Tessuto Nylon Shoulder Bag
The Layered Outfit: A Sweatdress + Sherpa Jacket + Boots
OK, so you're not into a super bundled look. That's cool. Instead, team together cozy textures for a warm-ish outfit like a sweaterdress and trendy sherpa jacket. For a feminine finish, give snakeprint knee-high boots and hoop earrings a try.
POPSUGAR Sherpa Trucker Jacket
Steve Madden Rouge Tan Snake Boots
Express Textured Metal Hoop Earrings
The Layered Outfit: A V-Neck Dress + Mockneck Tee + Boots
We love a plunging neckline, but when there's a risk for frostbite, we're very much here for layers. A fitted mock-neck tee instantly makes a V-neck wrap dress Winter-proof (the same goes for a cool pair of combat boots).