What does winter layering done right mean exactly?
It means that you don’t freeze your ass off, and you don’t pass out from overheating.
Let it be known that when I wear a bulky sweater like this I wear a tank top underneath or a t-shirt. That way, when my internal temperature goes from freezing to the burning flames of Hell within a space of two seconds I can strip down to my tee and breathe a sigh of relief that I won’t need to kill somebody.
Vest – Old Navy (sim but even cooler in camo on sale!), Sweater (sim) & Jeans (sim) – TJ Maxx, Boots – Boc
These boots are very old and a favourite of mine. They are by BOC and very comfortable and warm. They are so comfortable I can walk in them all day long. They aren’t fur lined, but they are fine for anything above -5 C. I’ve found some that look even nicer than mine by BOC with a lower heel here on sale. These are one of those rare purchases that have paid for themselves I’ve worn them so often.
That scarf is another one of those blanket scarves I picked up from TJ Maxx. It is one big rectangle and very bulky. One thing is for sure…my neck will not be catching any drafts and I won’t need to worry about whiplash should I be in a car accident. It is a bit like wearing a neck brace. (But oh so pretty! LOL)
I think I need this scarf to add to my collection of super fancy neck braces. Either that or just hang it on my wall as art.
I feel like I’m in disguise wearing this. Only a small part of my face is showing.
Do you love or hate layering? Normally layering for me means that I’m adding bulk onto my frame which I normally dislike as much as coriander. (Yes I HATE that stuff!) I am slowly beginning accept layering as a necessary evil of living in a cold climate.
So your thoughts on layering? The more the merrier? Or would you rather be on a beach right now wearing just a string bikini and a smile?
Trick question. ; )
Here are some other bloggers that know a thing or two about winter layering done right.
Even though Beverly just recently moved to a cold climate from California she has already perfected the science of layering for winter.
Anna is the layering super hero. She can do no wrong no matter how many layers she is wearing.
Kristian does it so well here with a menswear inspired look.
Lisa knows a thing or two about pattern mixing and layering.
Sylvia wearing layers under a dress…
Shawna is also a bit of a master when it comes to layering, layering a skirt with a dress, a cardigan and a little poncho.
Thanks to all my bloggy friends for constantly inspiring me and providing some extra eye candy.
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Linking up with: The Pleated Poppy – What I Wore, Get Your Pretty On – I Feel Pretty , Throwback Thursday – Happiness at Midlife
You do layering well. I try to avoid it but cold weather gives us no choice.
It so rarely gets cold enough here to do it well. I crave some cold days so I can wrap up a great scarf like yours (The Anthro scarf is gorgeous too). Fab boots! xox
I tell you what…every year we can start a home switch. We’ll go down to Florida for a month and live in your place and you can come up here and live in our house? Deal??? I promise you will get a chance to wear some scarves!
You are the master of layering and adding color into the mix. Great boots too!
Thanks for the introduction to new bloggers. Inspiration thrives in blogland!
Since I don’t really get a chance to layer, I can’t really give any advice other than my answer is I live by the beach 🙂 Sorry just had to rub that in my friend! My body gets cold/hot very easily so light layers are always key for me. Love your outfit and by the looks of it, it doesn’t look like it would keep you so warm in your freezing temps so you’ve got this nailed down!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Oh yeah! Thanks for pointing that out Alice! LOL
You do layering well and I love those boots.
As i don’t own any knitwear sticking a thermal vest & leggings under a dress with a fake fur, a hat, socks, boots and a pair of mittens is the extent of my layering. Give me a string bikini and a beach any day of the week! xxx
You don’t own any knitwear? That is interesting.
I knew out of everyone you would pick the string bikini! GO GIRL!
Layering at its finest – doing it vicariously thru you Suzanne as I can’t do it yet here in LA!!! Wishing you the best of the holidays too!!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
You look so warm and cozy! I love that scarf! Living in Chicago layering is a must. It can be a bit tricky though if you’re not stick thin. To avoid the unnecessary bulk I try to layer thin but warm pieces. Cashmere is the best for that. I also always wear a form fitting camisole under all of my clothing in fall and winter. It’s a small unnoticeable item that makes a big difference.
I agree that layering is very hard unless you have a model’s figure.
I like the camisole idea. Every little layer helps.
As always …you’re lookin’ good here, girlfriend! Your styling is perfect.
For me, the bad thing about winter is you get all dressed up, lookin’ good, then everything is hidden under your coat. Which is why I have so many coats. I figure they’re more important in winter than what I have underneath.
I couldn’t agree more Shani! Drives me nuts. And also why I have so many coats. Or at least I’m going to use that as my excuse! LOL
And a good excuse it is!
Ah! I love those boots you have, and I’m excited to go check out some of these other bloggers now too. Thanks for the shout-out!
Ahhh…layering. Couldn’t live without it here in the Pacific Northwest. And coats – lots and lots of coats. I really like this layered look on you – may have to steal it. The scarf is gorgeous.
You did a great job layering and describing the NEED for it. Love the scar you are wearing, you do not need the one from anthropolgie, IMHO.. I love those botts and see why they have been a staple.
Loved that you added those pics from fellow bloggers! I know many of them, and i agree, that are talented,
stay warm, but not too warm!
and lady witch that i am,
i was actually on the beach today swearing a smile, and string bikini ( an eyelet dress was a coverup, when i walked to the beach and back,,,was that a nice day!)
XX, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com/
I am officially jealous!
Lol! I hate when I get all bundled and then start burning up! Your winter layers are definitely done right!
http://www.kaciesklosetblog.com/
You’ve got the whole layering thing down pat, Suzanne! And those boots are wonderful.
I wear an extra camisole underneath or a cardigan on top, and of course hat, scarf and gloves when I’m outside, but I rarely keep a scarf on when I’m indoors. Is that layering? It’s just a necessity for keeping warm rather than a conscious styling thing for me. A warm coat is a must – faux fur, probably! xxx
One of the only things I love about winter is layering and warm, cozy clothing. I adore this outfit on you…being in disguise sounds fun!
wonderful layering…I do like your outfit…and nice you featured other bloggers as well.
http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
I check out your outfit and I know exactly what I want to say and then I’m scrolling to get to the comment box and I see my picture and I’m like..wtf is that doing there? Haha. o_O You’re too kind, man. Thank you! I get layering wrong quite a bit, though! It takes a lot of practice. I feel like I look like a burrito during most of the winter. Haha. Which reminds me, I was going to say that the scarf you’re wearing breaks up the color blocking in a beautiful way. Also, you layered perfectly and by that I mean that you look warm without looking like a burrito. ;D Also, you wore complimentary colors and avoided the homogenous look that so many people fall back on in the winter (i.e. all black or all grey).
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
Yes… this looks very good. You see bulk on your frame and I see a classy woman with an incredibly thin waist. Never judge yourself so harshly.
The scarf is indeed very beautiful. Couldn’t see the other one you desire as the link directed me to the home page (they probably don’t like foreigners haha).
You are well prepared for the cold I think.
That lipstick is a perfect splash of colour too. People will think you are a celebrity behind those glasses.
Greetje
You layer like a dream and are exquisite in your outfit! you wear this effortlessly and all the other ladies too – I do like the layered look a lot, I can’t do it though, I suppose I layer with a massive scarf and cardigans/jumpers with my massive skirts/dresses, I’m pretty predictable x x x
Great tips!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
Where I live, it definitely pays to layer! While I didn’t have a strong skill at it when I was younger, you kind of become a pro just by default. =)
xo,
nancy
You look fabulous and not bulky at all! Love the vest with the scarf … so chic! Layering is also a necessary evil in California because often the mornings are cool but then it warms up in the afternoons. Great looks and great ideas!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Beautiful layering, Suzanne, and great to see all these gifted bloggers who have fun with layers! You often remind me Russian women – feminine, fashionable, bold, sexy and with beautifully pronounced cheeck bones. xxx
Nice work on layering! The scarf is beautiful. For me, winter layering means wearing as little as possible: a big coat appropriate for the outdoor temperature and a huge scarf and boots, and under the thick, warm coat I usually wear just a dress / t-shirt + trousers and a cardigan (I prefer a cardi as it’s easier to take off). The idea is that the part of the outfit meant for indoor temperatures can be the same whatever the outdoor temperature: the colder it gets, the bigger the coat…
Won’t even go with the trick question as you probably already know my answer. Absolutely love your idea and way of winter layering as I can so relate to peeling of the layers and not actually wanting to kill someone or something in the process ( the joys of age and menopause). Your collection of scarves is making me envy and happy at the same time, they are quite beautiful.
That scarf is wonderful! You had me laughing about the neck brace. That is exactly how I feel when I put a scarf on. I had to wear one yesterday at the flea market. I was happy to finally get that off. You look beautiful.
Jenni
After reading this post, I realize that yesterday I did a lot of layering myself. And I was not cold, strolling through windy, mildly wet Amsterdam. So in that sense my layering was done just right too.
When I come back in Holland in winter after three tropical months, I’m always a bit lost at first. Dressing for winter; how do you do that? After about 10 days I get back the hang of it.