How To Layer Clothes, According To Instagram's Most Stylish

Let’s face it, cold-weather dressing can be boring.

You look outside at the wind and rain and the first thoughts that come to mind are a) how to avoid leaving the house full stop and b) where’s the trusty, thick jumper that’s already been worn 76 times this winter.

We don't need to remind you that it's pretty damn cold outside.

But rather than looking despairingly at your wardrobe every morning and your lack of seasonally-appropriate clothing, your winter outfits can (and should) incorporate your favourite summer pieces, reworked and worn together.

'How', we hear you cry?

The key is in the art of layering, whether it's a dress over a jumper or two coats piled on top of each other in perfect harmony.

Now, when we say layering, we don't mean Joey Tribbiani – what we're talking about here are practical layers masterfully arranged to reveal a hint of each one without things getting too bulky.

And that is, if we're being honest, an art form.

To help, we've compiled key layering tricks that will help you get more wear out of your existing favourites over the next few months and help you decide what you should invest in.

If there's one major tip we can give you?

You'll find that one of the most versatile, long-wearing purchases is a black roll-neck, along with a classic leather belt and a shacket. Below you'll see classic layering techniques that fashion-cool-girls always lean on.

Keep scrolling for outfit formulas that are guaranteed to make you excited about adding those extra layers.

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE

@EvaChen on Instagram

The key here is to take a spring jacket like a blazer and wear your winter coat on top.

This works particularly well when both jackets co-ordinate or patterns clash. Just be sure that your outer layer is always longer than your underlayer, otherwise you throw all your proportions off...and that is not advised.

A ROLL NECK WILL GO WITH E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G

@meganellaby on Instagram

A humble roll-neck is a layering staple that you can wear under everything.

And when we say everything, we mean e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g from dresses to shirts to cardigans to band t-shirts.

STICK TO ONE COLOUR

@_MARISSAMARTINS_ on Instagram

Stick to one colour scheme head to toe, as this will make all your many layers look more streamlined.

ELEVATE A 'BORING' HOODIE WITH TAILORED PIECES

A hoodie is essentially one big cosy hug, in a jumper.

But sadly, it is synonymous with loungewear, athleisure-wear, doing laundry-wear or Sunday scaries-wear...until now. Smarten things up by layering one under a blazer, with menswear-inspired trousers or a sleek pair of patent heels.

INVEST IN A SHACKET

@monikh on Instagram

The ‘shacket’ is the hybrid between the classic shirt and jacket that’s about to become everyone’s favourite throw-on-anytime wardrobe addition.

So what’s so great about it we hear you ask? Well, while we’re all experiencing the morning conundrum ‘to layer or not to layer?’, this cover-up is the answer.

A BELT IS YOUR BEST FRIEND

@hannahcrosskey on Instagram

A plain, basic, black leather belt is a really useful item to add definition to your coats and to bring together separates.

CLASH PRINTS

@lizzyvdligt on Instagram

Wearing mix-matched prints is typically a no-no, but here, Lizzy shows in winter you can layer up different leopard print with lime green striped knits.

WEAR ankle BOOTS WITH ankle-grazing TROUSERS

Will there be a slight wedge of skin? Yes but compared to what you're used to this is nothing. Granted, not every pair of ankle boots on the high street will possess this magical optimum length, but try shoes on at home first before making a big investment.

LAYER FOR FASHION, NOT WARMTH

@lindatol_ on Instagram

To show off more of the button-up, use it as a base layer for a silk camisole. It adds extra dimension and balances out the two very different aesthetics.

Will it keep you as warm as wearing two coats and a hoodie? No. Does it look chic? Yes.

slit it

@SORAYABAKHTIAR on Instagram

Rather than letting the collar of your white button-up show from underneath a crew-neck sweater, let the bottom do all the talking with a side-slit chunky knit.