Get a Jump on Winter Fashion! Learn How to Layer like a Pro

The winter months invite all kinds of new clothing choices, and most people find themselves adding additional clothing layers to keep up with the winter trends, and to keep from freezing. The art of layering can be a tricky one to master, so here are some tips to help you layer like a pro during these cold winter months.

Consider the colors
This may seem like a no-brainer, but when pairing multiple layers of clothing, you really do need to keep your color palette in mind. Try not to wear too many different colors at once in large blocks, and also try to keep some tonal variety, so you're not adding layer upon layer of the same drab shade. Combos like blue and grey, aqua and tan, and magenta and brown are all excellent choices. A splash of bright color would look excellent with a neutral color, like black. Pairs to stay away from are: black and brown, blue and green, black and navy, navy and purple, and magenta and orange.

Think about patterns
If your favorite coat is an all-over plaid, it would be a bad idea to wear it with anything else with a pattern. You don't want to overdo your patterns, so if you notice that one of the pieces you have on is an overall plaid, stripe, or floral print, make sure everything else you're wearing is solid-colored.

Watch your textures
Pairing a shiny satin top with a cozy wool skirt is an excellent idea, but doing an entire outfit in tweed or denim is not. Try to keep some textural variety in your wardrobe! If you're wearing a jacket with a thick weave, like tweed, then consider wearing a top made of smooth jersey or cashmere, to even things out. If you're layering casual tops, don't be afraid to put one plain jersey shirt over another, just make sure their necklines, sleeve lengths, or torso lengths are distinctly different, so they don't bunch up on each other and look sloppy.

Stay proportional with coordinating silhouettes
High-waisted skirts, cropped jackets, long sweaters, and knee-high stockings are all in fashion right now, but you need to make sure that you're not mixing too many different silhouettes in one outfit. For instance, unless your coat is a full-length duster, it would be unflattering to have it extend past the length of your skirt. Similarly, you wouldn't want to wear a ¾ sleeve length sweater over a long-sleeved shirt. Don't wear a cropped jacket over a sweater with a scarf and gloves: you won't get any sympathy for being cold. Jackets of any length can be paired with dresses (as long as they don't exceed the length of the dress, as mentioned above), but if you're dress has an empire waist, you may want to reconsider that cropped jacket: it may make you look pregnant.

Avoid paper-thin and too-tight garments
A lot of the pieces for sale in clothing stores are intended to be layered, and as such, many of them are cut skin-tight, or made of featherweight paper-thin fabric. Don't buy these garments! They won't last very long, and many of them actually aren't that flattering. They're not practical on days when it's truly cold enough to layer, and they'll eventually languish in your closet because you'll realize that it's pointless to purchase a piece of sportswear that can't be worn on its own.

Go for the details!
Lace, beading, buttons, bows, and velvet trims are all adorable accents that should be taken advantage of! A skirt with a band of satin on the flounce, or a cute blouse with pleating and ruffles can help add those feminine touches that are so in fashion right now. Letting a peek of lace or beading pop from under a heavy coat or sweater can let you feel cute while still keeping warm.