Snow blizzards and ice storms have turned many of us into cave dwellers. Yet, there are still days when we need to brave the cold for work, errands, school, or meeting friends. How do you stay warm and stylish during one of the harshest winters yet? The answer is layering!
Celebrities like Alexa Chung, Cara Delevingne, Fearne Cotton, Jessica Alba, Rachel Zoe, and Olivia Palermo showcase stylish layering techniques for staying warm in winter (Credit: WENN / KIKA / Steve Searle / Will Alexander)
Layer up with as many clothes as possible without looking like you’ve grown fur. Let’s take some style tips from celebrities to help you stay cozy and chic:
1. Layer a Fur Vest Over a Leather Jacket for Added Warmth
Rachel Zoe wears an oversized fur vest over a leather jacket while walking with her son in Los Angeles on November 20, 2013 (Credit: WENN / KIKA / Steve Searle / Will Alexander)
Fur vests are fantastic alternatives to bulky fur coats. They provide warmth without excessive volume.
For instance, celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe perfectly demonstrates how to mix textures and materials. She paired a sleek leather jacket with a luxurious fur vest, adding depth and character to her outfit.
Rachel Zoe layers a luxurious fur vest over a sleek leather jacket for a stylish winter look
2. Achieve a Preppy Look with a Collared Shirt and Sweater Combo
What makes this trick so great is that it gives you infinite styling possibilities. You can wear your sleeveless collared shirts underneath so they won’t go to waste this winter. You can also opt for a thick shirt or a knitted sweater to go on top of it.
Fearne Cotton layers a camel trench coat over a collared shirt and sweater, paired with leopard print boots for a chic autumn look in London on November 11, 2013 (Credit: WENN / KIKA / Steve Searle / Will Alexander)
Like British presenter Fearne Cotton, layer some more with a trench coat. You can also substitute the coat for a boxy jacket. This look works with any bottom—pants, skirts, or shorts. Wear thermal tights if you want to wear skirts or shorts.
Fearne Cotton layers a camel trench coat over a collared shirt and sweater accessorized with a brown leather handbag for a sophisticated look
3. Stay Cozy with a Parka Jacket Over a Chunky Sweater
Cara Delevingne was seen filming “The Face of an Angel” in Florence on December 18, 2013, wearing a Topshop fur-trim-lined short parka (Credit: WENN / KIKA / Steve Searle / Will Alexander)
Parka jackets are incredibly versatile, pairing well with various tops. Try wearing one with a printed or patterned sweater for a more dynamic look.
Cara Delevingne exemplifies effortless casual style by teaming her parka with skinny jeans and combat boots.
Cara Delevingne layers a Topshop fur trim parka over a teal sweater for a stylish winter look
4. Combine Band Shirts with a Coat and Vest for a Stylish Edge
Alexa Chung layered a leopard print scarf over a black coat and leather skirt for a chic and edgy look in Manchester on September 9, 2013 (Credit: WENN / KIKA / Steve Searle / Will Alexander)
Inject some playfulness into your attire by wearing your favorite band shirt or graphic-printed top. Wear a coat over it and finish off with a printed vest to keep it winter-friendly.
Alexa Chung’s outfit is the perfect example. You can even team it up with a leather skirt. Wearing tights will keep your legs away from frostbite.
Alexa Chung layers a leopard print scarf over a black coat and graphic sweater for a stylish look
5. Pair a Printed Sweater With a Collared Shirt for a Preppy Vibe
Jessica Alba was seen in Brentwood on December 13, 2013, wearing a Minkpink polka dot floral sweatshirt, Tart Collections Evangeline skirt, Thierry Lasry x Kelly Wearstler sunglasses, and a Dannijo Izzie necklace (Credit: WENN / KIKA / Steve Searle / Will Alexander)
We can’t get over Jessica Alba’s cute and preppy attire for a meeting. The actress opted for a printed sweater for our winter malaise. She wore it with a contrasting collared shirt.
Take the preppy vibe to the next level by wearing pleated skirts. You can opt for any winter shoes, but we like Jessica’s rain boots.
Jessica Alba layers a Minkpink polka dot floral sweatshirt over a collared shirt, paired with a pleated skirt and tights
6. Mix a Bomber Jacket with a Fur Vest for a Chic Layered Look
Olivia Palermo attended the Emilia Wickstead Spring 2014 Fashion Show on September 15, 2013, wearing a Rachel Zoe jacket and Tibi Carine ankle strap sandals
Olivia Palermo showed us that bomber jackets and fur vests work. We wouldn’t dare try the look ourselves, but with the fashionista’s monochromatic take on it, we are tempted to.
As if the unusual pairing isn’t enough, the American socialite also wore a slitted maxi skirt. We prefer a pair of boots over Olivia’s sandals, though.
Olivia Palermo layers a fur-trimmed jacket over a green top for a chic and cozy look
So, are you ready to give these tips a go?