Wardrobe Diaries: Winter Layering

Lately I've rediscovered this beautiful woolen coat in my closet. For the longest time I wasn't quite sure how to incorporate it into my outfits. The loose fit and awkward length makes it difficult to pair with your usual jeans and t-shirt uniform. Well, as it turns out that very same loose fit and awkward length are what makes this coat so perfect for layering.

Unless you're either French or an Olsen, most women I know have a little self doubt when it comes to layering. While I've yet to fully master the art myself, there's a few basic principals I've learnt so far along the way. Scroll down to read my basic guide on layering.

{ wearing: marcs coat . witchery sweater . thurley shirtdress . witchery belt . witchery hat . vince camuto booties . ny&co tights . pietro alessandro satchel . nail colour adore-a-ball by essie and licorice by essie }

The Basic Guide to Wearing Layers

1. Start with a shirt/blouse then add, add, add.
When it comes to layering it's never just a shirt and jacket, there is always three or more elements involved. Whether it's the shirt-sweater-coat approach or a blouse-blazer-cape, the bare minimum requires a base layer, intermediate layer and outer layer, not to mention all the accessorizing, but we'll get to that later.

2. Stick to the triangle formula.
Picture a triangle, now apply the same logic to your outfit. If you're wearing a chunky sweater and coat then keep your bottoms streamlined and minimal, think skinny jeans, tights, peg leg trousers etc. If boyfriend jeans are more your thing, then pair them with pumps or flats that reveal a little skin, ankle skin that is.

3. Keep colours/patterns in the same family.
Keeping to a similar colour palette adds depth and dimension to a layered look. It's much more effective and aesthetically pleasing than layering different colours. Neutrals in varying shades work best.

4. Always accessorize. 
Be it hats, sunglasses, gloves, belts, statement shoes, luxe handbags, bouncy blow waves, kohl eyes or all of the above. If you've choosen the path to layering then know that more is more. The key is to look effortless and never like you're trying too hard.

5. Finish off with a scarf (or fur collar in this case).
French women are never without scarves and they know a thing or two when it comes to layering. In fact they practically invented it. A scarf not only helps tie an outfit together but is the easiest accessory to change up for different looks and when in a flattering shade even eliminates the need for make-up. Here's a whimsical little article titled: Why French Women Wear Scarves.

I would love to know if you have any tips on layering. Have you given it a try lately?