With the weather as we currently know it – Indian summer one minute, force 10 gale the next – layering is becoming an essential life skill.
Get it right and you can cruise through winter looking chic AF; get it wrong and you’re basically Joey from Friends.
Here's how to master the fine art of layering. Because weather.
Complete the look: Trousers, £32; Coat, £70; Boots, £45; Bag, £28, all V by Very
A neutral polo neck not only adds some much-needed warmth on frosty mornings when you really don’t want to get out of bed, it also lets us show off all those leopard and snakeskin print shirts we just can’t stop buying (can’t stop, won’t stop).
Button the shirt loosely over the top of your polo, tucking both layers into your trousers. If your trousers are thin or slightly cropped, wearing some tights underneath can also add an extra insulating layer and keep your ankles warm. Then throw on some classic checks to finish off your boss-lady look.
Complete the look: Hoodie, £25; Coat, £90; Beanie, £12; Bag, £25, all V by Very
Your cosy hoodie isn’t just for lazing on the sofa pressing refresh on the Deliveroo app. Thanks to the street style set, you can now wear it out of the house too. The trick is to mix it in with tailoring and more structured pieces, from a classic coat to tailored wide leg trousers. Finish with a cosy bobble hat for the perfect weekend brunch look. Because avo on toast just isn’t the same when it comes on a bike.
Complete the look: Dress, £50; Faux-fur, £80; Bag, £30; Boots, £42, all V by Very
Need an outfit you can wear straight from air conditioned office to post-work drinks in a sweaty overcrowded pub? Naturally.
Simply take your fave midi dress into mid-winter by layering up. Pop a polo-neck underneath to act as the last line of defence against icy winds, then layer over a classic longline blazer. Playing with clashing prints, like a checked blazer over bold florals, also adds interest beneath a simple coat.
Complete the look: Skirt, £30; Coat, £65; Boots, £42, Bag, £28, all V by Very
Instead of relying on that beer jacket to keep you snug when you're going out-out, we suggest playing around with warmer layers and touchy-feely fabrics instead. It’s much more effective.
Texture is everywhere for autumn. We've got sequins, faux-fur, velvet, lace and patent. Think Kate Hudson in Almost Famous with a little bit of The Matrix thrown in. We’re loving high neck sequinned polo necks worn with denim or cords and finished off with a glam faux-fur for the ultimate cosy ‘70s vibes. Just don't catch Saturday night fever*.
*Sorry
For next level layering, shop the new winter pieces at Very
Alison is head of content for the Good Housekeeping Institute, responsible for product reviews across homes, beauty, wellness, family and food & drink. She lives by the William Morris quote that you should “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
Alison has over 15 years' experience as a lifestyle editor and has written features on everything from misophonia to how to dress like Claudia on The Traitors. She has also interviewed everyone from Dame Joanna Lumley to the Kardashians.
In her spare time, you'll find her hanging out with Monty the cocker spaniel and refreshing the Sezane website every five seconds.
