How to layer up for winter and still look good

Ooh, hasn’t it got cold? We think winter starts in December, but really it brings its full force in January and February. January is to months what Crocs are to footwear: annoying, won’t keep you warm, a bit soul-destroying and something you long to see the back of. I even have a birthday next week and I still feel that way about this month.

However, I do quite enjoy those cold, crisp days, when the sun shines brightly and the frost sparkles on the trees. We shall gloss over those interminable grey mizzle days for now and focus a bit on the positives, one of which is my love of layering. This is the crux of today’s post. I have spent the last 12–14 years standing on the sidelines of football pitches throughout the bleak midwinter so, believe me, I know what I’m talking about when it comes to layers.

First, we must study the essentials needed to keep you warm…

LAYERING ESSENTIALS

Keeping warm is all about the undergarment preparation. What you need are good-quality thermals that are nice and thin yet warm and toasty. Uniqlo and M&S do these best. Go for leggings and a long-sleeved top. A vest is optional, but it’s good as an extra layer or when it’s chilly rather than freezing.

Thermal socks are important but not mandatory; however, I do urge you to seek out sheepskin liners for your shoes as they are game-changers. These are my favourites. Another item I swear by are these Uniqlo body warmers. They are slim enough to be worn under a coat, and the collar folds back so they are practically invisible. They really do give you an extra heat boost.

IN THE NAVY

Other items that I always have in my wardrobe for cold weather days are fine-knit merino wool jumpers. Like I said, layering is best done with a few thin layers rather than one bulky one. This roll neck from M&S is perfect under your thicker jumper, and these from Uniqlo are also excellent.

CAMEL & RED

Cashmere is another fabric that is perfect for this weather. Layer it over your merino for the full effect. There are some bargains to be had right now, too – like this jumper from Boden which is excellent. I have one in green from a few years ago and the quality is really good and it hasn’t pilled at all.

THE FOOTBALL MANAGER COAT

I’m harking back to Arsène Wenger in the 90s with his full-length padded coat here rather than the sheepskin numbers of the 70s, but I did see a gentlemen sporting such a thing last weekend at the football, so it appears they are very much still out there.

A TOUCH OF CLAUDIA

I may do another Claudia on The Traitors blog in the coming weeks, but we need a few more episodes to go out first. However, I thought this look would be something she would go for in the Highlands. Wear it with some wool tights in this weather.

INSIDE / OUTSIDE LOUNGEWEAR

If you are hibernating but you still might need to pop out, then a good-quality loungewear ‘set’ is what you need. The set doesn’t have to match, it should just be in the same colour spectrum. Throw on a hat and a big overcoat for full coverage. A note on coats: I always size up on my winter coats as you need something larger to fit over your layers. No one likes a tight coat as your freedom of movement can be severely restricted.

FEELING FLEECY

If no rain is forecast, a teddy coat is the ultimate in cold comfort. Wear with your chunky cashmere or wool jumper. Scientifically, wool keeps you warmer than acrylic or polyester, so look at the label of your knitwear to check the natural fibre content of your sweater when choosing what to wear to keep warm.

Here’s hoping this will help you master your layers to keep warm this winter.

K x

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