Going through winter without layering is like going through summer without sunglasses (basically impossible). When you’re moving from house to car to office to gym to happy hour and all sorts of places in between, layering is your saving grace, allowing you to adjust as needed to the constant fluctuation of temps. Because of this, basically everything in your wardrobe needs to be layerable, right down to your socks. Consider giving your closet a winter upgrade with these plus size layering essentials!
1. A Comfortable Tunic—Introducing the captain of the layering team: the tunic. These long, cozy tops are perfect for curvy and shorter dressers because their long hemline elongates and flatters the figure in the mid-section. These tops do double-duty because they act as perfect toppers with jeans and leggings but they also just so happen to look extra posh beneath your fave cardigans and jackets. On casual days, they make perfect base layers. Talk about versatility!
2. A Cozy Scarf—Since there are dozens of cute ways to tie a scarf, this is one of the most versatile items in your cool-weather wardrobe, keeping you warm and dialing up any look. With the right style, you can wear it knotted at the neck, over your shoulders like a shawl or draped loosely for some casual flair. It can be tucked into your oversized tops and jackets for a layerable look that can’t be beat. You’ll need a collection of cozy scarves in solids and patterns this season.
3. A Pair of Wool Socks—Is anyone else crazy about the idea of layering their socks with boots? This is one trend we really hope doesn’t die down anytime soon because it’s so cute, comfortable and warm. You’re going to want to grab a few pairs of boot-friendly—but toasty!—winter socks so you can fold them over the top for a little layered pizzazz and a pop of prep. Wool is the perfect option for this because it creates a cozy, moisture-wicking layer between your feet and your boots, keeping you comfy as you shop, hike and jaunt around town.
4. A Go-with-Everything Cardigan—When it comes to layering for warmth and style at the same time, your plus size cardigan sweaters are everything you ever wanted. This season, we’re big on the easy-breezy kimono style cardie, as it offers a chic but casual charm and easily integrates beneath your favorite jackets and coats. Make sure you have all the basics, including a black, brown and plaid cardigan, so you’ve got a layerable option to pair with every outfit.
5. A Jacket for Milder Days—Leather, suede, quilted, army-inspired—we can’t get enough of this season’s trendy plus size jackets. This is the layer meant to top off your ensembles on milder fall and winter days, protecting you from the chill but not keeping you so toasty you’ll be sweating. Think: pumpkin patch and Thanksgiving dinner rather than sled-riding or Christmas tree shopping. Still, you can select a few styles in different materials and weights so you always have something to wear regardless of the weather at hand.
6. A Heavy-Duty Winter Coat—Speaking of sled-riding and tree-chopping, don’t skim on your heavy-duty winter coat this season. This layer serves as the topper on an especially chilly winter’s day—often providing more function than fashion—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be cute, too! Even your puffy winter coat can look totally chic if you’re creative enough. The key is to pair it with more tailored, form-fitting bottoms and letting your accessories add some flair.
7. A Zip-Up Vest—Whether it’s puffy, padded or leather, the vest is such an underrated piece of clothing on milder winter days. Reason being? Pockets. If you’re anything like us, you spend the vast majority of the cooler months in your cutest leggings and long-sleeved tops. Stylish? Yes. Practical? No. The lack of pockets is always problematic with this look, especially when you’re running around. Enter the vest! These easy outfit toppers provide plenty of storage for your phone, lip gloss and whatever else you want to have at arm’s reach at all times.
8. Some Leg Warmers—Why not throw things back to the ’80s this season? Seriously, leg warmers are some of the most underrated layering staples out there, and they’re not just for hot yoga and barre class (or Halloween for that matter). They can serve as sock stand-ins when layering your limbs with riding boots or can be scrunched at the top of your sneakers for a little extra warmth and style when the air is bitter. We’re down for anything that extends sneaker season!
9. A Knit Hat— When you’re facing bitter cold days, don’t leave the house without a cute knit hat. Think of this as the cherry on top of your totally layered outfit, serving as the final finishing touch and the perfect accessory! If you want to give your warm-weather looks a fun, retro upgrade, you might consider swapping out the beanie for some earmuffs or a fun, fuzzy head warmer.
Winter Fashion: Always Be Prepared
For our winter dressing mantra, we’re borrowing from the Boy Scouts. Layering is all about being prepared, and this is vital in the winter when you never know what the day’s going to throw your way. One minute there could be rain and sleet, the next you could be dealing with a midday sun shower. Plus, we all get really hot and need to shed some layers when running errands or working. We hope these layering staples will help!