Feeling the Chill?Let’s Layer Up!
Winter Layering Essentials for Style & Warmth
* Please note some of these links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission when you buy through them.
It can feel incredibly overwhelming to know what to wear when the weather changes and the temperatures drop (which definitely happened this week!). It’s easy to feel like your only option is to reach for bulky jumpers and coats, completely swaddling yourself up. Now, there’s nothing wrong with bundling up in theory—but it can make it harder to dress in a way that you love, and it’s easy to lose your personal style under thick wooly jumpers and turtlenecks!
So instead, let’s be a bit more savvy about the pieces we buy.
Off on a slight personal tangent (I promise its relevant) years ago, when my twins started at Forest School, they received an equipment list, which included a guide on "how to stay warm and dry in the forest." It mentioned things like thermals, thin layers, fleeces, natural fibers, waterproof outerwear, and so on. I quickly realized that all of these ideas could easily be applied to our everyday dressing (with a stylist twist!) to help us stay warm and practical without looking like the Michelin man.
Here are my Joyfully Dressed top tips for staying cozy and chic as the temperatures drop. Read on for ideas to keep warm in style!
How to keep warm in style
Start with Natural Fibers
Natural fibers like wool, cashmere, and cotton help you stay warm without feeling stuffy. They insulate better and are breathable, making them ideal for layering.
JD Style Tip: Try a thin wool or merino sweater as a base layer to keep things light and cozy.
Shop the outfit links below
Coat - Lipsy
Jeans - Zara
Trainers - Gola
Earrings - Hey Harper
Jumper - Boden
Bag - Osprey
Beanie - Pull and Bear
Shop more Cashmere jumpers below
The Essential Scarf
A scarf isn’t just an accessory—it’s a layering essential! Go for chunky wool or soft cashmere to add both warmth and style to your look.
⭐️ JD Style Tip: Affordable accessories like scarves are the perfect thing to buy to change up the look of a more expensive coat, buy a few in different colours so you can mix and match them with your coats to easily give you a different look.
Shop the links in this outfit below
Jumper - White Stuff
Cords - Joules
Coat - Joules
Hat - SuperDry
Earrings - Oliver Bonas
Boots - Merry People
Bag - Fat Face
Take a peek at some more colourful scarves below
Layer with Thin, Insulating Pieces
Don’t rely on bulky layers for warmth! Thin insulating layers like thermals or lightweight fleece add warmth without bulk, keeping you cozy . ⭐️
⭐️ JD Style tip: You aren’t really going to see this layer, its designed to be layered under other items of clothes, but I think its always worth getting a light and a dark one to layer under different coloured tops. Also at this time of year, I’m not just wearing thermal tops but also thermal leggings under my jeans, so they are worth investing in as well.
Shop the links in the outfit below
Coat - Joe Browns
Dress - Sugarhill Brighton
Thermal top - M&S
Gloves - Accessorise
Boots - Dr Martins
Bag - Mango
Shop thermals below
Choose a Wool Coat
Wool coats are not only chic but naturally insulating! They keep you warm and look elegant even in the coldest months.
To get a fully wool coat is fairly expensive (but in my opinion is worth the investment as you will wear it year after year) for more affordable options you want to look for a wool mix. Always check the materials on the website to make sure you know exactly what you are buying.
Shop the links in the outfit below
Coat - Phase Eight
Dress - French Connection
Necklace - Anthropologie
Boots - Jones bootmaker
Bag - John Lewis
Beanie hat - M&S
Scarf - Accessorize
Shop some more gorgeous wool coats below - FYI some of them are only partially wool!
Finish with Cozy Accessories
Don’t forget gloves, beanies, and thermal socks! They not only keep you warm but also add personality to your outfit.
⭐️ Style tip: Choose accessories in colours that complement your coat or scarf to tie your whole look together.
Shop the links in the outfit below
Jumper - M&S
Skirt - M&S
Coat - Albaray
Hat - Oliver Bonas
Bag - Matt & Nat
Shoes - Berksha
Earrings - Oliver Bonas
Shop more colourful beanie and gloves below
Please note some of these links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission when you buy through them.
This does not impact you in anyway, and helps me share these lovely colourful outfits!
Ready to Level Up Your Wardrobe This Winter?
If this blog post has got you feeling inspired to stay stylish and warm this season but you want a bit more guidance, why not join the Joyfully Dressed Membership? My community is all about helping women confidently create wardrobes they love, with tips on everything from layering essentials to discovering your unique style.
As a member, you’ll get access to:
A course to help you understand your body shape, colour season and to get your wardrobe finally sorted.
A curated wardrobe of shoppable links for every season.
Monthly style themes to keep you inspired.
A supportive community of like-minded women on a similar journey.
… and so much more!
Don’t let the cold weather dull your style! Take a peek and join Joyfully Dressed today and make dressing a joyful, stress-free experience every day.
