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Fashion is directly proportional to the temperature you are living in. It’s the temperature fluctuations that can make you look whimsical, fluffy and a cute bun. Seeing my old pictures during winter gives me utter embarrassment. I used to think that I look great back then but now I think I looked a goofball and most appropriately a snowman. Ridiculously, layering up meant adding sweaters over sweater and then a huge warm jacket topped with scarf giving the perfect Santa look. It’s the growth in fashion that made me realize that you don’t need all those layers to keep you warm.
Eventually with age, experience and seeing multiple references online, it made me realize that you don’t need all those layers. It’s the technique that works not the layers of clothes. New York is a fashion hub. Seeing multiple fashion influencers gives me a huge exposure on how to dress up elegantly during winters. Of course, fashion is a personal statement, and it should vary from person to person, but there are a few dos and don’ts that must be kept in mind while layering up. I have written this article to share what I have learnt all these years.
What Are Dos and Don’ts of Layering?
Dos
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Wear A Base That Absorbs Moisture:
Body thermoregulates according to temperatures its living in. Even though it’s freezing outside, adding layers to your body does make your body sweat a bit. Opting for material that lets you breathe is extremely important. Use synthetic materials to keep the moisture away from your body.
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Add a Mid-Layer:
This is where layering game is played. Your chest is the most exposed part to getting cold. Using a thick material that hugs your body is extremely important. Select a good crop-top sort of jacket to give you warmth underneath your main coat. It adds definition to your torso and makes you look elongated.
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Wear Appropriate Insulation:
Keeping fashion games strong does not mean that you should suffer in freezing cold conditions. You should properly insulate your exposed extremities. Your hands and feet should be insulated properly with wool socks and leather gloves. This is completely temperature variable and can only be opted if the weather conditions are worse.
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Opt For Insulating Underwear:
Genitals are equally affected by the cold. There are multiple underwear brands that offer insulating underwear. Pick those options to protect your private parts. You can skip this step too if the weather doesn’t affect your body harshly.
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Use Wind Proof and Waterproof Outerwear:
This is where the drama lies. Opting for a perfectly fitting jacket gives you extra protection. There are different types of outwear with different specifications. You can either have windproof or waterproof outerwear as your final layer. Don’t forget to think about the weather conditions you are living in because that will help you customize your fit.
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Choose the Material Wisely:
Your outerwear is the layer that will protect you from the cold breeze and gives you a strong fashion vibe. However, skipping the type of material chosen would be a big turn off. Natural materials like wool and down offer great insulation. Synthetic materials like fleece can also give good insulation.
Don’ts
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Never opt For Cotton Base Layer:
To master the art layering you need to learn how to never overdo the layers. Choosing cotton cardigan as your base layer would only give you the 90s cuteness but adding layers up to it will only give you non-existing weight. Make sure to never pick the cotton bas layer.
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Avoid Ill-Fitting Clothes:
When you are wearing clothes for winter, fit matters a lot. Your clothes won’t be flowing around so an ill-fitting cardigan will only add bulk. Try to opt for turtlenecks or hood necks that fit your body perfectly. Moreover, you can also go for insulation under a normal plain shirt.
Never Fall for Overdoing: We get it that temperature does play with your nerves, and it gets chilly in the nights, but there are ways to layer up. Never overdo your layers to feel warmth because it will just add more volume and nothing else. Instead cover your danger areas like extremities, chest, and head. For body use long coats and you are good to go.
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Opting For Bulky Items:
Bulky items are a big no for people who want to sleek in their outfits. Leave clothes that are warm but make you look fat. Try the layer technique instead and just slay your morning and night looks. Don’t fall for the bulking trap to regret later in your life.
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No Ventilation:
Just as much warmth is important for your body, ventilation in your attire is equally important. Have a breathing area like necks, leaving your coat open or removing your gloves for some time lets your skin breathe. Make sure to remove your coats once you are in a closed space so that your skin can breathe.
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Non-Covered Extremities:
Hands and feet are the most common exposed parts of our body. They usually catch a cold first so it’s extremely important to cover them well. You can use gloves of synthetic or natural material to keep your hands warm. For feet, you can wear boots or long wool socks. These work perfectly to protect your extremities.
Conclusion:
It is not difficult to look good in winters and that too while feeling warm. People fall for trends and let themselves suffer through the chills. Some overdo their clothing and then embarrass themselves later. In both ways, people need to master the art of layering to keep their fashion games strong. Basic things like keeping your base layer minimalistic, adding a middle layer, opting for insulator, using wind proof long coat and being observant about the material of the clothes can be a hug difference. Some people don’t realize that there don’ts as well. Skipping the problematic parts as described above will make you look and feel better. Keep your fashion game strong and slay this winter season.
Recommended Reading: The Importance of Proper Cashmere Care
