If there's one skill that distinguishes the true fashion savant, it's mastering the art of layering. Over the past few winters, I've remained baffled by the many stylish people I pass on the streets of London (as well as Paris and even New York) who seem to have effortlessly compiled an outfit that mixes pieces, patterns, colours and textures to create a layered look, while my answer to the cold is simply to throw on the chunkiest jumper and coat I can find. Well, it's the start of the new year, and I'm determined to crack the code. Finally, after examining some of the very best examples of layered outfits on Instagram, I think I've figured out a few of the tricks.
Thankfully, the outfit formulas are pretty much as easy to put together as they look, and most revolve around staple pieces that deserve a place in every wardrobe and which are endlessly versatile, so that you can mix and match to create multiple layered looks. A white t-shirt comes in especially handy, as this year saw renewed appreciation for the go-to minimalist's styling trick of having a crisp white tee peeking out around the neckline of a jumper. It's such an easy way to make knitwear feel fresh. For those looking to push their skills a little further, focus on playing with layered textures, including one of my personal favourite combinations, leather and cashmere. How luxe.
Scroll below for outfit formulas that are guaranteed to make you excited about adding those extra layers.
7 Chic Layering Outfit Formulas for When It's Really Cold:
1. T-Shirt + Jumper
Style Notes: If there's one foolproof layering pair that'll always look effortlessly cool, it's the white t-shirt peeking out from a jumper. Somehow, it just makes the whole outfit appear that bit more considered. Find the perfect white t-shirt, play with different jumpers, and style with slouchy tailored trousers for a pitch perfect look.
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So many of our editors swear by this exact white t-shirt.
Just enough space for the t-shirt to peek through.
A bestselling pair of trousers for a reason.
A belted coat is so effortless.
Black ballet flats are a true wardrobe staple.
2. Fitted Top + Shirt + Waxed Coat
Style Notes: There's something so timeless about this layered look—and I love that it's entirely made up of versatile wardrobe staples. My advice would be to opt for a bodysuit, which is guaranteed to give you a close fit under the shirt and avoid any bunching up. For really crisp days, you could even swap the round-neck style for a turtleneck.
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An ideal fit for layering pieces over the top.
A classic.
I'm obsessed with the fit of these jeans.
Thanks to its low heel, this is a great everyday boot.
Waxed country jackets really regained popularity at the end of last year, and I don't think it's popularity will be diminishing as we tackle the rest of the winter months.
3. Leather + Knitwear
Style Notes: Danielle's outfit is all the proof I need that leather and knitwear are an exceptionally gorgeous pairing. This look is so luxe, especially due to the textured leather of the pencil skirt. And the finishing touch of the knee-high socks with the patent heels is just delicious.
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Yes, it's an investment, but a croc-leather pencil skirt is a piece you'll wear now and love forever.
Lean into the luxe look of the materials by opting for a cashmere cropped cardigan.
This close-fitting t-shirt is a great option for layering underneath the cardigan.
Double up on the croc-leather with this (on sale!) coat.
Trust me, knee-high socks are very much back.
Perfect for completing the brown look.
4. Matching Skirt + Jumper + White T-Shirt
Style Notes: As you might be picking up, one of the best ways to keep layering simple is to stick to a simple colour palette. Minimalists will appreciate the understated nature of Brittany's outfit— again, the effortlessly elegant match of a white t-shirt and jumper, with a wool skirt that matches the knitwear.
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This is my personal go-to white t-shirt.
I love the richness of this charcoal grey.
This is the kind of skirt you could style so many ways, whether for the office or an evening out.
A black leather riding boot will serve you well for years to come.
An easy, throw-over-anything coat.
5. Shirt + Jumper Tied Over Shoulders
Style Notes: Julie's outfit is a great example of how to make the preppy look of a jumper tied over a button-down shirt look fresh, French and oh-so chic. The striped shirt and wide-leg jeans give the outfit a cool, Seventies-inspired vibe, and the heeled Mary Janes keep it playful and contemporary.
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A shirt that can be styled for all seasons.
I'm obsessed with this slightly oversized cashmere jumper—it's ideal for layering over pretty much everything.
Such a gorgeous silhouette.
These Mary Janes are available in plenty of other colours, too.
The kind of bag that will instantly make your outfit look that much more sophisticated.
6. Matching Top + Cardigan
Style Notes: Layering isn't only for the cold months—when we start to approach the transitional season, I'll be turning to this look for inspiration. A matching cardigan and top set is ideal for those in-between weather days, especially when paired with a white skirt. And I love how Abi is embracing the pop of colour by opting for green shoes, too.
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A much-appreciated jolt of colour for the grey January days.
Joy, in cardigan form.
My dream summer skirt. Swap for white jeans if you want to recreate this look during colder weather.
These continue to be an influencer favourite.
7. Matching Cardigan + Slip Dress
Style Notes: Save this look for when you're next looking for a sleek evening outfit. A slip dress is a tried-and-true evening piece (that can also be styled for daytime by pairing a jumper and boots), but Chrissy's styling choice of the matching colour cardigan tied over the shoulders and the delicate drop earrings manages to make it look simultaneously fresh and classic.
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Burgundy really isn't going anywhere in 2025.
The perfect match.
The buckle-detail slingbacks really exude a cool, Nineties vibe.
The kind of earrings that will transform even the simplest outfit into a stunning evening ensemble.
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