Last week I had a call from a family member who lives in Queensland to say she will be visiting in July. Nice right? Sure is, except she lives in the ‘Sunshine State’ and I live in ‘freeze ya tits off’ Radelaide. She was concerned about having warm enough clothes and wondered if she should purchase a new coat.
My response was ‘layer’! Bring a scarf, boots and layers. Sounds simple right, but creating a layered winter outfit can be bloody tricky. You want to be warm when it’s cold (outside) but able to peel off the layers inside when the heating is on…or a menopausal flush takes hold.
So as I put my daily outfit together I thought of this relative (let’s call her Michelle because that’s her name) and because I’m helpful I’ve put together a blog post to show the progression of an easy layered winter outfit that’s also versatile. It’s not rocket science, anyone can do it. Are you ready? Right let’s break it down.
Start with some good basics
Let’s start with jeans, now you can choose to pull on whatever jeans you feel comfy in but I’m wearing this rad grey pair from Harlow. Grey jeans can take you from day to night, it’s all in the pieces you throw at them. Because I was headed out for coffee with a friend I kept it casual and relaxed.
Flat shoes, but silver because they funky and make me feel rad. The pointy toe on these flats actually gives the illusion of longer legs, thanks silver shoes 🙂
I kept this layered winter outfit tonal in all grey and black, its just easy and it suits me. If you want to try all tonal you could also play with variations on blue. Right, next I added the shirt to my jeans and shoes. I have this shirt in a few colourways because even though it’s simple it’s also really stylish. Quality fabric, fits my larger than average bingo wings and the split long tails at the rear add drama.
Now I could leave this outfit at the three items, throw on a lippy and dash out the door but I’m going to put in some extra effort to make this outfit work for me all day long. Adding a scarf just makes sense, because it’s cold and my neck feels it first. I’m not a fan of scratchy scarves but instead like a lighter weight, full length scarf.
The longer the scarf the better so I can play around with it and create different looks. I chose to throw a dusty pink scarf at my outfit to add interest, bring out the blue in my eyes and some colour in my cheeks and because pink and grey just work well together. This one is an old favourite but check out SEED and Sussan for good options.
Underneath my scarf I have a pendant, in case I remove the scarf I still want something that breaks up the black shirt a little.
Next step, I’ve added a sporty/chic grey anorak. I purchased this one a couple of months ago and this is its first outing. Not too heavy but still good coverage, plus no bulky collar. I find when I’m layering and potentially adding bulk I need to think about how all those extras like collars and cuffs will works back with each piece. A collar can be super annoying with a scarf (and a double chin) so I tend to look for jackets without one. A collar that is, the double chin I’m stuck with 🙂
And there you have it, simple but stylish and able to take me through the day. Of course if it was blowing a gale I would swap out the anorak for a heavier coat, or maybe even add an ‘extra’ layer with a coat over the top. You could also swap out the anorak for a knit cape or poncho…whatever speaks to your individual style personality.
I hope this helps (especially Michelle) when you’re getting ready in the mornings and trying to navigate the seasons.
What I’m wearing
Shades of Grey Harlow jeans. sizes 12-24 (I’m in 18) Shop them HERE
Harlow’s Shades of Grey skinny leg denim are a slimline fit in a enzyme wash faded to the perfect shade of grey, with classic 5 pocket styling, zip fly and mid to high rise and true skiny leg all the way to the ankle.
Harlow Atomic Oversize top sizes XS(12-14)-XL(25-26) I’m in M. Shop top HERE
The perfect piece to take you from casually chic to dinner and dancing. The split back exaggerated hem is Atomic! Also available in chambray, brushstroke and lightning.
OK the Jacket I’m wearing is sold out but create a similar look with these coats HERE and HERE and HERE
By Addiction silver flat in sizes 10-12.5 shop them HERE
Workshop with Harlow
If you’re in Adelaide then you might want to pop along to to the harlow Pop Up Shop that starts Tuesday 16th May – Sun 21st May. This a great opportunity to meet kerry the designer and play with the range. I have a few seats left for my Style Workshop on the 16th too. Grab tickets HERE
I’m comfy, warm and nowit’s time for coffee. How do you go dressing for ‘all seasons’ in one day? Do you have a pair of grey denim jeans?
Til next time,
Jen
some items sent to me for editorial consideration. This post contains some affiliate links. Read disclosure policy HERE
You look stunning in these pieces. I love that jacket!
Fabulous look and I’m a huge fan of layering. My go to look for the cooler months is layering, high low tops, scarf and always funky beads. Lightweight waterfall cardigans or longer line collarless jackets are always a fabulous look..
Love this. I love a layered look but avoiding bulk while still staying warm is the key!
Love layers in Winter and you certainly make it easy. Love the softness of the pink.. You help so many folk with your styling tips. A true gem. Thanks from myself and others.??
Jen I really like the layering without the scarf – looks very flattering. Having said that, it’s handy to have a scarf on hand. Great post? Thanks❤