Gone are the days of shorts and a tank top. In the winter months, layering is key to achieving the perfect temperature as you go from the cold outside to the heat inside and back again. While layers may keep you warm and toasty, wearing too many clothes at once can quickly become bulky and unflattering. Although layering your clothes and flattering your figure may seem mutually exclusive, it’s possible to layer and look good—that is, if you know a few tricks. Here are seven must-know fashion tips to help you layer clothes and flatter your figure at the same time.
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Know Your Figure Type.
This tip applies all year long, no matter the season. Whether you’re shopping for a swimsuit or a winter coat, knowing your body type is the key to choosing flattering garments. While some general tips do apply, specific advice for how to dress an hourglass figure vs. how to dress a rectangle figure will vary. For instance, drop waist dresses look fabulous on women with flatter profiles, but can make women with more curves look heavier than they are (or pregnant when they’re not, which can be quite awkward). The four basic body types are rectangle, triangle (aka “pear”), inverted triangle (aka “apple”) and hourglass. Identify which one you are and use that as a guide when shopping for clothes and putting together outfits.
Pay Attention to the Garment Materials.
Thicker clothes won’t necessarily be warmer ones, so keep that in mind as you coordinate your outfits. Some of the warmest fabrics to look out for are wool, cashmere and flannel. When layering your outfits, don’t assume that more garments will keep you warmer than fewer. In order to keep from transforming yourself into the Marshmallow Man, opt for a few select layers made out of insulating material that will keep you warm without obscuring your figure. The weave of the fabric is also important. Knit sweaters with a lot of holes in them will let heat escape, no matter how thick the rest of the garment is.
Choose Flattering Colors.
Unless you encase yourself in sunscreen everyday before leaving the house, odds are that you will be paler in winter than you are in summer. For many people, bright shades that look great on them in the warmer months when they have a bit of a tan will completely wash them out in the winter. Make sure that you’re selecting colors that look good on your current skin tone. Blacks and other dark solids are always slimming colors, as are small patterns like vertical stripes and tasteful plaids. If you’re looking for a pop of color, adding in some jewel hues such as reds and royal blues usually works well with paler skin tones.
Think About Under layers.
If you live in a really, really cold area, or you have to spend a lot of time outside in the winter, you might want to consider investing in a set of thermals. These thin garments are worn right next to the skin and are specifically designed to retain body heat. They are usually made out of wool or silk, both of which have superior temperature regulating properties. Because thermals are designed to hug your body shape, they help keep you warm without adding too much bulk to your figure, letting your silhouette show. If you’re most interested in smoothing out your silhouette, investing in some quality shapewear can help enhance your figure. Even if you don’t need a full set of thermals, shapewear will still add a bit of extra warmth––definitely a plus in winter.
Dress Thinnest to Thickest.
You know that you should apply your skincare products from thinnest to thickest, and this is also true for layering clothes. Putting thicker materials under thinner ones can look lumpy and awkward. This is also true for more tailored vs. loose fitting garments. Donning a tight sweater over an oversized button-up shirt is going to result in some weird lines and simply won’t look flattering. When layering, put the thinnest, most tailored pieces closer to your body and work your way up from there.
Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize.
Your winter clothes will probably be a little more utilitarian than your summer clothes, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t look and feel cute. To add some personality, turn to your accessories: jewelry, hair pieces, gloves, hats, scarves, shoes, etc. These smaller touches can take your outfit from “okay” to “amazing” without affecting your silhouette at all, making them the perfect way to elevate your outfit without adding still more layers. Plus, certain types of accessories can help keep you warm, which is definitely a bonus.
Select Outerwear Wisely.
The coat is usually the garment most responsible for making people look like a puffy parka rather than a human being. If you’re coat shopping, look for slimmer garments made of warmer materials. (Remember, thicker does not automatically equal warmer!) Coats with princess seaming and a waistline built in will generally be more flattering than those that don’t offer these features. Make sure that the sleeves aren’t too short or too long, and that the bottom hemline doesn’t hit your leg at an awkward place. If you’re feeling bold, opt for a vivid color that will add some brightness to your winter wardrobe, or go for a classic neutral if you prefer something that will be stylish for many more seasons to come.
Dressing for winter can be tricky, but it’s impossible. Keep these tips in mind if you’re trying to balance staying warm with looking good. You can definitely dress in layers while flattering your figure. You just have to be deliberate about what pieces you choose and the order you layer them in.