How to Layer Clothes When It’s REALLY Cold!

How To Layer Winter Clothes to Stay Warm

Take it from someone who grew up in the northeast, lived in New York, and now lives in a Colorado mountain town at 9500 feet…I know cold! Which means I know how to dress for the cold. Sometimes getting dressed when it’s freezing outside can be hard. I have a formula on how to layer your clothes for extreme cold AND still look stylish! 

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#1 | Select Your Warm Base Layer

First thing’s first, you need a warm base layer. I like to wear a fitted, lightweight long-sleeve crewneck tee. Your base layer needs to be something you can wear on its own. So if you go inside or it warms up throughout the day and you have to remove the other layers, this one is still something you feel comfortable wearing alone. If it’s extra cold outside, do not wear a normal tee. Opt instead for a wool blend, base layer tee like this one by Smartwool.

Next, you’ll add a lightweight knit sweater. I prefer to wear a cashmere turtleneck or crew neck for this layer, which is what I’m wearing above. It keeps my neck warm and the cashmere is really soft and comfortable. I also love that cashmere is lightweight and thin so it’s doesn’t add a lot of bulk. We all think those thick bulky sweaters will be the ticket, but often we can’t layer them with anything so they are not that practical.

#2 | Invest in a Puffer Coat

The next layer is a puffer coat. (NOTE: If it’s REALLY cold, add a puffer vest under your puffer coat.) Make sure you have a puffer that’s long so it covers more of your body. I would say at least down to mid-thigh. This puffer coat is by Herno. It’s very luxe and SO warm. This brand is a Telluride-mom favorite. Most of the women here have a Herno puffer and love them! It is a little pricey but worth the investment.

I also love this Ralph Lauren puffer or this SAM. puffer. I recently did a post on the best puffers here.

Shop more Herno here.

#3 | Top it Off With a Wool Topcoat or Camel Coat

This next layer is for added warmth and style because sometimes you get bored of the black puffer. I LOVE to layer a wool wrap coat over my puffers so my outfit looks much more sophisticated and feminine. The camel coat I’m wearing is by Ralph Lauren and is super chic. When you’re looking for this layer, make sure you find one that’s thick enough to handle the harsh temps and roomy enough to fit over your other layers. Fabrics like wool, fleece, cashmere, and fur/faux fur will be best.

#4 | Add On Your Warm Winter Accessories

Your accessories are just as important as the rest of the layers! A warm hat is very important…you lose 10% of your body heat from your head so make sure you have a hat that covers it up! You’ll also want a scarf. This can be a blanket scarf, infinity scarf, or whatever you prefer. Just make sure it’s warm! This one is cashmere and I love the leopard print! Finally, wear mittens or gloves! If you’re worried about having to take off your gloves to use your phone, get a pair like these that are tech-friendly. I love these gloves by Carolina Amato. They have a wool blend layer that makes them look really modern and can also be worn up your arms like sleeves.

Shop more hats here.
More scarves here.
More gloves here.

If you want more style inspiration, you might want to order or download my Style Made Simple guide here. It’s a great holiday gift idea! And if you use this link to sign up for my email list, you will get 40% off the guide!

Thank you for stopping by!

Photos by: Aurelie Slegers