Layers are SO helpful to stay warm, but also to allow you to adjust to heaters blasting indoors. You won’t have to sweat and stuffer if you’re able to peel off layers instead! But, sometimes layers can make us feel like stuffed sausages. 😆 So, today I’m partnering with J.Crew Factory to share a few tips for how to layer without feeling bulky!
J.Crew Factory is one of my favorite places to get classic staples. They’re a sister brand to J.Crew but with much more affordable pieces that are still great quality, especially with the frequent sales J.Crew Factory runs! I also love that most of their pieces are available in sizes XXS to 3X!
Today we’re talking layering pieces, and some of these have been around as fan-favorites for YEARS. Rest assured knowing they have staying power!
SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes.
Tip #1: Layer pullover sweaters over thinner tees, button ups, and blouses.
We all naturally layer cardigans over tees, button ups, and blouses, but we don’t always think to do that with pullovers. I love doing this for a couple of reasons. First, if it’s super warm indoors, you can peel off layers all the way down to a thin shirt. I’ve spent many wintery weekends in Chicago with heaters blasting so high that I almost wished I was wearing short sleeves! Others who only had on thick sweaters were definitely sweating and constantly fanning themselves, so I was grateful to have a thin shirt as an option. The second benefit is that the little layer peeking out from underneath the sweater is cute! It gives the outfit more dimension, and it works with a variety of tops. Easy ones are a striped tee or plaid button up. Blouses are cute, too! (See a blouse under a pullover in Outfit #3 below.)
Tip #2: Use more loosely fitting pullover sweaters.
It’s easiest to layer with a sweater that’s a little looser. With body-hugging pullovers, I always have to tug the sweater down to keep them–and my shirt underneath–in place. Looser fitting sweaters offer more wiggle room and stay in place a little better.
This sweater is a medium thickness but still lightweight, and it’s soft. I was worried it’d be too fitted based on how it looks on the model, but I was happy that it’s actually a little looser. It’s available in sizes XXS to 3X and in 4 colors. See them HERE!
Shop the Outfit:
Sweater: c/o J.Crew Factory (exact-wearing size S)
Tee: (similar)
Vest: J.Crew Factory (this year’s version-I wear size S)
Jeans: c/o J.Crew Factory (exact–I wear size 27, similar)
Necklace: (similar)
Tip #3: Add structured completer pieces, especially with pullover sweaters.
If you need to add layers on top of pullover sweaters, it’s most easily done with structured pieces like vests and blazers, as opposed to cardigans. In the first outfit, I threw a quilted vest over the sweater and striped tee. A blazer or moto jacket would have worked also.
You can, of course, wear the completer piece over a blouse sans pullover sweater if you don’t need as many layers. For an outfit like that, I really appreciated this sweater blazer! I’ve talked about it before, and many, MANY of you love it as well. This blazer is much comfier than a standard blazer thanks to its flexible, stretchy knit fabric. It’s also a little thicker, and overall I felt warmer, cozier, and more comfortable with this layer on compared to a standard blazer. It’s great for when you have to dress up but still want to feel cozy and comfortable! It comes in several colors and sizes XXS to 3X HERE.
BTW, this top is really pretty and will transition easily into the fall. It has a pretty blush pink background and a classy but fun spotted print. Love it! It also comes in sizes XXS to 3X HERE.
Shop the Outfit:
Sweater Blazer: c/o J.Crew Factory (exact-wearing size S)
Shirt: c/o J.Crew Factory (exact-wearing size S)
Pants: c/o J.Crew Factory (exact-wearing size 6)
Heels: (super similar)
Necklace: (similar)
Tip #4: Choose coats with a streamline silhouette.
Lastly, if you want to keep things streamline rather than bulky, choose a sleek coat! This wool New City Coat is a HUGE fan favorite that has been around for years and years. It elevates outfits and makes them look chic and polished, and it works with casual outfits as well as nicer attire. It comes in several colors and sizes 00 to 24 HERE. I feel it runs quite large. I’m wearing size 4 and there’s still plenty of room.
I threw it over the pink spotted top from Outfit #2 and the pullover sweater in tan from Outfit #1. I paired it with stretchy, high waisted button front jeans. These jeans are so cute! What you can’t see from this bundled up pic is the cute button front details or the raw hem. Both of those details make these jeans adorable! The jeans are on the thinner side and are very stretchy. I wear them in size 27 and thanks to the stretch, they don’t feel tight at all. They do stretch out a bit upon initial wear, so size down and do the 3 Hour Stretch Test. See the buttons and raw hem on the jeans HERE!
Shop the Outfit:
Coat: c/o J.Crew Factory (exact-wearing size 4)
Sweater: c/o J.Crew Factory (exact-wearing size S)
Shirt: c/o J.Crew Factory (exact-wearing size S)
Jeans: c/o J.Crew Factory (exact-wearing size 27)
Necklace: (similar)
If you’re looking for great winter layering pieces or even just come great, timeless basics, check out J.Crew Factory!
Hey, hey! Did you hear? The Winter Starter Kit Checklist is now available! If you want a quick list to start a mix and match winter wardrobe, download the free checklist by filling out the form below. This list easily turns into 14+ outfits!
