31 Outfits To Inspire All Of Your Winter Layering

If you live somewhere that tends to get frigid during the winter, you probably already know about the fashion hack that can keep you from turning into a popsicle when you venture outside: layering. Though layering your outfits is essential to staying warm in the colder months, improper or excessive layering can leave you feeling like a puffed-up marshmallow. If this is a struggle you experience every time winter rolls around, or if you're simply looking to step up your layering game, you're in the right place. 

Before you embark on your layering journey, you'll want to make sure you have a few staple layering pieces in your closet, like a trenchcoat, a few button-up shirts, cardigans, scarves, tights, and knee-high socks. As you layer pieces together, try to make your innermost pieces visible under your outer layers. For example, a trenchcoat worn open in the front can show off a cardigan, which, if left open, can also show off your base layer shirt. Feel free to play around with lengths as well — try pairing a trenchcoat with a mini skirt and tights or a cropped coat with a longer button-down and maxi skirt. There are several ways to pull off the layered look, and with the right styling tips and some outfit inspo, you'll ace it in no time.

Sometimes, you get those random winter days that are, for whatever reason, pretty mild. On days you don't have to dress for frigid temperatures, a button-down makes for a great lighter layering piece. It'll give you that extra bit of insulation from the winter breeze without making you hot, and it lets you show off whatever you're wearing underneath, too. 

Another excellent thing about trenchcoats is that they add a long layer to your outfit, allowing you to wear shorter layers underneath — as in the above schoolgirl chic outfit. To pull off a look like this, you'll definitely want to add a statement tie to your outfit, and it's a good idea to incorporate a plaid pattern via a blazer or skirt. Knee-high socks can help you stay warm, and if you need more warmth for your legs, add a pair of nude tights. 

Do you have pieces you love that simply aren't suitable for the colder months? You shouldn't have to put them in a box while you wait for summer to roll back around. Instead, go ahead and wear that strappy bodysuit or your favorite tank top — simply wear it over a warm piece, like a form-fitting turtleneck. 

Though some of us may like to mix structured and baggy pieces in our layered outfits, there's a certain carefree vibe that you can give off if you choose to layer a bunch of baggy clothes together. To achieve this look, it's a good idea to pick pieces of different lengths. Try keeping your outermost layer the shortest, and make each subsequent layer longer. 

If you love crop tops or low-rise jeans, you may constantly have a sliver of skin that peeks out in the cold, which can be annoying, to say the least. To nip this problem in the bud, style your button-up shirt by layering it under a sweater. Even if the sweater is a pullover and doesn't open in the front, having a button-up peek out of the bottom still makes for a cute look. 

Who doesn't love flannels? Personally, we don't think the classic flannel shirt trend will ever go away, making this a great piece to stock up on when the colder months roll around. Flannels are perfect for layering under or over other pieces, so they're versatile no matter what the weather may throw your way. Wear one over a cropped T-shirt on warmer days, and add a trench or puffer coat when it's chillier. 

This one is for all the chicks out there who like to sport some edge. You may already have several leather pieces in your closet, so just layer them together for extra edginess. A leather trench over leather leggings and a leather corset would look stunning, as would a leather trench over a leather maxi dress. For bonus points, throw on an accessory of a different texture, like a knit scarf. 

For effortlessly sophisticated vibes, try layering lighter, neutral pieces together when you head out this winter. Stay away from bright whites to tone down your look a little, and stick to a palette of cream and beige shades. You'll also want to stick to fitted pieces (except for your outerwear) for maximum sophistication. 

Worried about mixing and matching similar patterns? Don't be. Layering outfits in the winter is a great opportunity to exercise some maximalism with your patterns, so don't be afraid to go really wild, like layering plaid with houndstooth. You're sure to stay warm and get a lot of attention as you're out and about. 

Sometimes, it's simply too cold out for a pair of sheer tights to keep you warm, but you still want to show off a little leg. On those days, go ahead and supplement your tights with a pair of knee-high socks. Top it all off with some knee-high boots, some layered tops, and a trench for an effortlessly chic outfit.

Your vibes are super casual, and you want your layered outfits to reflect that, so we think you should take this opportunity to layer your favorite denim pieces with your other winter wear. When it's sunny out, you can probably get away with a denim jacket over a sweatshirt; on colder days, try topping that look off with a trenchcoat or puffer jacket. 

So you don't want to wear layers upon layers, but you still need something to give you that extra little bit of warmth before you venture out into the cold. Take this as a sign to show off your scarf collection by donning your biggest, brightest, coziest scarf. You could simply loop it around your neck, but if your scarf is big enough, it could also function as a shawl or head wrap if it gets really cold. 

Sweater vests are no longer grandpa-only pieces, and we've loved seeing how the style has been updated over the years to fit into many fashionistas' wardrobes. If your vibe is screaming "grandpa-girly-casual," snag a baggy sweater vest and layer it over a shirt dress. To ensure you stay warm, top off your 'fit with a pair of knee- or thigh-high boots. 

If you're really feeling like being over-dressed (pun intended), why not put on two of your favorite dresses? Layer a summer dress over a long-sleeve dress that provides more coverage to keep you from getting too cold. After all, two-layered dresses really are better than one. 

Lovers of matching sets, this one's for you: Finding a matching set that includes a layering piece will make it easy to stay coordinated during the winter months. A matching jacket and skirt is simple yet striking and will make the process of putting together a layered outfit nearly brainless.