Are you wondering how to wear layers in fall and winter? Look no further. These outfit and layering tips will help. Layering is key to keeping warm in fall and winter, and still looking good.

WHY SHOULD YOU WEAR LAYERS

Because they give outfits depth, texture and variety, layers are a must-have in every man’s closet. It’s also easy. It’s possible to take a few pieces that look a bit boring and combine them into an interesting ensemble. Layers are also very comfortable. Layers are easy to change as the temperature changes.

4 MAIN RULES OF LAYERING

You can ignore them or bend them to your will, but you should at least know the reason behind them. Learn the rules and then break them.

RULE 1: Every layer have to look great on its own

This is essential for layering outfits, starting with the undershirt. You can wear a vest underneath a jacket. It should still look great without the jacket. Did you think you could wear the weird elf shirt that your ex-girlfriend got you three years back? What happens when your coffee gets sucked into your sweater? You’re now stuck with that stupid shirt for the rest of the day. Wear something you are proud to wear underneath. Murphy’s Law is your guide. Everything that can go wrong will go wrong.

RULE 2: Tree layers. No more!

Three is good. Four is sometimes too many (but not always). You risk looking bulky and padded if you have too many layers. You’ll look great if you limit your layers to three.

RULE 3: Wear thin layer inside, thick outside

Now that you have chosen three pieces that are versatile, you can layer them together to create a multilayered look. Before you decide on a dress, think about how useful each piece is when layered together. If you layer your favorite cashmere sweater over a lightweight jacket, you might find that it is too heavy. Avoid overheating, you don’t want it to be carried around all day. If this is the case, you can keep the sweater but layer it underneath with something lighter. You’ll be able to handle any weather if you have lighter, thinner fabrics closer to your body than heavier pieces farther out. This principle is natural, so don’t be too concerned about it.

RULE 4: Wear darker layers outside

There’s nothing more classic than starting with light clothes and getting darker with each layer. If you are unsure, stick to a classic formula such as this: Wear lighter colors close to your body and use darker colors for your outer layers. It’s easy enough.

3 LAYERING TIPS

While layering can be fun, there are some best practices you should keep in mind. Let’s take a closer look at each layer, beginning close to the body and moving outward.

LAYER 1 – SHIRTS

• A Flannel Shirt
• An Oxford Shirt
• A Denim Shirt
• Henley Shirt

Stores like J. Crew will carry a wide range of base layers that you can try at J. These are solid clothes and you can find them within an hour of a store. Layering up is easy with a long-sleeve button-up shirt. This is a great place to start, especially if your goal is to try out different layering styles before spending any of your hard-earned money.

LAYER 2 – VESTS and SWEATERS

You can get a lot out of any of these, but try to have at least two.

• A medium or dark color vest
• A Quarter-Zip
• Crewneck Sweater
• V-Neck Sweater
• A Hooded Sweatshirt
• A Cardigan Sweater

Sweaters can be worn easily. You can wear a cotton crew neck or wool V-neck throughout fall and winter. Wool sweaters, whether crew, quarter zip or v-neck, make great layers over a button-up shirt. If you don’t have one, consider getting a lightweight vest. These are great outer and middle layers.

LAYER 3 – JACKETS & OVERCOATS

The last layer is your outermost. This is what people will see so make sure you get the best quality.

• A Field Jacket
• A leather jacket
• A Blazer/Sportcoat
• Raincoat
• Top Coat
• A Parka

Casual medium-weight jackets, such as leather jackets or field jackets, are great. Also, bombers and Harringtons work well. A jacket of medium weight, such as a classic leather jacket or bomber jacket, will see more use than any other outerwear piece in your wardrobe. Topcoats made of wool are often overlooked. They can be worn casually, or more dressed up than parkas which are decidedly casual.

Some other questions about layering

Here are the answers to the most common questions about layering.

WHAT LAYERS CAN MEN WEAR? The above-mentioned layering rules can be followed by men to allow them to wear layers. Particularly, use darker colors on the outside and lighter fabrics on the inside. Make sure that each layer looks great on its own. Avoid bulky puffer jackets. Opt for lighter outerwear like wool topcoats.

WHAT TYPES OF LAYERS SHOULD WINTER LETTERS CONTAIN? Three layers is the ideal layer. You risk looking bulky if you wear more layers.

WHAT CAN MEN DO WITH LAYERS IN SUMMER? Oftentimes, it’s simple too hot to wear layers during summer. If you have a thin, breathable fabric like linen, hopsack, or chambray, one outer layer can be worn. You can choose from a lightweight cardigan, a cotton/linen chore jacket, or a lightweight windbreaker.