11 Tips for Layering Your Winter Clothes Without Adding Bulk

Stock up on these tissue-thin tees to wear under anything and everything. And while you can never go wrong with classic black, white or gray, we love how a patterned version pops under a colorful sweater or velvet dress.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck ($40; $31); Madewell Larsen Blazer ($178); Rails Ellis Button-Up Shirt ($168); Abercrombie & Fitch Pencil Skirt ($70); Vince Camuto Caseyl Boots ($229; $92)

Rather than knotting your favorite silk scarf like a bandana, try wrapping it as many times as you comfortably can around your neck before knotting the ends together. This will prevent any gusts of chilly air from sneaking down your collar and has a French woman-vibe that’s cool enough to continue sporting once you get indoors.

Shop similar styles: Tory Burch Silk Scarf ($148); Everlane Alpaca Hat ($60) and SuperFuzz Alpaca Sweater ($200; $150); Elie Tahari Merrit Pants ($345)

Rather than pile a thick sweater on under your work blazer, opt for a Jackie O-approved cardigan instead. It will keep you just as warm as a crew-neck pullover but with a more flattering fit. Wear them tucked into jeans, layered under a denim jacket or with a pleated midi skirt.

Shop similar styles: Kule Sinclair Cardigan ($348); ASOS New Perfect Blazer ($57); Reformation Fletcher Pants ($158); Nisolo All-Day Clogs ($180)

If you want to maintain the look of an actual blouse, swap that crisp cotton button-up for one in denim or faux-leather. Both materials are significantly warmer than cotton, linen or silk, and tend to have looser silhouettes than clingy cardigans, if that’s more your style.

Shop similar styles: Good American Patchwork Button-Up Shirt ($155; $109); Halfdays Georgie Puffer Jacket ($495); 7 For All Mankind Easy Boy Bootcut Jeans ($228); New Balance 327 Sneakers ($110)

An oversize turtleneck sweater is every bit as warm as a wool scarf, but requires no effort to figure out exactly how to tie it or how many loops around your neck is the right number. Plus, you now have one less item to keep track of throughout the day.

Shop similar styles: Everlane Alpaca Oversized Turtleneck Sweater ($175); Victoria Beckham Quilted Coat ($1,850; $555); Agolde Lana Jeans ($198); Journee Collection Silvy Booties ($100; $70)

The current trend of baggy or wide-leg denim styles is actually much better for winter layering than skinny or straight-leg jeans. The reason? They have ample room to layer tights or thin leggings underneath to give your legs bonus protection from the cold without causing any weird bunching around your hips or knees.

Shop similar styles: Plush Fleece-Lined Tights ($35); Lucky Brand Hoodie Balaclava ($50; $10); Theory Faux Fur Peacoat ($595; $351); Dr. Denim Echo Wide-Leg Jeans ($100); Free People Sienna Ankle Boots ($198)

One of the never-ending struggles of winter is figuring out how to fit your sweater into your coat sleeves without totally restricting blood flow or having your knit ride all the way up to your bicep. But a vest will keep your core warm and it also gives you the opportunity to show off all those statement-sleeves. And if it’s truly frigid out, adding a puffy vest over your usual thin wool coat will bring double the warmth without limiting the range of motion of your arms.

Shop similar styles: Quince Puffer Vest ($100); Remy x Revolve Brooks Coat ($150; $105); L.L.Bean Cotton Turtleneck ($33; $20); Cider Straight-Leg Pants ($28); Thursday Boot Co. Heartbreaker Boots ($195)

Whether you’re relying on a chunky turtleneck or a wool scarf to keep your neck and chin warm, adding another large square scarf over your shoulders is a great way to dress up a basic coat while providing extra wind protection on your back and shoulders.

Shop similar styles: Longchamp Roseau Check Print Scarf ($340); Calvin Klein Walker Wool Coat ($400; $160); Venus Houndstooth Turtleneck Sweater ($59; $40); ALO Accolade Sweatpants ($118); Tory Burch Flemming Bag ($498); UGG Platform Mini Boots ($160)

Think outside the box when it comes to layering (and fighting the cold) by sporting a cropped puffer over a long trench or duster. On their own, each one might not be enough to get you warmly through your morning commute, but together they’ll provide just as much protection as your most aggressive winter puffer, just with a much cooler, more flattering finish.

Shop similar styles: Apparis Jemma Puffer Coat ($395); Banana Republic Twill Trench Coat ($220; $132); Alex Mill Zip-Front Jumpsuit ($225); Unisa Maren Boots ($89; $55)

If your coat is a lighter hue, opt for dark accessories (hats, gloves, scarves, etc.). Same goes for pants or dresses that peek out from underneath your topper—if your coat is black, swap those dark navy work trousers for a yellow, light gray or even plaid version, instead. A mix of shades that range from light to dark will help break up even the puffiest, most oversize winter ensembles.

Shop similar styles: & Other Stories Fringed Wool Blanket Scarf ($89); lululemon Tech Gloves ($52; $29); DISSH Matilda Coat ($300); GAP Chunky Cardigan Sweater ($90; $65); Cider Wide-Leg Pants ($28); Stuart Weitzman Avenue 75 Boots ($650; $259)

So, you’ve got your tissue-thin turtleneck, a flowy midi dress, a chunky cardigan and a pair of slouchy knee-high boots, and now you’re worried it’s all just a bit too much. Rather than pare down and brace yourself for the cold, pull out one of the oldest, most flattering style tricks in the book and cinch your waist with a contrasting belt.

Shop similar styles: Free People Cardigan Sweater ($78); Lulus Floral Dress ($72); B-Low the Belt Milla Belt ($140); Aerosoles Micah Boots ($140)