One big struggle for many of my clients is knitwear and layering: it's easy to dress up in summer, with a dress and a jacket to feel sexy, cool, and confident. But in winter, when it's cold and you need to wear layers, it gets a little difficult.
A blazer or leather jacket is not something easy to wear under a coat, while a cosy jumper could be much better, but it may feel a little too casual to wear in the evening or to the office.
We need to stay warm, but feel confident and professional, so I wanted to share the different kinds of knitwear that are on trend this winter, how to layer with confidence, and how to stay professional while keeping warm!
Add extra layers under your office wear
Thinner layers that can go under your garments are an essential at this time of year and they won’t make you feel bulky. When you look for thin layering items think of warm fabrics such as cashmere, bamboo, or wool, that can keep you snuggly but without additional thickness to go under items.
One of my favourite ways to style a thin layer is with a cashmere rollneck top under a dress. This helps me continue to wear my colourful seasonal items throughout the colder months.
You can also do this with round neck or polo neck base layers under your shirts as a way to add colour, definition, and most-importantly, warmth!
Belt it up or tuck it in!
A belt can completely transform your look! When you are wearing lots of layers, you'll want to bring in your waist, so adding definition through using a belt is a great option here. One option is to add a belt over your midi-skirt and warm jumper combination; or a dress that you're wearing over your basic turtleneck, with a gorgeous belt at the waist.
If you prefer a cleaner line, you can tuck in your garments - if you're wearing separates. This works beautifully with your blouse and work trousers, or a midi skirt and a large jumper; or even with your high-waisted jeans.
Make the investment
Your knitwear and outer wear should last you several years, particularly if you take care of it, so investing in pieces that you love will mean you can continue to wear them.
If now is the time to get a few new key pieces, then investing in one that will work with your style throughout the years is important. If you live in the UK, then you will always have some handy jumpers or long-sleeved tops required throughout the year, so why not have pieces that you really love wearing?
I recommend having a large comfortable jumper, a classic cardigan, as well as a few thinner jumpers for during the day when you’re running around in the office or commuting, so you’re not overheating!
Consider the accessories
Something that always elevates a look is the accessories – we have already seen how a belt can transform your look, but when you elevate your winter wear with jewellery and colourful scarves you can go from feeling sofa-ready, to office ready in a flash.
Have on hand a few key pieces that can work with your layers. For example, layered necklaces go really well over the top of tight rollneck jumpers, you can add a few rings and a chunky bracelet, or pop on some tights with a gorgeous pattern to add a touch of flair when you put on your work dress or skirt.
Add colour & pattern!
It may be winter and feeling grey outside, but this doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to feel this way. One of the biggest ways to cheer ourselves up, and make our outfits feel put together and personality-filled is by adding colour or pattern to the look.
Something you can start with it a colourful accessory like a scarf, or with your shoes or bag – little sparks of colour are a good way to start. These pieces can also then be used throughout the seasons, too!
If you want to level up the look, you can try out the on-trend style of a monochromatic look in one colour or shades of the same colour with your whole look. This is something that can work really beautifully, and feel pulled together, but can be a big step if you’re one to steer clear of colour in the day to day. If a bright colour like pink or green is a little too much (or not in your colour season!) then start with nudes, browns, or autumnal colours like burnt orange.
I hope these top tips for feeling confident & warm this winter inspire you to try out some new fun ways to boost your winter wardrobe. If you’d like support in creating a wardrobe you love that boosts your confidence, I would love to help – I offer personal styling services as well as my personal shopping service that curates outfits & styles that you will love.
