YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Outwear Layering

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Outwear Layering https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:21:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php elpgal on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349794 Tue, 16 Jan 2024 02:28:36 +0000 elpgal 2349794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ All these responses are making me think of this layer from a few years ago. It was a long thin quilted flat puffer but was sleeves and the neckline was deep (like the cinammon one in Stylefan’s reply). It was shown layered under cocoon coats. Sort of like the one in this pic. Anyone know what I am talking about? RobinF on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349770 Mon, 15 Jan 2024 15:36:41 +0000 RobinF 2349770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Timely post - I have been thinking about layering lately! I don't usually layer other than hat and scarf in the winter, but since menopause my body temp varies more than it used to and it would be nice to just remove a layer to be more comfortable. I also like the interesting look it can add to an outfit.  I like your example - the inside layer almost works as a scarf visually. Chris987 on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349714 Sun, 14 Jan 2024 18:27:40 +0000 Chris987 2349714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Jaime!  Julie your layering sounds a lot like mine! scarves, hats, gloves .. we need the whole enchilada! Julie on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349489 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:45:06 +0000 Julie 2349489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ooh, yes! I often wear a light puffer under my thin-but-waterproof raincoat, and find that a nice warm and bulky scarf is just the thing when my warmest coats are not cutting it. Plus a warm hat of course. And I often will layer wool liner gloves under my ultra warm Nordic mittens! And I layer like crazy when out for our regular hikes. (I live in the mountains!) I guess I layer a lot, but I feel like I could try this even more than I do. Thanks for the inspiration! Chris987 on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349485 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:15:25 +0000 Chris987 2349485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Joy!  Runcarla, great example of layering!! I think your small wardrobe approach, limited to colors that almost always work together, is one of the secrets to doing this well.  Carla on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349455 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 01:03:19 +0000 Carla 2349455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I see I’ve been ‘outed’, LOL!  The outfit below worn this past weekend (outfit #1) <div> </div><div>-turtleneck sweater -flannel button down -micro puffer -light weight puffer And, I like how the shine of a silk scarf mimics the shine of most puffer fabrics and juxtaposes what is essentially a very casual coat style (outfit #2) </div> Anonymous on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349448 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:38:50 +0000 Anonymous 2349448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I was teaching and was out in the elements for long periods of time, I often layered jackets one over another.  I also do this on trips when my main coat is a black am weather coat with a hood.  I regularly wear a beanie knit hat under a hood in the wind.  Chris987 on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349405 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:20:21 +0000 Chris987 2349405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Aquamarine,  Indigoprint, Firecracker lyn67 I agree about Scott-Thomases entire outfits being importatn ... not so visible in the few photos online but on the show they were great.  Great point about the black accents and the dark vs. light. I wish I knew whether it was her own style or that of a stylist on the show.  Janet great point about getting warmth in from multiple layers. I've been doing that with sweaters.  I find it can often be warmer to have multiple mid-weight layers than one bulky one. More interesting style-wise too!  Janet on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349379 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:40:32 +0000 Janet 2349379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m a fan of this approach too. In fact I’m avoiding any purchases of thick bulky sweaters or coats, in favor of layering lighter outer and mid layers. I find it versatile for a number of climates, and our winters here are getting more temperate (sadly, I miss snow!). This is why my long puffer search has been so limited in success — too many long puffers are designed as deep winter pieces and are too bulky and heavy for me. It’s rare I need that! But later a fleece or even a denim jacket under, with appropriate under layers, and I’m happy, even if I end up in a too-warm cafe or shop, where I can easily remove an extra layer if needed. Love Kristin Scott Thomas! I’ve been enjoying Slow Horses. lyn67 on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349366 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:53:48 +0000 lyn67 2349366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love your rendition here-great job. I for myself  layer puffer vests or blazers often under coats but that's common, I think.  It would have been great to see these outfits of Dame Kirstin Scott Thomas  from hip down, too. Perfect proportions and legths are so so important. And, looking at the inspo picties, in nr 1 my eyes got stuck to the black accents---which are not to be overlooked IMHO. That black pipping around the collar, hood and the black zipper is really stunning for calming down and dividing up a blob of bright color---making it more digerable perhaps and adding lots of structure. The silk scarf is repeating colors from the coat and probably the darker bottoms- and tempers all the sporty  things to a beautifull ladylike face framing. The second works with the same visual tricks. A smooth and dark neutral outerlayer left open over a stunning bright and textured thing (vest or jacket)-and the same calming effect with the silk scarf in the colors of the outfit-but note that there is a big difference  between the weight of the layered jackets mantaining flattery. Very effective and a good inspo, thank you for the thread. Firecracker (Sharan) on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349344 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 04:05:00 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2349344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is an interesting concept to me. I really like your version in neutrals, Chris! Indigoprint on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349342 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 02:54:04 +0000 Indigoprint 2349342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such a fun dive, thank you! I love Kirstin Scott Thomas her acting and style. Aquamarine on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349341 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 02:08:22 +0000 Aquamarine 2349341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I never think to layer outerwear but agree it could be a solution to shoulder season weather. It seems as if the climate is making shoulder season longer for sure. Chris987 on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349301 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 20:47:00 +0000 Chris987 2349301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachy, me too! Suntiger I do that too but I have a lot of weeks/months of "shoulder seasons" where I need something but a heavy puffer is too much. MsMary that sounds just right! Your pieces are probably (?) lighter weight than mine but I too have all those kinds of pieces. It sounds like you have a good variety of different styles/colors so have lots of options. I think I just need to expand my options both in colors and pieces. MsMary on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349266 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 17:11:53 +0000 MsMary 2349266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am a devoted outwear layerer. Even though I live in balmy So Cal, I run cold so I like to be able to add or subtract layers as needed. I have a couple of lightweight puffer jackets, a full-length puffer coat, and puffer vests in four colors, and I mix and match them to a fare-thee-well, along with fleece tights, leggings, and various silk long underwear pieces on top. And, of course, sweaters and wool coats and jackets. Anonymous on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349262 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 16:51:57 +0000 Anonymous 2349262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yep- Runcarla came to mind straightaway! My climate doesn't justify a lot of layering, but if it gets really cold, I just put on my heavy puffer. rachylou on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349255 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 15:53:39 +0000 rachylou 2349255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh. I need to ponder this. A fleece and puffer vest could work for me at work. Hmm! Chris987 on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349248 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 14:43:49 +0000 Chris987 2349248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, thanks! That's right, runcarla does do this now that I think of it.  Dee,  agreed  the addition of a punch color really takes it up a level.  I agree about "unseasonably warm winter days" when this can also work. Or, "unseasonably cold spring/summer days" - the first week of June last year DH and I went to mid-coat Maine for a few days at it was 45F and pouring!!! The rain was typical, the temp was not! I'm trying to move to a mindset of infinite variability rather than tightly defined  predictable seasons. A layering approach seems to work much better for this.  Right Suz, those fabbers DO do this. I think you're right that the packable puffer (I do own one) in a bright color (mine's neutral) gives it the magic.  SarahD8 EXACTLY that bit of posh style is a great idea. Probably comes from her french style leanings. In my climate I need a warmer scarf than silk in deep winter but there are plenty of other times when it could work.  Style Fan, right there with you.  Jaime on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349215 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 02:50:54 +0000 Jaime 2349215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great use of inspiration and an all around excellent idea for places where the temperature and weather conditions change frequently. I like your rendition! Style Fan on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349210 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 01:19:03 +0000 Style Fan 2349210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for posting this, Chris.  Kristin Scott Thomas' looks would work for me in the autumn and spring.  I find layering works well for the shoulder seasons.  My Lululemon puffer has been a workhorse, and I often wear a down vest under it.  I also have a blue waterproof coat that works well as a top layer. In the winter, I need my down coat. SarahD8 on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349205 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:52:50 +0000 SarahD8 2349205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh I love this, thanks for this post, Chris987! I have just started experimenting with layering outerwear, but I'm nowhere near an expert. I think it's a pretty cool strategy. I love Kristin Scott Thomas's style. What intrigues me most from your post is the idea of combining a silk scarf with knit winter accessories (beanies/gloves). It's rather a posh thing, I think, but every once in a while a bit of posh appeals to me. I'm going to try it! Suz on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349148 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 18:59:04 +0000 Suz 2349148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carla does this a lot and so does Irina, from time to time. I believe Bonnie is also a pro at this. I also do it! I don't always layer a waterproof layer because even in my rainy world (gasp!) it's not always needed.  Some of the items I have layered in the past below. The red packable puffer goes under...various wool coats, a leather coat, and raincoats of different types.  The packable puffer is the magic here but I used to do it also with my Thermoball, when I owned one. I don't bother with fleece layer -- if I am wearing sweaters (typical) or  long undies etc. (depending where I am and the temps) then I don't need the fleece. I do wear a scarf/ hat, etc.  Dee on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349126 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 17:05:04 +0000 Dee 2349126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ouu.. I love this idea, and the high contrast combinations as well. This could work well on those unseasonably warm winter days that are starting to occur more and more.  You’re well on your way to copying this outfit too with what you already own but adding an extra punchy colour like the yellow or teal might be extra fab. Angie on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349122 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:28:25 +0000 Angie 2349122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ RunCarla layers a LOT with her Uniqlo puffers, Chris. Look at her WIWs :)  I like the way you layered with your cinnamon puffer so that the colour is close to your face. Flattering! The high contrast white is effective with your hair, and matches your footwear. Nicely done!  Chris987 on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349118 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:23:24 +0000 Chris987 2349118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Pheobe! Fascinating that more layers can be better than a single super-warm coat. I suspect Scott-Thomas was in fairly moderate/cool temps when filming that show - the outfits she wore would not work for my winters either.  phoebe on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349112 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:57:58 +0000 phoebe 2349112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The version of this formula that is working for me in 20F with snow weather is; wool/silk long underwear top and bottom, lightweight wind and water resistant technical wear pants, older cashmere sweater, lightweight down jacket, mid thigh length Gortex shell and boots. Also heavy knit wool hat and down mittens I run neither hot nor cold, but if I get cold I am slow to warm up so I avoid it. I can stay outside for a long time like this and find this formula more effective and less bulky than my hip length extra warm down jacket. Chris987 on "Outwear Layering" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outwear-layering#post-2349111 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:31:27 +0000 Chris987 2349111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Recent posts about outerwear reminded me of some great ideas I saw on a TV show a while ago. The show is “Your Grandparent’s War”, where different British actors are featured with interviews and about their grandparents’ experiences during WWII. I highly recommend this series; it’s fascinating, sobering, and very well put together. Google it if you are interested. One episode features Dame Kirstin Scott Thomas, who’s grandfather was a British Naval Officer. She lived in France for most of her adult life and definitely has a French fashion sensibility. The episode she’s in takes place mostly outdoors, often on Naval ships or near them. Her 2 outfits included a shirt or top of some type, lightweight puffer jacket, slim fleece vest, topped by a waterproof or windproof top layer. Sometimes a knit hat, and often what appear to be silk scarves in prints. Jeans or dark pants and boots. It was the jacket layers that caught my eye. Photo #1 Yellow raincoat, black puffer, cream vest. Worn with skinny jeans and wellies and a silk scarf in primary colors. This photo does not show the layers well but I saw them during the show Photo #2 Navy raincoat, red puffer, Each one has dark and bright colors, mostly solids with some prints in scarves/shirts, sometimes some white/cream. This seems a fabulous way to go for climates or seasons where a heavy coat is not needed. There is a lot of interest in each outfit. Don’t know if it’s her own style or that of the show’s stylist, but the color combinations are nice and nothing is too bulky. Casual but polished. Great for travel if your style is a bit sporty/casual; lots of options. In my experience waterproof outerwear is also pretty wind-resistant. You could even do two different versions and get even more options all together. DH has been doing this for years. He has never owned a true winter coat but instead layers a fleece jacket, a lightweight puffer, and a waterproof outer layer. He runs super warm and does this in deep winter too. He has one basic set for out-and-about and another older one for working in the yard (which he does year round) or running the snowblower like he’s doing today. The system works really well for him the first 3 finds are pieces I could order today to copy Scott-Thomas’s exact yellow jacket outfit Finds 4 - 6 set are 3 pieces in my closet today that create this look. Photo #3 shows this outfit. Much less color contrast than Scott-Thomas's outfit; I like the higher contrast better. I bet we have fabbers who already do this would love to see and hear your thoughts.