Teach me about layering - YouLookFab Forum

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Teach me about layering

abc

Veteran

We will be relocating next week to a town about 2.5 hours away. Apparently the weather there is a bit different than where we are now.

The times we have been there recently it's been cold and windy in the morning (today was around 42F/5.5C) but warms up considerably by noontime (today was 70F/21C).

Talking to locals the recommendation is to layer.

I've also recently gotten some more sporty / MOTG outfits. I built this capsule, see pics 1-2:
2 toppers
2 tops
2 pants
New sneakers too

We will have a yard so I expect to be more active outdoors. Hence the gear. Not sure how I feel about this but it does suit the new lifestyle.

I would like suggestions on what to look for in terms of a jacket. Should I plan on wearing a top, a soft topper like the 2 I show here and then some sort of jacket/coat/parka? I'm lost here bc I haven't really had to dress for cold in many years.

I was thinking along the lines of a packable down coat (example shown north face pic 3) but the more I think about it that may be overkill and maybe I would be ok with something like the Lucy jacket shown in light grey in pic 4? And then there's what pulls at my heart strings, the Boden Mac (pic5)due to its adorable print. But I don't think it works w the sporty / gear items.

Other considerations
I run hot
I hate bulk
For some reason I want the jacket to cover my butt
I think the temps referenced above are probably about as cold as I would need to plan on
I need size XL so lines that run small won't work

Suggestions and input welcome. Thanks in advance and sorry for my absence then coming back for help .. Moving is not fun but I am sure it's worth it this time.

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Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from April

sienna

(website)

I think the Lucy one would be the best! Where I live it's usually somewhere between the high 20s and 40s (F) and I usually only wear a leather jacket over a thin long sleeved shirt. I think the down one would be overkill especially since you run hot!

Anonymous

I love your sporty luxe capsule. How cool! It looks like it all coordinates well together.
I think the first two jackets go better with the clothing you show, but wow, that boden jacket sure is cute.
I wear my packable lightweight down jacket as a sweater inside, so I don't think it's overkill, at least from a warmth perspective. But the one you show really does seem wintery because of the length. My vote is a down jacket that JUST covers your butt.

JAileen

Veteran

I live with big daily temperature swings, and a jacket like #3 wouldn't be as good for a range of temps as a shell like #4. With #4 you could put a fleece or maybe a vest under it and then take off when it warms up. I assume #4 is wind and water proof/resistant. #5 is cute.

greycat6

Veteran

The Boden jacket is adorable!

Will it be rainy or dry and 40 degrees? If rainy, I would say the Lucy jacket with a lightweight vest layered underneath. I have the Marmot one below and I like it for layering because it is thin but still warm. Damp cold is more bone chilling than a dry cold. You also mentioned wind. The Lucy jacket looks like it could also block the wind. If it is a dry and windy cold I vote for a short, packable down jacket with a hood. I agree with Smittie that the one above is too long but it is on the right track.

Since you are moving from a warmer climate you may 'feel' the cold more than a local or someone used to those temperature fluctuations.

Your sporty capsule looks great! You have done a great job pulling things together in a cohesive color palette.

Marmot Kitzbuhel Vest

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1

Joy

Veteran

I like greycat's idea of the layering vest. It looks sporty lux too.

Aziraphale

Veteran

First of all, commiseration: I HATE MOVING. It's a huge, stressful drag. But if you love your new home, it will be worth it!

Secondly, about the layering: cold and windy, but above freezing, means a not-too-heavy jacket that will keep out the wind. Down is probably overkill.

I live in a climate where winters exist, but are short and not too cold (normally no snow, or just a few episodes of snow). I find, if I'm going to be exerting myself outdoors, that I like to have a sleek ski jacket with a down liner that can be removed. The liner doesn't get worn much, unless I'm skiing. I also have an insulated winter jacket (that does cover my bottom) that isn't really warm enough to wear for extended periods when it's below freezing, but is good for those days when you need to throw something on fast and it's too cold for a light jacket.

For daytime temperatures of 70 degrees, though, you're going to need a spring jacket without much insulation, and a long sleeved top underneath (or a short-sleeved top with a long-sleeved cardigan or hoody, followed by the light jacket).

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

My weather is very similar to yours. My lifestyle too....since I work from home and have 2 dogs who shed like crazy, plus need ample walks etc.

I have worn loose jeans or track pants everyday this winter. Winters arrived late - and when they did, it was cold. My formula is:

1. A tight long sleeved tee that hugs the body and retains heat.
2. Track pants. Sometimes fleece lined, because I easily run cold.
3. A thin sweater or sweatshirt. This is a layering piece, since it's not that cold indoors when I close all doors and windows.
4. A vest like Greycat suggests. When it's colder, a parka with a hood. I only need it in the evenings on my long walks....not all day long. To change this up, I also wear quilted jackets to retain the whole sporty look.
5. Sneakers

Below are examples.

This is my everyday look, and very very different from how I dress up to go out. I am most likely to wear short skirt+tights+boots+leather jacket or cropped jeans+boots+chunky sweater+scarf with a long coat when needed when I go out.

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UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

If you're going all out sporty, I have had good luck with this white Athleta down jacket this winter. I specifically wanted it for outdoor sporty purposes and to have bum and front-of-leg coverage. But, I usually wear it in colder temperatures.

However, your new weather doesn't seem that cold. I am also a big fan of insulated vests and that sort of thing would work under the Boden coat (which is very cute.) I have this blush pink one from last year and I wear it, e.g., under a leather jacket in transitional season or sometimes by itself over a sweater going out for carpool run on a chilly morning.

Gap Down With It Jacket

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Layering vest with Primaloft

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JamC

Veteran

I love my Uniqlo ultra light down jacket. Mine doesn't cover my bum though. They might sell a longer version. It is so light weight but I think it would be a great layering piece for that weather.

April

Veteran

ABC, commiseration here from another recent mover. The best thing about moving is the relief when it's over.

As to your more important question, I would suggest that there are two kinds of layering. There's 1.) the kind you do to accommodate temperature fluctuation, and 2.) the kind where a layered look IS the outfit, with no intention of removing any part of it during the day. Let's call them 1.) temperature layering and 2.) fashion layering.

Temperature layering requires that all the layers be presentable as outfits in and of themselves. In other words, you wouldn't expect a very clingy underlayer to function as a top that would be seen if you removed a vest or heavy sweater. So temperature layering requires every layer to look good all by itself, when you remove the layer above it.

But fashion layering is different. In fact, fashion layering will always look best when the underlayer is very form-fitting. If a tee is meant to peek out at the neckline, for example, it should fit in a clingy way and not the way you might prefer a stand-alone tee to fit. Otherwise, it will bunch up, looking bulky and feeling uncomfortable.

Make sense?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

First of all, good luck with the move! Moving is stressful but also exciting.

I envy your new weather -- that is pretty much my ideal weather.
It cuts out the extremes but allows for wearing a wide range of my wardrobe! I dislike being too hot or too cold.

I think down may be too warm for you unless it is a very lightweight down piece. For some reason, I find vests difficult to bother with -- if it's cool enough to want a layer, I typically want my arms covered too.

Something like the Athleta jacket I bought last fall may come in handy, depending on whether you get rain in your new home. I find this works well for a lightweight layer bridging sporty-casual usage. It layers well over just a top, or a top and lightweight topper like a soft blazer or cardigan.

Gap Rainfall Jacket

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abc

Veteran

Thanks to all of you for your wisdom.

I think I wanted my butt covered bc I was cold yesterday haha.

I do have a shorter down jacket I just can't layer much under it.

I like the white and gray athleta jackets noted here.

The distinction between temp layering and fashion layering was smart. I am fine w fashion layering and do it all the time. The temp layering is what's new to me.

I also agree the north face jacket is probably overkill. Again probably a result of me being cold yesterday am. I also noticed on lands end and LL bean for example that the jackets for less cold weather don't tend to be down or long. I think it was my knee jerk reaction bc as someone mentioned the cold could feel colder to me bc I am not accustomed to it anymore.

Looking into the options and methods but wanted to say thank you for all the tips and wisdom. I apologize I can't respond to each person individually but know I really appreciate the help!

And yes to those commiserating with the he** of moving ... Packing today through Sunday (about half way done) and truck comes Monday. I keep telling myself this time next week we will be there. It's all worth it though as the lifestyle change and space for the kids is gonna be amazing! Thanks for all your help and support.

Anonymous

No words of wisdom from me - but did get a bit of a chuckle out of the low of 5C dilemma. Here in Manitoba, we're practically in shorts when it gets to 5C Hardy bunch, us Prairie people . Good luck with the move I cannot even imagine moving at this stage in my life - although I'd be really excited with a new house !

April

Veteran

For temperature layering, I like Uniqlo's HeatTech Extra Warms, sized up at least once. They are thicker and less sheer and clingy (when you size up) than regular HeatTechs, and can stand alone as a top if you remove an outer layer.