Winter is coming, and if the chill in the air isn't enough of a giveaway, the return of longline coats and chunky knits on the rails is a clear sign the winter season has arrived. While experimenting with dramatic trench coats and moody leather jackets is a must, the real secret to staying warm lies in the art of layering.

Layering allows you to maximise your basics, introduce new textures, and spur creativity with your style. In this guide, we'll show you how clever layering can effortlessly elevate any outfit, from desk to dinner, and casual days to evening plans.

Say goodbye to bulky, unflattering outerwear and hello to sleek, polished dressing, courtesy of You & All's ultimate guide to layering winter 'fits.

Your Master Guide To:

• Basics
• Dresses
• Winter Coats & Jackets
• Cardigans
• Accessories

Working with Basics

No matter how glam your outfit gets, one thing's for sure: great layering starts with solid basics. Think quality essentials that you can mix, match, and rework in countless ways.

Create contrast by layering a crew neck tee under a V-neck knit jumper and pair it with tailored pants and a signature trench for a crisp, office-ready look. Or, reach for long-sleeved tops, bodysuits, and leggings that slip effortlessly under jeans or pants when the temperature drops (you'll thank us later).

Don’t be afraid to add a little vibrancy to your neutrals with a bold accent and try a burgundy coat, pointed heels, or standout jewellery to inject a pop of personality.

Styling Your Dresses

Sure, throwing on a dress in the morning becomes less easy when the temperature starts to dip, but cooler weather doesn't mean packing away your midis and maxis. With clever layering, your favourite dresses can remain in rotation.

Style a black knit dress with a faux leather jacket and finish the look with black opaque tights and croc-embossed knee-high boots. Keeping to a monochrome palette while mixing textures adds depth and visual interest.

Add a pop to your outfit with a pair of gold hoops, or layer on a chunky scarf for a cosy touch that brings warmth and practicality. Whether you’re leaning towards bold or minimal, the right accessories can tie the whole outfit together.

Choosing the Right Winter Coat 

When your go-to trench isn't cutting it, it’s time to bring out the heavy-hitters: oversized wool coats and faux fur jackets straight out of your Pinterest board. These outerwear staples are more than just warm, they're mood-boosting, luxurious, and comforting.

Slip into a luxurious faux fur coat over a bodycon dress for a night out at a trendy bar and accessorise with stiletto heels and a red lip for a glam finish. For a more vintage vibe, opt for a shearling-lined jacket with wide-leg denim jeans and ankle boots, a look that would make Penny Lane from Almost Famous proud.

Beat the winter blues and let your outerwear become the anchor piece that pulls together your soft knits and layering basics for a cohesive look.

The Perfect Cardigan

Cardigans are the unsung heroes of layering; they're lighter than heavy knits, warmer than basic tops, and endlessly versatile. Wear them solo or under a coat to carry you through chilly mornings and right into spring.

On mellow days, layer a cropped, button-down cardigan over a soft tee with tailored trousers or straight-leg jeans for a casual, balanced outfit. For a more refined silhouette, a longline V-neck cardigan styled with a midi skirt and chunky loafers is perfect for desk-to-dinner dressing.

Thanks to its lightweight feel, a cardigan slides easily under outerwear, giving you more room to play with colour, texture, and dimension like a pro.

Must-Have Accessories

Cooler months call for accessories that will pull a look together and add extra warmth as a bonus. Swap your sandals for boots, airy pieces for cosy textures, and crochet for structured tote bags and oversized scarves.

Use V-neck knits as a base, then layer on a chunky scarf to add dimension and warmth. In need of more shape? A statement belt works wonders to define your waist and balance oversized layers of your outerwear.

Elevate your basics with dainty jewellery over turtlenecks and finish with bold gold hoops for a signature look that is completely yours. Don’t hold back when it comes to boots, whether it’s knee-highs, sleek ankle styles, or sharp pointed toes, your perfect pair is waiting to complete the look.

No matter your style preference, upgrade your plus size clothing by mastering the art of layering and elevate your winter outfits with the right mix of textures, shapes, and accessories.

Shop You & All's plus size clothing online or in-store today for a range of new season arrivals waiting for you to try on!