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Winter Layering Guide

Posted on January 06 2016

Hi there Millie Girls! I hope you all had a great holiday season! I don't know about you but now that the holidays are over and I’ve added a few new gifty goodies to my closet, I’m all ready to mix and match them to carry me through the next few chilly months in style. If you’re anything like me, when the temperature starts dropping, you start piling on the layers! Now being cozy is super important, but it doesn’t outweigh staying stylish! I’m going to go through a few of my favorite layering techniques to help you keep warm without compromising your shape and while also emphasizing your favorite wardrobe pieces.

My first fashionable layering tip is to wear a blouse under your favorite sleeveless dress. We all have those super cute dresses that we want to be able to wear all year long and this is the way to accomplish that! One of my favorite things about this layering method is that it does not add bulk to your look, or cover up your dress, but still keeps your arms nice and toasty! My favorite blouses to use are tie-neck styles as well as puff or balloon sleeve! Choose something with a little bit of texture or a collar that can peek out under the dress to make it appear like the two really go together!

Here is an example of one of my favorite warm weather polka dot dresses layered over a long ballon sleeve style blouse! I added a cute knit hat, fun necklace, and warm tights (check out our foot traffic tights for ultra comfort!). I'm also wearing a great pair of red heels by BAIT!

Get the look: Check these two looks out for a similar style that you can purchase on the website! Stretchy belts are one size fits all and are the perfect combination of style and comfort. This white tie-neck blouse can go under anything! If you want to layer a statement necklace over your dress like I did in my example, that works too, and can add a touch of glamour!

My next tip is to layer a large blanket scarf or poncho over your outfit and nip it in at the waist with a belt! Blanket scarves and ponchos are very popular right now and a trend that I can seriously get behind! This is for those extra cold days (like the other day here in New England when it dipped down into the 20’s!). I also personally love being able to use a piece that I used as fall outerwear underneath my coat as a part of my daily outfit now.

Here are a few examples of two of my looks utilizing scarves and ponchos! In the first I belted a knit mustard shawl over a springy floral dress. I topped the look off with a bow knit headband, foot traffic tights, and tall brown boots. In the second look, I used my red plaid poncho, (purchased in the fall for outerwear) and layered it over a vintage fit and flare dress. I topped the look off with a mustard scarf, belt, and black heeled booties!

Get the look: There are tons of stretchy belts, ponchos, and scarves on the website that pair perfectly to recreate this look yourself! I used a mustard knit shawl in my first look, but a blanket or oblong scarf would work just as well.

My last tip is the most classic example of layering. Wearing a cardigan over your dress or blouse. Now the most important thing for me is to use a cardigan that is not too long for my torso. Most petite girls know that if your cardigan is too long and you cover up your waistline, it can make you look larger or boxy. My favorite piece right now is the cropped cardigan by MAK sweaters (Stay tuned ladies, these are coming soon to the website!). I also love to add an infinity scarf as the finishing touch! Being on the go all day, you really want a scarf that is going to stay in place, which is why the infinity style is my go-to!

Here I am in a black and white striped fit and flare dress! I layered a mustard MAK cardigan over the top and finished the look off with a stretchy belt, plaid infinity scarf, and knit hat! I'm also wearing cute brown cut-out heels by Chase & Chloe.

Get the look: Here is a great layered look featuring a cropped cardigan, dress, and infinity scarf that are available for purchase on the website! I may have used a mustard and red theme but navy and hot pink are another of my favorite color combinations!

So there they are, my top layering style tips! Don't be afraid to contrast between different colors and cuts. Be bold, layer a mustard ruffled blouse with bright blue or a red button down sweater and you will make heads turn while you walk down the street! What are you waiting for, get out there and get layering!

Website top picks: Snag these infinity scarves that I used in my blog to get you started on your own layering adventure! Sign up for our email list and get 20% off your order with coupon code NEWMILLIE!