How to layer when you hate layering?

down jacket

A light-weight down jacket

is just the perfect layering piece now the weather is getting a little colder. It’s not cold yet, really, just a bit chilly. and there might be frost on the ground in the morning. And it’s certainly a bit too early for cashmere sweaters and winter boots. However, a trench coat is not enough to keep me warm, either. Oh, and I hate layering…

Layering is not my thing.

Unless we consider adding a scarf as adding layers, of course. Or wearing a cardigan with a sleeveless top or a dress.

Well, it’s layering, of course, but in a rather minimalist sense. In a way, my idea of layering is very simple: two layers max, or I start feeling restricted by my clothes.

Beaumont jacket

But adding layers is an easy way to keep warm, isn’t it?

And you can add interest to your outfit by adding layers, and it makes packing simpler as your clothes can multitask…

It sounds very good, and even looks fantastic on other people. But for some reason even the idea of layering a sweater under a coat and a long-sleeved t-shirt under the sweater makes me feel like I’m suffocating…

So, two layers max…

My approach to dropping temperatures is to reach for a warmer coat while keeping the rest of the outfit more or less the same as before: a light-weight top with either trousers or a skirt. The colder the weather, the bigger the coat. And in December I swap my shirts / Breton tops / long-sleeved t-shirts for cashmere sweaters, but the same principle of two layers max still applies.

But doesn’t that mean I need quite a few coats to accommodate the changing weather and four seasons? Yes, but I need a quite a few coats anyway. I share my time between Finland and the U.K. Neither country is not exactly known for good weather…

And a light-weight down coat is something that has been missing in my wardrobe. So, I bought one. And I love it: it’s the perfect piece to replace the early autumn trench coat as the outer layer when it starts getting a bit colder.

40+ down jacket

I’m wearing:

down jacket: Beaumont / trousers: Marks and Spencer / shoes: Clarks / bag: Furla /sunglasses: Coach 

How do you feel about layering?

Tiina
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Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishGaray TreasuresHigh Latitude StyleSydney Fashion HunterThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirGet Your Pretty OnHappiness at Mid-LifeA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceNot Dressed As Lamb 

24 Comments

  1. Sue @ A Colourful Canvas
    18 October 2015 / 5:19 pm

    Oh, this post could be about me Tiina. I immediately feel weighted down if I wear too many layers. Suffocated as you say. I have three down jackets in my wardrobe right now, and if I see another in a thrift store that I love, it will probably come home with me too. Indoor temps remain pretty stable throughout the fall/winter. I find it easier to remove a single lightweight, but warm, item of clothing than peeling off several layers. Your new jacket is lovely! A gorgeous shade of plum for you!

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2015 / 2:36 pm

      I agree: the fewer layers, the better. And we have pretty constant indoor temps in Finland, too, and I find too many layers are uncomfortable. In Britain, on the other hand, a cardigan or a pashmina is often quite useful as indoor temps tend to be cooler.

  2. Suzanne Carillo
    18 October 2015 / 10:33 pm

    I'm not so keen on layers when I know I need to change out of them. Otherwise in our winters they can be a necessity. Which means while outside you are still cold but inside you die of heat. It isn't nice. The solution? Move to California. Ha!Love the colour of your coat.bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2015 / 2:38 pm

      Yeah, I know what you mean… I guess we have similar winters in Finland and indoor temps are kept quite high. In Britain, well, it's not uncommon to freeze indoors…

  3. Patti
    19 October 2015 / 1:17 am

    I love to layer but to suffocating levels, either. This is a great jacket, love the color.-pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2015 / 2:38 pm

      Thanks, Patti!

  4. Shybiker
    19 October 2015 / 1:53 am

    For cold-weather riding on my motorcycle, I layer to stay warm but, honestly, I've never learned how to layer for fashion. Not sure how it's done. Even looking at gals who do it doesn't explain to me why it's desirable. BTW, that's a pretty coat. It looks good on you.

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2015 / 2:39 pm

      I find layering just unnecessarily complicated. I prefer my clothes as easy as possible.

  5. Sandy a la Mode
    19 October 2015 / 7:07 am

    such a cute jacket!!!

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2015 / 2:40 pm

      Thank you!

  6. fashionandfoodandotherstuff
    19 October 2015 / 7:15 am

    I used to have a lot of layers because i was always cold…….nowadays i het these hot flashes…….www.fashionandfoodandotherstuff.com

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2015 / 2:40 pm

      That sure makes it more complicated…

  7. Jill James
    20 October 2015 / 9:11 am

    Layering is always tricky , I tend to do lots of fine wool layers but our Winter is mild compared to yours. I think your coat solution is the best. Your new coat is a wonderful colour.

    • Tiina L
      20 October 2015 / 2:41 pm

      The alternative is to have the exact right coat for the temperature. Which can be tricky sometimes, especially when travelling…

  8. Petite Silver Vixen
    20 October 2015 / 9:45 pm

    I don't mind layering. I've got better at it over the years as I do feel the cold. I think it's because I do alot of walking/hiking and layers are crucial as you can heat up and cool down quite quickly and 2 layers wouldn't work. Thin layers trap the heat better so I go with that! But it is tricky as otherwise you can end up looking like the Michelin Tyre Man. Just one big barrel! Gorgeous colour of the coat. I'd have gone for that colour too! And in fact I have but a short length one. Great minds…

    • Tiina L
      21 October 2015 / 1:13 pm

      Yes, I can see what you mean, sometimes layering makes sense. Also, there are differences as far as indoor temps are concerned: in Finland I often find that a thin top is enough, even in winter, as the indoor temperature is quite high. But I need the big Michelin man coat outdoors… and in Britain I definitely often miss a cardi indoors as it tends to be quite a bit cooler, but my winter coat makes me feel hot and sweaty outdoors… There's no perfect solution, I guess.

  9. Anna Jeanine
    21 October 2015 / 6:47 pm

    I know exactly what you mean. More than two layers and I feel like I'm trapped! In fact, I have started trying to find a way to wear layers when it's cold and what helps me is wearing a cardigan with a tank top as if it were a top. When I try to do that with longer sleeves, though, I start to feel constricted.Saw you in the What I Wore linkup. Here's my What I Wore post…http://www.midlifemakeover.me/2015/10/fall-fashion-challenge-for-dressing.htmlHave a great day!Jeanine

    • Tiina L
      22 October 2015 / 4:31 pm

      I always wear my cardigans with sleeveless or short-sleeved tops, too! I can't stand to have long sleeves under a cardi, it feels like way too much material…

  10. Nicole Mölders
    23 October 2015 / 4:12 am

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Layering is not that bad and you know how to do it. Thus, why do you hate it?

    • Tiina L
      24 October 2015 / 9:40 am

      Having too many layers makes me feel constricted. It's totally irrational, of course, but there you have it.

  11. Doused In Pink
    24 October 2015 / 5:10 pm

    I'm always cold so I have to layer in order to make it through the winter! I try to do light layers so I don't feel bulky. I love the color of your jacket and that scarf is adorable!JillDoused In Pink

  12. Garaytreasures
    24 October 2015 / 5:44 pm

    It isn't cold enough here to layer much yet but hopefully soon. Lovely layers.Thank you for linking up to "Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me"Rachel xoGaray Treasures

  13. Carrie
    24 October 2015 / 6:49 pm

    Two layers is pretty much my max, too unless you add a third being a scarf. The color of your coat is so pretty!Carriecurlycraftymom.com

  14. Alice Warren
    25 October 2015 / 6:57 am

    It doesn't get very cold where I live so layering is always light. Love your new coat!Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com

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