Lets face it, winter is hardly the season to get excited about sleeveless jumpsuits or dresses, especially when its minus 5 degrees outside and the cold is making your nipples stick out. No siree, I am all for fashion but how can I wear dresses, jumpsuits or playsuits in winter when they are clearly far more suited to the summer landscape than winters frosty terrain? But that is where you and I are wrong, fashion has no rules and sometimes layering can be the key to updating your ‘summer otd’ and transforming it into a winter appropriate but nevertheless stylish look. Whether its putting a ribbed turtleneck under a playsuit or sneaking a winter ready bomber into the mix, layering has no boundaries. I have been known to combine a turtleneck with a maxi skirt and transform a ‘ballgown’ into a cute daytime look because there is no need to freeze your nips for the sake of fashion and besides who says summer can’t have a little bit of winter fun? Where else could you sip on a gingerbread decaf latte while lounging in your summer playsuit or delve into a bowl of heartwarming soup and looking super swaggy in your cut-out jumpsuit? One thing is for certain is if any brand is made with ‘layering in mind’ it is ILWF.
The Floral Playsuit
The Lowdown
I think it is very obvious that I have a thing for florals and ILWF’s playsuit in an intoxicating shade of bourdeaux was the perfect addition to my floral themed wardrobe. With wrap over halterneck detail and baggy mid length culotte shorts, the playsuit sits just below the thigh for a delicious glimpse of legginess, while the halterneck demonstrates ample cleavage.
How To Layer The Floral Playsuit
Add A Turtleneck/Polo Neck
The halterneck fit meant that it would gape and expose my teeny tiny breasts, so adding a tomato turtleneck would not only create a complimentary contrast to the playsuit but would be far more comfortable for everyday wear. Choose a contrasting shade that is still on the same spectrum of the colour wheel as the other colours but remains different enough to not blend into the background. The tomato shade works so well because it contrasts against the Bordeaux but is a ‘warm, rich, intense’ hue whereas the slight acidic tinge of the magenta boots stops the outfit from appearing too ‘samey’
Wear Nude Tights
Despite what it may seem I am wearing nude tights, which means that the exposed thighs do not get too cold, otherwise it would defeat the ‘objective’ of layering. Choose a hue that is most similar to your skintone to create a natural tone; even if you want a sunkissed glow, avoid tights that are darker as it can look quite metallic in photos. Choosing nude ‘gloss’ tights is your best option and will still look natural as can be.
Bulk Up
Wear layers underneath your playsuit; underneath my playsuit are two turtlenecks, a cami, crop and a bralette. Despite the layers, choosing thinner fabrics will help ‘bulk up’ without looking like a rugby player. See, you can still be warm and look insta-ready!
Knee High/Thigh High Boots
Knee high boots are a staple in my wardrobe and rightly so. They might not be the most comfortable boots if worn for hours on end but one thing is for sure they do keep your feet and legs toasty. The trick to making the most of your knee highs is to layer thick knee high socks to ward off the biting cold, which leads me onto to my next point.
Hats Are Faded Spring’s Best Friend
And its not just me! There is a reason why so many fashion icons wear hats in winter and that is because as well as looking super ‘boho’, hats are great for ‘keeping your head warm’. Choose a floppy felt hat to retain the ‘boho babe’ vibe of a traditional playsuit look and wear a headband underneath to keep the hat in place. Because hats are what? Sickening!
How To Layer The Cut Out Jumpsuit
It would be very easy to follow a similar vein to the ‘Playsuit’ and use a turtleneck as a vocal point of the outfit but with cut outs it gets a little trickier. With cut out shoulders and sideboob cut-outs, you still want the playfulness of the ‘jumpsuit’ to be featured but how on earth do you keep warm ? Easy…
Suede Bomber Jackets
The 90’s classic is not just a pretty face. Bombers tick all the boxes: practical, comfortable and stylish the bomber can have a transformative effect on cut-out jumpsuits. Choose a winter colour like khaki, burgundy or pumpkin, while keeping a muted neutral colour like dusky pink, beige or camel as a jumpsuit colour. Bonus points if your bomber is suede, a huge trend for A/W 2016.
Suede Platforms
Choose platforms that match the colour of your bomber jacket i.e. I have used burgundy for both the bomber and platforms to oppose the duskiness of the pink jumpsuit. While boots might have been warmer than the platforms chosen because of the fit of the jumpsuit, which is flared and wide legged, platforms do elongate and suit the style of the jumpsuit. Go hard or go home is what I always say!
Leather/Faux Leather Gloves
No rings or bangles for this cut-out jumpsuit. Because the breasts are already partially exposed, keeping your hands covered looks both elegant and of course keeps you warm. Choosing a rich autumnal colour like aubergine, with matching sunglasses is a very cool combination and will leave feeling as snug as a bug in a rug.
Do You Have Any Tips For Layering In Winter? Which Look Was Your Favourite?
Shop The Look: Look 1
Shop The Look: Look 2
I like your picks! Those are really nice suggestions. I like wearing nude tights so I can still look I am not too cold and covered up hehe.
If I could pull off wearing that jump suit as well as you can, then you bet I would be wearing it! You look amazing and I love how you have styled it x
I also love layering during the colder fall/winter months. However in the artic Midwestern state of Minnesota our layers are a little thicker 😜.
This is gorgeous – I admire your figure! That River Island jacket is simply stunning! I don’t think the first outfit would be worn around Wales in the winter, mind – it’s bloody freezing haha
Oh my gosh you look gorgeous! You can pull off some amazing outfits!
Love your outfits here! They are terribly impractical where I live though. 😉 My average winter layering includes: thermal socks, waterproof hiking boots, a pair of jeans with a wind and waterproof pair of overtrousers, a thermal vest, a long sleeve shirt, a jumper, a wind/waterproof jacket, a big chunky scarf and a winter hat. 😉 No flesh exposed, anywhere, except the tip of my nose, lol!
Wow such good tips and I really like the first outfit a lot. Never thought about a polo neck with a jumpsuit x
Personally I prefer the first one as it’s more something I would wear but you look stunning in both outfits x
Looking good. Totally agree, layers are the way to wear stuff in winter. Today I am layered three times, toasty. I can often be found wearing a summer dress, with a vest top underneath, leggings and boots, and a chunky cardie. It works.
These are some great sounding ways to layer – I have to admit I had never thought much about how you could transition summer clothes into winter wear.
I love layering contrasting coloured thin long sleeve t-shirts with cutout tops or summer dresses.
I really like your kimono playsuit. Not sure it’s meant to be called like that but I find it really looks like a kimono.
Layering is definitely the way forward in winter and it makes a massive difference between being cold or confortable.
Mika | http://www.la-french-connection.com
Love the over the knee boots! I really want to get myself a pair this winter!
– Elodie x
http://www.elle-yeah.com
I really like that red outfit with the long boots. What a great way to layer and look good too!
I totally need to get some knee-high boots! But I wish it was only -5 here. It’s a bundle of snow and chills! I love your turtle-neck and jump suit!
Nice ideas. I like layering there’s no way I’m going to be cold for the sake of fashion!
Great tips! I’m all about layering and hats. I wish I could wear a jumpsuit, but I don’t think it would work on me, but looks great on you. 🙂 p.s I love your gloves.
Haha I hate it too when I freeze my damn nips off. I really like that jumpsuit! You are killing these outfits too btw
I am not one for layering up but I am loving your style and I agree fashion has no rules, go with what you like.
I LUV your color combinations. And I LUV shopping at Forever 21 for all my accessories. Thanks for sharing so many details about layering clothing. Who would have thunk! Many thanks 🙂
Wow I love that floral playsuit 🙂 also adore the bomber jacket. Fab post! X
I would wear something like that if I could pull it off no matter how cold it was
I absolutely love the playsuit and how you wear it for colder weather. Stunning photos, as always. Kaz x
I love the playsuit. Layering is such a great idea. I don’t know why I’ve never thought about using a summer piece in this way.
What I love most about the first outfit is that I would never think to put it together like that but it looks awesome. It’s perfect for the weather here in SoCal right now.
Every time I click on your blog post to read it I am met with outstanding photo’s of an absolute stunner! You look increidble in these colours and the first outfit is simply stunning. The boots alone are a thing of beauty but teamed up with the playsuit and the turtle neck (which is such a clever idea to bring your summer outfit in to the colder months) is just stunning. If I could wear this I totally would!
Whistle* belíssima fotografia. You’re rocking those Knee High/Thigh High Boots , so sexy.
I am all about the layering in the wintertime! Then again, I’m from New England so my layering looks a little less fashion forward with giant coats and snow boots! You look flawless and make it look so easy. I love the jumper & turtleneck combination. Really cute 🙂
Oh i love the floral playsuit! you look very stunning!
You have the best taste in clothes and I love the backgrounds you always choose. My favorite today? Those killer boots!
Love your style! I am obsessed with knee high boots!! I wish I could rock those clothes like you!
My daughter is all about the layering right now! This actually gave me a great idea for a Christmas gift for her – thank you!
I like the culottes look with the tomato sweater. Those boots are crazy! A hat traps the heats that normally escapes from the tops of your head thus keeping you warmer.
You always look so stylish. I am all about warmth here in Chicago – it is cold! I don’t care what I look like as log as I am warm! PS – love the new layout of your blog
Living in a tropical country and not being a woman, I guess I hardly fit your reader demographic, but this was interesting from a knowledge perspective. The photos were stunning and the writing crisp and clear. Good job.
Gorgeous outfits as always. I ALWAYS layer up because I am always cold!! I’m sat here now in four layers and it’s not even that cold today!!
You look fab Ana. I like the layering trend a lot. I go for thicker layers during winter though.
this doesn’t apply to me as much now that I live in a warm winter climate…but when I lived in the cold, I was all about the layering! It allowed me to do so much more with my wardrobe in the winter!
Great photos! Love the outfits, although I think I’d still be freezing in them! haha.
I love the red outfit with the boots. It looks amazing on you. The playsuit is also fab x
What a beautiful blog you have. I love your outfits too. Thanks for sharing.
You’re right – not too many rules with fashion! And layering is a great way to wear anything (almost) at any time of the year! Love the hats you wear – you totally style them so well!
It is so important to have fashionable transitional clothes into a new season and layering certainly helps with that. Love how you are using the turtle neck and boots to keep things sassy and cute.
What a great looking outfit!! I know my wife would love those red boots you have on!
These are all very inventive ways to style traditionally summer-wear in the winter. Thanks for sharing!
Living in Florida we totally layer! It’s freezing cold in the morning, but by lunch your pulling at least a couple of layers off.
Both gorgeous, but I love the first look. I am always layering in the winter because it gets really cold at night when I come home from work.
Leather gloves are the way forward, so much warmer than wooly ones and I have just ordered some knee high boots too
Layers are definitely the key, and I’m so glad to read you had nude tights on! All the outfits look amazing, and love your tips
Love these outfits! I usually bulk up in the winter, but I like your tips about putting lots of thinner layers underneath. The colours look fab.
I love playsuits. They are my absolute favourite. The outfits shown here are all very lovely.
Layers are the best! I especially love how those tights look like they are your skin, epic move there!
Your signature suede boots are always completing your outfits I love them.
i love the idea of layering the playsuit. it’s not just for summer and nights out
I’m all about the layers in winter, and I love the colours in the first outfit! x
Love your look in this post! You are so fashionable!!
Wow, you look fab! I love your outfits.
Layers all the way this weather 🙂
Fab tips, I particularly like the one about nude tights! 🙂
Both the colors you have picked are amazing and my favorite! Love layers for this season, best way to bring back some summer pieces!
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
What great outfits! I love the colors.
That first outfit with those boots is my favorite!! You look amazing!
I like your suggestions to transform summer favorites into winter fashion by adding a twist of multiple layering. I also like the idea of using nude leggings to stay warm in style! You’ve nailed both the looks!
You look fabulous! You pull this look off SO well. I don’t know that it would look as good on me, but that color is one of my MOST favorites. 🙂 I love it!
I struggle to wear blush pink but you wear it so well. Absolutely love that bomber and the shade it is.
This is why I love the fall and winter, because you don’t need an excuse for layering all those lovely clothes! I love how you styled both outfits. The colors are perfect for the season as well.
As many layers as you can is the key for me, though also remembering that the tube can be sweltering at rush hour!
This is a very nice explanation of how you paired the colors and layers together! I must not be so ingenious because I never think of clothes in this way!! Another wonderful post. Thank you!!
Some really lovely outfits here Ana. I always think this raspberry colour suits your skin tone so well. you look gorgeous!
Mmm those knee high boots look so sexy on you. Super hot. this raspberry colur suits your skin tone so well
Great tips! I also love wearing colourful tights, they usually much warmer than nude tights and can compliment an outfit.
I definitely need layers! I get cold easily.
You are very fashionable.
I like the first outfit, but gosh I’d have cold legs. I don’t even show my legs.
But perhaps one day I want a long boot like that 🙂
I love this! A) You say that fashion has no rules… which it really doesn’t. B) You take pieces that people who would not think of it for summer and put them together beautifully. I can’t wait to try it out myself!!! Thanks Ana!
~ http://viabella-thebeautifullife.blogspot.com/
That rhomper is amazing! I can’t believe how reasonable it is as well.
I love the polo neck under the playsuit, although I would probably still need to add Opaque tights too.
Omg what a fabulous outfit!!!!! I’m just loving that shade of red!!!! So chic
Great ideas on how to layer to make outfits more appropriate for winter. I love all of your outfits!
VA | Collectively Bee
Gorgeous outfits, I love layering up in winter x
Love the top outfit, suits you well 🙂 Love the boots!
Wow, total body envy! Great post with lots of ideas (if only I had the body!) x
The first outfit is a total killer! It’s so my style omg I need to get it
That’s such a clever idea! I had never thought of putting a turtle neck on under a playsuit but it actually looks so great on you!
Definitely love the playsuit with the high roll neck underneath! The colours are so perfect for the season. x
I am loving the top outfit it looks great and the colour really suits you too. I love turtlenecks 😉
I love this outfit! The colors are gorgeous on you!
Such lovely outfit pick. These colours are great, nice warm colours for Winter. I love your boots, they look amazing!!
I really love those knee high boots! They are absolutely adorable.
You’re so gorgeous with your outfits. These colors is awesome! That outfits goods on you so perfect!
i love your style. i so wish i could pull that off, so cute! I can’t wait to see even more.
You are right! Fashion has no rules. I LOVE this look. The monochrome is killing me (in a good way) 🙂
Love your outfits here. I love to layer in the winter as i like to keep warm. Thanks for sharing
those boots! Ana, I always love your choices in shoes and boots so much, I just have to get me a pair. Layering is what I always do, I am one of those people who are always cold, even if others are complaining how warm it is, so I really loved this post.
Blessings!
Wow these are so cute!
It’s spring time here in Iowa and layering still applies! It’s fifty degrees in the morning and seventy by the evening. I’m loving the floral playsuit .. it’s fun, feminine, and flirty. Also .. the headband under the hat trick? I had no idea that would work!