Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 27th October 2016

We have officially reached that time of year when the weather can’t quite make its mind up about what to do. Is it warm? Is it freezing cold? Who can tell… That’s why, at this time of year, layering becomes oh so important. You need to be able to walk to work in the morning, keeping warm enough within the elements but without facing the prospect of roasting once you get to the office. But do you really know how to make the most of layering?

Do Keep to the Order 

It might sound crazy, but there are rules when it comes to layering your clothing. First off, you’ve got to make sure that you layer up in the right order – from thin to thick. You don’t want to be stuck with a thick shirt underneath a light jumper; it defeats the point of layering. A t-shirt is the perfect place to start, so try layering a hoody over that, then a denim jacket - or maybe a t-shirt, shirt, then wool jumper. The possibilities truly are endless.

Don’t Fear Colours and Patterns 

You may have heard rules in the past about mixing certain colours and patterns with one another. However, you shouldn’t be scared to mix your favourite patterns – a striped shirt needn’t be the only patterned item you wear. The best way to keep your patterns on point is by making sure that you mix it up with the print sizes. For example, match a coat or jacket that has small stripes with a shirt that features a bolder pattern.

Do Mix Smart and Casual 

You can create great unique looks by mixing smart and casual items with one another. This is a sensible way of approaching events when you’re unsure of the dress code. Try matching a plain t-shirt with a smart blazer or a shirt and tie with a thin knitted jumper. You can also use this look at the office if your company has a rather relaxed dress code.

Don’t Go Bulky 

This can be a problem, particularly for larger guys who want to achieve a slimmer look. The danger with layering is that you can end up looking a lot larger than you are, but there are things that you can do to make sure you don’t bulk up whilst keeping warm. Try wearing a turtleneck rather than a thick woollen sweatshirt – it will keep you warm but will significantly reduce the bulkiness of your outfit. If you are a larger man, buying large men’s clothing can go a long way to helping to improve the look of your outfit. This is because you will be wearing clothes that fit you perfectly, helping to create the right shape.

It doesn’t take much fashion know-how to create a great layered look. If you have the confidence to start putting outfits together, you’ll find that you become a layering pro in no time at all.

We discuss how to layer menswear this winter in this informative guide to The Do’s and Don’ts of Layering Like a Pro.