I’m not the best spokesmodel for “dressing to stay warm” because I’m generally naturally warm and don’t wear a lot of “warm” clothes because I overheat so easily. So, this is about as layered as I usually get. If it was exceptionally cold and/or windy, yes, a coat and bulkier scarf would be appropriate, but this morning was a little milder than I expected and I just couldn’t do that to myself!

But the main thing I would like to say about layering for warmth is think thin!!!  I, for one, hate being all bulked up like the Michelin Man…

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I like to be able to bend my arms! If you have a thick sweater under another thick sweater…and then a coat over that…oofah!

So I think Thin Layers, starting with silky long silk underwear (if you’ve been reading Fashion Schlub for awhile you might have seen this post) that feel like nothing at all yet do a great job of keeping you really warm. I am always preaching about these – I think they’re imperative for living in a cold climate.

Then a thin(ish) knit that covers as much of your chest and neck as possible. I love a turtleneck but I know a lot of people do not. So many plus size tops have wide, open, low-cut scoop necks, even when they call them crew necks. Having your chest exposed in the cold weather, even if you bundle a scarf and coat over it, is never going to be as warm and cozy as a covered chest and neck.

Add a cardigan or pullover over that, and you are going to be pretty comfy in any cool indoor situation, like an office that keeps the thermostat low. Add a coat and scarf and you’re set for most outdoor conditions.

If you ever question the “thin layers vs. thick clothing” rule, go out in the cold in one thick sweater. Or a cardigan with a tank or short-sleeve knit underneath. It’s the trapped air between the layered fabric that acts as an insulator and keeps you warm.

Side note: a couple of days after I started writing this post, we had a CRAZY cold day here in NY, in the single digits, lower with the wind chill. The heat just couldn’t keep up with the cold. And it was COLD. *I* was cold! I practiced what I preached and went to bed in my long silk underwear – top and bottoms – under my thin nightgown. The layering kept me roasty toasty all night.

Am loving these “storm colors” over the white jeans. And it’s funny, in real life, the scarf looks much better with this outfit. In the picture, it reads more rust and olive.

What I’m wearing

  • Old Navy Plush-knit Long-line Open-front cardigan, plus size 2x.
  • Target Mossimo sharkbite hem turtleneck, size 3x. Old.
  • White Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda jeans, size 22w short. I can’t find the white plus size anywhere online right now. This “Pebblestone” is an off-white color that I’ve been thinking of getting.