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Easy Ways to Layer and Still Look Cute (While Staying Warm) This Fall/Winter

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at St. John's chapter.

Unfortunately, (but maybe fortunately for you if you enjoy this weather), we are getting further into fall, and it is starting to get cold. I don’t know about you, but the weather isn’t the only thing giving me the shivers, with the clocks being set back and winter right around the corner. I am one of those people who truly despises the cold and counts down for summer all year long, but when it comes to fashion, there are some positives about these chilly temperatures. Cold weather gives us a great opportunity to add more depth to our outfits through layering, and this time of year is arguably the easiest to be stylish. If you don’t agree, I’m hoping these tips can change your mind, or at the very least, offer you some guidance. 

Puffer jackets- Puffer Jackets have to be one of my favorite fashion items, and they are for sure a staple piece for any closet. Puffer jackets do so much more than just their main job of keeping you warm; they can be a statement piece and elevate almost any outfit! I personally like to keep it simple and find myself wearing my short black puffer with almost every outfit once it gets cold, but there are so many options. Whether it’s long puffers, cropped, fuzzy hoods, etc., there is truly something for everyone. A puffer jacket you love will definitely be a long lasting addition to your closet.

Turtlenecks- Growing up, I had a love-hate relationship with turtlenecks. When my mom used to try and get me to wear one, I absolutely hated them. But, as I got older and saw turtlenecks start to come back into style, they started to grow on me. It definitely helps that you can throw on a turtleneck under almost anything and make it 10x cuter. Whether they are by themselves, under a sweatshirt, t-shirt, tank top, or jacket, turtlenecks will become your best friend when it comes to layering. If you tend to get hot easily, you can even invest in a faux turtleneck that is just the neck piece! They are such an easy way to elevate any outfit, and will have you feeling like an off duty model even if it is freezing outside.

Hats- When it is freezing and windy outside, we definitely can’t forget about our poor ears. Having a beanie readily available in almost every color is a saving grace for our ears, but it definitely takes commitment in order to build a solid hat collection. My roommates and I all love hats and beanies, so we decided to combine our resources and we now have at least 1 hat in every color you could imagine. A matching hat somehow makes every outfit so much cuter, and you can find one in any style that flatters you; whether it be a baseball cap, puffball hat, or just a plain beanie. Buying at least 1 or 2 hats is a worthwhile investment, and your ears will definitely thank you.

Leather Jackets- Leather style anything is definitely experiencing a surge in popularity from none other than our favorite social media platform, TikTok. I recently made the decision to invest in some leather pants, and I couldn’t be happier that I finally did. Leather is without a doubt, becoming a trend this year, and now is the perfect time to find the right style of leather jacket for you. Since it is becoming such a popular choice, you can find leather jackets at almost every clothing store in every shape, size, and color. Leather jackets look so cute layered over sweaters, long sleeves, and our fan favorite, turtlenecks, so it is definitely the perfect time to start looking for one.

Britany Diego Fashion Mentor CEO
Photo by Amanda Ramón

“Shacket”- If you have never seen this word in your life, do not be alarmed, because until this year, I hadn’t either. In simple terms, a “shacket” is a combination of a shirt and a jacket, (and shirt-jacket was just too boring for the fashion world). Nonetheless, this beautiful combination is perfect for layering, because you can wear it on its own over a shirt, or wear another jacket over it when it starts to get colder! Since this creation is so popular this year, they are available at many stores. In fact, if you look up “shacket”, you should find lots of options!

It can be intimidating knowing you have to change your wardrobe to accommodate the weather, but I am hoping I was able to ease some of your questions and concerns. Have fun shopping and try your best to utilize what you already own, happy layering!

Carly Cataldo

St. John's '23

20 Fashion Business Major and Public Relations Minor at St. John's University