How to Layer Clothes for Fall and Winter Without Sacrificing Style

Fall is officially here and I am doing everything to stay warm. Layering is a very necessary skill come the colder months of the year. Not only is it practical—keeping you warm and such—but it also makes your fall and winter outfits that much more interesting.As a Florida native now in the Northeast, layering is something I’m just now getting the hang of. And if you’re like me, either new to the cold or been here for years and can’t quite get it, I’ve got you covered. Below, I’ve gathered a few fall layering styling tips so you can lean into the fun of it all.Turtleneck With a Matching CardiMoritz Scholz//Getty ImagesOne of my favorite cozy pieces in my closet is an oversized turtleneck sweater. Not only will it keep you warm, but it is very chic. A fun way to elevate what could be seen as a simple look is tying your sweater around your waist, but specifically off to the side. It adds an undeniable touch of cool.Peekaboo ShirtsMoritz Scholz//Getty ImagesWhen first getting into layering, you can always start small. And doubling up on your shirts is the easiest way to achieve warmth. Raise the stakes by showing off those layers, either by wearing a longer shirt underneath or slightly raising the top shirt so the one underneath is visible. Even more points if the shirts are different colors so you get a color-blocking moment. Add in a peekaboo jacket zipped similarly to the look above and you’re set.Add Some BeltsMoritz Scholz//Getty ImagesBelt layering is definitely more for the styling side of fall/winter layering, but it’s just as important. When trying to bring a little more life to a cold weather look, belt stacking is a fashion-forward option I personally love.Throw on a Big Leather JacketEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesOversized jackets are the real winners of fall. Especially a leather jacket like the one above. Add in a patterned sweater tied around the waist for a little more fun and you’ve got a perfect look.Wear a Scarf Over TopMoritz Scholz//Getty ImagesSimilar to tying around the waist, adding a scarf over top of your coat is another more style-forward layering tip that might not necessarily provide all the warmth, but brings the style.Put a Dress Over JeansEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesA true Y2K favorite of mine that works great for the colder months is dresses over jeans. If you’re into nostalgia fashion, this is a more modern way to tap into the trend, while also staying warm.Aiyana Ishmael is the style editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. In her work, Aiyana focuses on the culture of fashion and how it intertwines and shapes the zeitgeist. She is an award-winning journalist from Miami, Florida, and a graduate of the historically Black university, Florida A&M. She is a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30: Media honoree, and her debut romance novella PASSING GAME is set to release March of 2027 (831 Stories/Simon & Schuster).