We all get in those ruts in the winter where all we wear is the same hoodie and sweatpants, so to switch things up these are a variety of ideas to add dimension to any winter outfit when it seems to be way too overpowered by layers. There are a ton of ideas for every style and some ideas that are warmer than others, so adapt to what works best for the weather and environment where you live.
If you find yourself lost in the sea of chunky, heavy winter clothing and can’t quite seem to find any definition in the mass, try adding some shoes for height, it will help define the legs and dress up the outfit. There’s a whole variety of styles you can find in boots, vary the height or color or pattern, let it add a pop of color to the outfit. Especially if the outfit is neutral based layering, a bright color can help to elongate and add a pop of color to the outfit as well as just more height.
This one would likely not work in super cold weather, but if possible, layer a small or tight shirt under a huge jacket to keep some skin poking through so you don’t drown under the fabric. In the picture, Emily Ratajowski is just wearing just a little sports bra, but you can choose something bigger if the cold is a little too biting. The key is to just pick something tight to add some dimension, to help with the contrast look for a lighter toned piece with a neckline that offsets the neck of the jacket.
If your outfit consists of just dark colors and chunky pieces it will all kind of mush together, even if those pieces to have structure and dimension. But if you choose pieces with loud colors and contrasting shapes and define clear lines, then you can be warm without everything you wear blending together. Create these lines by pairing together bold items that will juxtapose against each other and won’t wash you out. Emili Sindlev (pictured) is the queen of mixing colors to create bold looks, so even on top of the clean lines, the bright colors create a look of it’s own.
Though you probably won’t be styling these with a crop top like the picture shows, cropped jackets are the perfect way to break up even the chunkiest of outfits. Even if your pants are big and cozy and your top is baggy, throw a cropped jacket on to. The short hem will cut at the waist and add definition, because of the cut of the jacket it will give something of an hourglass effect. Paired with a tighter sweater or shirt it will leave the flattering top mostly exposed on the stomach and will help keep the outfit from drowning in layers.
The shape of an outfit can be defined by just colors without having to flash skin or wear contrasting pieces. In this outfit the cobalt blue cuts up the look and adds dimension by just breaking it up. The top and the jeans and the jacket all are cleanly distinct pieces. Because the outfit is broken up by color it gives it dimension and even though the pieces aren’t too bulky or overwhelming it makes it chic and flattering.
By breaking up the outfit with little gaps in the clothing it keeps the whole outfit from being to chunky. Even with big tall slouchy boots and tons of layers, the little slit between the boots and the skirt keeps it from being too overpowering. Alternately, try a crop top peeking underneath a thick jacket or slightly cropped jeans leaving a bit of skin out on the ankle. These little gaps will help break up the outfit and save you from becoming too lost even under the chunkiest of layers.
By pairing pieces that are fundamentally different you create a contrast that adds dimension in the outfit and keeps it from all mushing together. Pieces like this sweater and skirt are coordinating but different enough in structure, texture, and pattern so that it keeps things broken up. Tucking it in at the waist does a lot to accentuate and define the waist, slimming and flattering the figure especially as a contrast to the larger, chunky top.
When you’re wearing bulky coats and bulky tops and you’re trying to layer up, the best way to add some dimension is to wear tighter pants. Even with a long coat like this one the tighter pants slim it all up and keep the layering from being too overpowering. Choose a color that will be able to be differentiated from any large jacket or top so that the slim fit stands out as a flattering contrast to the chunkier build.
The saying goes, “No white after labor day” but light whitish colors can actually make for a very well built, flattering outfit like the one shown below. The light colors make the shadows pop more and so any definition becomes more pronounced, whereas when an outfit consists of solid dark colors any shadows from the dimension get lost in the dark hues. Especially in the winter when you’re layering up with larger, cozier pieces the shadowing is an important part of creating clean lines and a beautiful, flattering outfit.
A tight belt cinched, even over jackets, does wonders pulling the outfit together. This warm utility jacket is tightened around the waist with a matching belt which accentuates the figure and keeps it flattering. She also wears a thin white tee underneath to help streamline the outfit and pull it all together, keeping the lines smooth and the shapes of the pieces cleanly defined.
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