Styling: Layering for Late Winter & Early Spring
Layering during the later winter months and into April here in the northern hemisphere is definitely not a novel concept and it simply necessary to navigate freezing outdoor walks into overly warm cafés. I always find the way Parisians style themselves for this dilemma to be practical but chic, as always. While some opt for puffers thrown over everything, many do not and simply utilize their wardrobes in a different way. Here are some nice options to maximize your wardrobe without sacrificing that cool style Parisians are known for and can be implemented anywhere!
DOUBLE CASHMERE
This option is easy and can create different mix and match opportunities for maximizing your wardrobe. Investing in finer-weight cashmere layering pieces paired with a slightly thicker cardigan or cable knit, then your top coat and voilà! I love a turtleneck with a longer cashmere cardigan - adds some visual interest under an open coat.
TIGHTS
Sorry, but these are maybe my favorite winter/spring accessory - so many color and pattern options and give an extra layer under denim or thinner slacks. I frequently see Parisians wearing fun polka dots and plaid tights in neutral colors peeking out at the ankle with loafers in the winter as bare ankles are a no-no for Parisian women during the winter. A favorite styling tip is getting thigh-high pull ons to wear under pants or denim - no issues with sagging, uncomfortable twisting around the waist or an extra step for the bathroom! Warmth without the hassle.
FANCY KNITS
Listen, my sweater game is out of control and is a frequent go-to in the frigid AMs, but light enough in the warmer afternoons that start to creep up in March. I love all the colors and texture options and am definitely a sucker for a fun neckline or bubble sleeve. I find them extremely versatile and frankly, comfortable. Parisian women are no exception and layer these over button downs, under blazers and as a scarf with the arms tied around their shoulders.
JACKETS
Does this sound obvious? It is not meant to be as a denim, leather moto, or a blazer can easily be layered with an overcoat. We ladies should take our cues from suit-wearing men who definitely do this regularly. Sometimes this a great option for a cold walk to a museum or nicer lunch where one might need to ditch the outerwear to be more comfortable, and boom - you have on a complete outfit already underneath! I tend to forget about jackets sometimes in the winter because my brain automatically thinks of coziness and I will reach for a thicker sweater over my tee and jeans and then put on my coat. Different jackets are a great way to have thinner layers on and still look put together!
THE BIG SCARF
Oh yes - the grand dame of Parisian accessories is a larger shawl size scarf or 140cm precisely. A million ways to wear them; they provide actual warmth while being a great add-on piece to an ensemble. Colors and patterns are endless and I see a lot of women’s personalities pop out in the jungle prints or electric purples of scarves. My pro-tip with these is folding the scarf into a big triangle first and tying the two furthest ends together in a small knot. Place it around your neck with the knot at the back and the triangle part hanging down like a bib. Then pull the knot end away from your neck at the back and wrap around the front of your face so the bib part raises up more around your neck and now the knot is neatly in the front as well. This is a “cheat” way to take off and on this size of scarf without constantly fussing with it and re-tying. For a meal, I will take off completely or sometimes twist the whole thing around to the back so it looks like I have just a “scarf choker” on. No one wants bernaise sauce on their favorite Hermès!
