FASHION & STYLE

The Elegance of Layering

Coat, cashmere and shawl: the quiet rules of staying warm and looking chic in November.

In October we invited autumn's colours into our wardrobe. In November, as the air cools, the real question changes: how do we dress without feeling cold or looking bulky? The answer lies in well-built layers.

Good layering is a few pieces completing one another. The thin goes inside, the thick outside; the soft texture against the skin, the sturdy texture on top. That way, as the temperature changes during the day, you can take off a layer and put it back on and always feel comfortable.

The three-layer rule

– Inner layer: thin, breathable pieces that touch the skin. A fine merino or silk-blend knit, a cotton bodysuit or a satin blouse.

– Middle layer: pieces that hold in warmth. A cashmere or wool sweater, cardigan or waistcoat.

– Outer layer: pieces that protect from wind and rain. A wool coat, a pea coat or a cape.

Each layer should be slightly looser than the one before. That way the pieces do not squeeze one another and the silhouette stays fluid.

November's colour palette

This month the wardrobe's colours deepen: warm burgundy, olive green, warm cream and antique gold. These colours go easily with each other and with classics such as chestnut, navy and camel.

– Warm burgundy: not a dark wine burgundy, but a deep crimson close to red. As a shawl, a sweater or a bag, it brings life and warmth to the face. Because it looks brighter than dark burgundy, it pairs easily with camel, cream and olive green.

– Olive green: creates a calm, elegant base in trousers, a skirt or a trench coat.

– Warm cream: the brightest colour of winter in sweaters and coats.

– Antique gold: a small gleam in jewellery, buttons and belt buckles.

Dressing tone on tone, that is, combining light and dark shades of the same colour, makes layered outfits look long and elegant from head to toe.

Five winter essentials

1. Wool coat: camel, cream or navy; a model that ends just below the knee and fits well at the shoulders will serve you for years.

2. Cashmere or wool sweater: crew or turtle neck; worn on its own or over a shirt.

3. Large shawl: around the neck, over the shoulders or over the coat. November's most useful accessory.

4. Cape: an elegant alternative to the coat. In this issue's Zarif Atelier section you can sew your own cape.

5. Leather boots: a comfortable, well-kept pair with a thick sole for rainy days.

To avoid looking bulky

– If you will wear a thick sweater with a thick coat, make sure the coat is one size larger.

– Define your waist with a belt or the coat's own tie.

– Pair a thick top with a slimmer bottom: a chunky sweater with straight-cut trousers, for example.

– Balance textures: a fuzzy wool with smooth leather or satin makes a good pair.

Three ways to tie a shawl

– Draped from the shoulder: leave the shawl open and let both ends fall in front; it looks elegant over a coat.

– Parisian knot: fold the shawl in half, wrap it around your neck and pull the ends through the loop; it keeps you warm on windy days.

– Like a cape: place a large shawl over your shoulders and fasten it with a brooch or a belt.

Fabric care

Wool and cashmere do not need washing after every wear; airing is usually enough. Store sweaters folded rather than hung; on a hanger their shoulders can stretch. Remove pilling with a soft fabric comb and keep cedar or lavender sachets in the wardrobe.

ZARİF STYLE NOTE

Winter elegance asks not for many pieces but for the right ones. A good coat, a shawl you love and a sweater that feels good against the skin keep you both warm and true to yourself on cool November mornings.