Layer after Layer...

Lay on the layers...
Not only will you be warm, you will be fashionable as well when you pile on the layers. However, you do need to have in-built style to get the look right without appearing as a bag lady! Flowing robes over full, slouchy trousers, possibly in dark plaid, and teamed with a giant fur hat or knitted head-wrap is a romantic look to wear; but this half-nomad, half bench-dweller style can only be executed with success by a six-footer with a gloriously pretty face peeping out at the top. If that’s you, great!

Thick or thin, keep the layers sylish...
You must have knitwear as part of the look. Many designers are featuring super-heavy, cableknit cardis, jackets and dresses. If you’ve got legs worth showing, climb into a mini jumper-dress, or make one out of a thigh-length cardigan and cinch with a belt. Layer a vest underneath, or a cropped jacket again, or a long, long cardigan over the top which, depending on thickness, can double as a coat in drier weather. If you’re worried about looking bulky, go for fine-gauge, flat-knits and limit a cable-finish to a Dr Who-length scarf. (Note: it is worth investing in a well-fitted silk slip, not only as another layer to sport, but to help clothes hang with a more flattering line and eliminate the wool/hosiery friction that causes accidental flashing.)

Work it girl!
The clever alternative is to tuck a fine-knit cardigan over a fitted blouse into a pair of wide pants and finish off with a skinny belt under the bust. This is fine for the office but for more nine-to-five layering options, try playing with your underlying layers: a slip that’s slightly longer than your skirt and in a contrasting colour, a blouse that is bigger than the cute, cropped jacket on top. Or both.

What not to wear...
Don’t wear voluminous dresses over wide trousers but A-line frocks over skinny jeans or leggings work well and steer clear of knitted head-wraps please!

Finally...
Invest in an important big bag to complement the layers. Tiny bags look naff!