There are few things as tricky as being a fashion lover in the winter. Particularly on those bone chillingly cold days it can feel like looking like the Michelin Man is the only option. As someone who is 5’0 and easily overwhelmed by bulky layers, the key I’ve found, is expert layering - playing with proportions and silhouettes to give shape to otherwise bulky silhouettes.

My first recommendation is a relaxed trouser, the wider the better, that will hide layers of thermals underneath. I prefer to go with something that has structure like the pair I’m wearing below. The structure silhouette is better at hiding the bulk of layers underneath than more flowy alternatives. Pleating is also a great feature to look for, it adds some extra room in the seat for layering. It then becomes very easy to layer on top, the width of the pants will balance any amount of bulk. 

Featured in this outfit: The Grey Wool Tailored Trousers

The color is also perfect for layering. The speckled grey is neutral enough to pair with other colors (a chocolate brown or burgundy would go beautifully), but the subtle pattern adds enough contrast to wear with all blacks and not look one note. I’ve paired the pants with a slim cashmere mock neck, a leather blazer to add a little contrast and warmth, and an oversized wool coat. A statement belt, like I’ve added, will further help add shape by defining the waist.

Other styling ideas: A chunky sweater would also pair beautifully with these trousers. The hourglass shape created by the wide leg adds waist definition, making it easier to balance heavier knits or oversized blazers on top. And while I love this style of pant with a sharp pointed boot, a sporty sneaker would work equally well for a more casual look

I love a good oversized merino or cashmere cardigan to add textural interest and warmth. Monotone looks, particularly in the winter, can quickly look bulky without any texture or color to break them up. A cardigan like this checkerboard patterned chocolate number adds both while still having a slim profile. Brown like grey is also an extremely versatile choice for layering. Not as harsh as black, it pairs well with pops of color to soften the look, and adds subtle contrast to simpler black and white outfits. Here I’ve paired the brown cardigan with a more fitted pink cardigan (the longer hemline of the cardigan is key here) and a slim pair of blue jeans to balance proportion.

Featured in this outfit: The Cacao Merino Wool and Cashmere Cardigan

Other styling ideas: If you’re in the mood for a more relaxed silhouette, the cardigan can easily be worn as a top, tucked into a pair of relaxed trousers. Layer a white shirt underneath for contrast, an oversized blazer on top, and you are guaranteed to be warm while still feeling chic. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, drape the cardigan as a scarf. Textured cardigans like this lend beautifully to the scarf coat look that is all the rage nowadays. It’s an incredibly versatile layering piece to have in your back pocket for frigid winter days.

Another little trick for breaking up a heavily layered outfit is to add textural interest. It visually breaks up the look, avoiding the coat rack effect that multiple layers, especially of the same color, can at times elicit. If you’re a minimalist and don’t play much with color, this is key. I love a good elasticated silk pant in the winter, it’s a little more put together than a wool pant and the bias cut adds shape. The pair I’m wearing below are made of an incredibly heavy weight silk that falls beautifully and doesn’t cling to thermals underneath and falls beautifully. I paired it with a drapey brown sweater and added some structure with a rigid wool coat. I also snuck in the cardigan I wore previously, draped over my shoulders, to add contrast to the outfit while also adding a little warmth. 

Featured in this outfit: The Cacao Merino Wool and Cashmere Cardigan