Simply Layering
Timeless trench coats
These simple items can be transformed into the warmest of clothes by simply layering it on top of knitted turtlenecks for the extra cold days. Collared shirts are great when worn under large V-necked t-shirts that provide the slightest amount of warmth in the cool, but not too cold days, and pairing this ensemble with a large overflowing trench coat can surely add some character and depth to your outfit if not a lot of warmth.
Snug scarves
Scarves are an easy way to give your flat outfit some volume and show off some layering skills. If you are not keen on putting on too many clothes, adding this one simple piece can transform any attire, especially in this season. Twist them up, quite literally in this case.
Double twists with short tails can even make the lightest of scarves seem fluffy. Or simply drape on large wide plaid ones over your coats to give your basic look some elevation.
Turning heads with turtle necks
December provides the perfect excuse to start playing with turtlenecks, because in the humid weather of Dhaka city, it is impossible to hide under beautifully knitted turtlenecks unless it is bone chilling cold, which it almost never is. Throw on a deep V-neck to look streamlined or a frilly dress for an outgoing flamboyant look. You could even put another lighter coat on top of the second layer for more definition.
Dress up or dress down
Nothing speaks soft yet chic like a nice little dress, but sigh, it is limited to summers. Or so you think! Dresses are the most versatile of all when it comes to layering. One piece can be transformed into so many!
Putting on a skirt with a slightly lower hem-line over any dress makes it the bottom of any flat dress look voluminous. A white blouse or button-up under a sleeveless dress creates a very prim and formal look, perfect for those sudden afternoon meetings.
Turtlenecks or sweaters over dresses, with an oversized leather jacket to top it off, transform the bottom-half into a skirt. Lastly pairing up any old dress with a bomber jacket, a pair of denim pants and a pair of sneakers can take it from regular to sporty.
Jacket on jacket
Bombers on sweaters, overcoats on blazers, or long coats on denim jackets, whichever you feel like, go for it. Throw that rule book out the window and do what you feel like, because the rule here is that there are no rules. Always put shorter jackets underneath longer ones, to tie the outfit together. As there are so many layers involved stick to similar hues so it does not look cluttered.
Long-wear long coats
Nothing says winter is here like oversized extra-long coats. They seem like the perfect piece to hide away bad outfit choices, while providing warmth and style. But one long coat can go a long way.
Layering it on casual white tees with blue denims make for the perfect 'long-day' wear; on the other hand, tying it up with a nice belt and a pair of boots create a structured attire for a night out. For a formal day, try pairing it with your favourite basic blouse and cropped pants.
Veiled trousers
Who says layering is only for your top? Give those tights a break, and move on to pants, flared, cropped or straight. Pants go very nicely under dresses or skirts to give it a nice lift and is a good change up from our everyday black tights. If you are worried about too much bulk, do not be. As long as the textures, patterns and colours are in sync, the ensemble will be too.
At the end of the day it is all about the fit, and how one carries themselves. With numerous layers involved, fitting can get a bit tough, so if you are running late, throw on a belt. It does not have to be neat, but the belt makes your dress hug your body around the waistline, creating a nice frame.
Basics do not necessarily have to be boring, but a plain white blouse, or a little black dress is actually the foundation of good layering. It can be moulded into any form or shape of choice!
This cold season show off your brand new wardrobe every day without having to buy a new one. Happy layering!
Day to night
Oversized shirts worn over small or turtle necked sweaters with a pair of straight pants are a comfortable choice for day wear. This can easily be transformed into a formal outfit by tucking in the shirt completely and buttoning it up. For a night out, tuck out some of the shirt to make it look more loose and flowing; roll up the sleeves, open up some buttons to reveal your turtleneck, and finally fold up your formal pants by a bit to make it look cropped. There you have it, one outfit three ways!
By Anisha Hassan
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Shanto, Antara
Wardrobe: Le Reve
Make-up: Farzana Shakil's Makeover Salon
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