Look
put together with almost no effort
put together with almost no effort
Written
by Jacob Sigala
by Jacob Sigala
[Feature
image by Michelle Tirronen, Ties.com Photographer]
image by Michelle Tirronen, Ties.com Photographer]
If there’s one hallmark to
gentlemanly dress, it’s building an outfit in layers. Layers give more depth,
more color, and often more texture.
gentlemanly dress, it’s building an outfit in layers. Layers give more depth,
more color, and often more texture.
As temperatures drop, form and
function need to find a middle ground. Artful layering keeps you warm, and also
presentable.
function need to find a middle ground. Artful layering keeps you warm, and also
presentable.
An outfit should always look
complete, whether layers are being added or removed.
complete, whether layers are being added or removed.
But how does one go about
doing that?
doing that?
1.
How to Layer: Base Layer
How to Layer: Base Layer
The first step to any layered
look is the bottom-most layer–the one closest to your person. The base layer is
what you’ll be wearing when the sweater and coat come off, so think of your it
as your main outfit for the day if you’re indoors.
look is the bottom-most layer–the one closest to your person. The base layer is
what you’ll be wearing when the sweater and coat come off, so think of your it
as your main outfit for the day if you’re indoors.
Note: If you’re going
somewhere cold, you may be tempted to think of the base layer as underwear.
Don’t. Make sure your base layer is presentable. Have you ever been in a situation
where you unexpectedly had to take your shoes off, only to reveal a giant hole
in your sock?
somewhere cold, you may be tempted to think of the base layer as underwear.
Don’t. Make sure your base layer is presentable. Have you ever been in a situation
where you unexpectedly had to take your shoes off, only to reveal a giant hole
in your sock?
Depending on where you’re
heading, you may want something more or less breathable.
heading, you may want something more or less breathable.
- Somewhere warm: go with a
lighter shirt fabric, like cotton. - Somewhere chilly: stick to
wintery fabrics, like a flannel or twill shirt. - Antarctica: add something like
a thermal first and foremost, underneath the base layer.
Shop baselayers: Our new
collection of shirts
collection of shirts
2.
How to Layer: Mid Layer
How to Layer: Mid Layer
Next up should be a sweater or
a light jacket. You can opt for different styles depending on the look you’d
like to achieve.
a light jacket. You can opt for different styles depending on the look you’d
like to achieve.
- For smart casual, go for a
cardigan or a pullover with a nice collar. - For more insulation, wear
fleece or puffer vest. - You can even wear thin shells,
like a blazer or denim jacket
Either way, this will be the
layer that retains heat. However, don’t expect your mid layers to be enough to
protect you from rough weather, such as wind and rain. For extreme conditions,
it’s essential to have the right outer layer.
layer that retains heat. However, don’t expect your mid layers to be enough to
protect you from rough weather, such as wind and rain. For extreme conditions,
it’s essential to have the right outer layer.
3.
How to Layer: Shell
How to Layer: Shell
This layer brings it all
together. The shell is your protection from the elements–wind, rain, snow, etc.
And it will seal up all the layers to help overall heat retention.
together. The shell is your protection from the elements–wind, rain, snow, etc.
And it will seal up all the layers to help overall heat retention.
The
weather should determine the type of jacket or coat you wear.
weather should determine the type of jacket or coat you wear.
- For example, a peacoat, or any
wool or felt coat, will provide insulation and wind protection, but it will do
little for wetness and rain. - A trench coat won’t wrap the
body for insulation, but it is perfect for rainy days.
How
to Layer: Style Tips
to Layer: Style Tips
Color
Cold weather colors tend to be
on the muted end, so they can be easier to style than bright summer or spring
colors.
on the muted end, so they can be easier to style than bright summer or spring
colors.
Certain neutral colors, like
navy, khaki, and gray have endless possibilities during any season. You can
layer these safe colors in any order, and it’s hard to go wrong.
navy, khaki, and gray have endless possibilities during any season. You can
layer these safe colors in any order, and it’s hard to go wrong.
Between fall and winter, stick
to colors like rust orange, olive green, brown, and burgundy, in addition to
the safe year-round colors. Play with different tones and combinations to
figure out what you like, and what makes you feel most comfortable.
to colors like rust orange, olive green, brown, and burgundy, in addition to
the safe year-round colors. Play with different tones and combinations to
figure out what you like, and what makes you feel most comfortable.
Texture
A noteworthy beauty in cold
weather fabrics is their unique textures. The thicker fibers and intricate
weave patterns make for artful layering.
weather fabrics is their unique textures. The thicker fibers and intricate
weave patterns make for artful layering.
Keep
thin layers closest to your body, and work your way out toward the thicker
ones.
thin layers closest to your body, and work your way out toward the thicker
ones.
For example, try a cotton
shirt as your base layer, a cashmere or cable knit wool mid layer, and a tweed
or herringbone coat for your shell. Combinations like this will provide instant
warmth, protection, and dynamic style.
shirt as your base layer, a cashmere or cable knit wool mid layer, and a tweed
or herringbone coat for your shell. Combinations like this will provide instant
warmth, protection, and dynamic style.
Figuring out what works for
you is very much trial-and-error. Play with different textures and colors.
Don’t be afraid to experiment combinations you’re unsure of at first.
you is very much trial-and-error. Play with different textures and colors.
Don’t be afraid to experiment combinations you’re unsure of at first.
For inspiration, surf your
social media channels, ask your friends for feedback, and feel free to drop us
a line. Before you know it, you’ll be blowing through the natural elements in
style.
social media channels, ask your friends for feedback, and feel free to drop us
a line. Before you know it, you’ll be blowing through the natural elements in
style.
Jacob
Sigala
Sigala
SOURCE:
THE GENTLEMANUAL
THE GENTLEMANUAL
Kayode Emmanuel Ojo is the Co-Founder and Managing Director at SHEFFA Limited. He is presently studying Computer Science at the National Open University, Victoria Island, Lagos.