How to Stay Stylish and Warm Without the Bulk (2024)

How to Stay Stylish and Warm Without the Bulk (1)

How to Stay Stylish and Warm Without the Bulk (2)

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Layering has become a shortcut to style. It’s also the best way to dress for cold weather outdoors and lowered thermostats indoors, including a shocking degree of winter air-conditioning in movie theaters, workplaces, stores and restaurants. Throwing on a lounge-around outfit of tank, tee, hoodie and joggers is easy. The problem is how to stay toasty without looking bundled and bulky in everyday clothes. Pile it on and stay sleek with these six tips:

How to Stay Stylish and Warm Without the Bulk (3)

How to Stay Stylish and Warm Without the Bulk (4)

(Left to right) Skims Fits Everybody Crewneck Bodysuit in Onyx; Lands’ End Women’s Lightweight Fitted Long Sleeve Turtleneck Tee in Radiant Navy; Poseshe Women’s Plus-Size Long Sleeve Bodysuit in Navy Blue

Skims; Lands' End; Walmart

1.Stock up on base layers.

The biggest mistake is not having the right pieces to make layers work efficiently. Your best move? Swapping go-to basic layers such as boxy tees, sleeveless tanks and old lace-trimmed camisoles — for stretchy bodysuits and long-sleeved tops that hug your torso and arms like a second skin. The smoothest are fabric blends infused with modal, elastane or spandex. As the first line of chill defense, they slide ripple-free under dresses, knits and sweaters and provide itch protection. Available in classic crews, turtlenecks, Vs and trendy square necklines, they work as an invisible base under clothes or can add a stylish touch peeking out at neckline or wrists. The most useful for cold weather are long-sleeved styles in neutrals such as the Skims Fits Everybody Crewneck Bodysuit in Onyx ($78, skims.com) available in a wide range of skin-tone shades for wearing under white and pale colors, the Lands’ End Women’s Lightweight Fitted Long Sleeve Turtleneck Tee in Radiant Navy, Vicuna Heather or Black ($20, landsend.com) and the Poseshe Women’s Plus-Size Long Sleeve Bodysuit in Navy Blue or Black ($20, walmart.com).

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How to Stay Stylish and Warm Without the Bulk (7)

How to Stay Stylish and Warm Without the Bulk (8)

(Left to right) Everlane The Long-Sleeve Supima Square-Neck Bodysuit in Black; Loft Ribbed Turtleneck Ribbed Midi Dress in Pavestone Heather; Old Navy Cozy Long-Line Cardigan Sweater for Women in Heather Gray; Lauren Ralph Lauren Charm Crosshatch Leather Belt in Black

Everlane; LOFT; Old Navy; Macy's

2.Make any dress into a “twinset.”

Wearing dresses in winter is always a challenge. Instead of shivering or adding a tailored blazer in desperation, try “winterizing” dresses with supple long cardigans for insulation. You can tone the cardigan to the dress or contrast it for a pop of color. A sweater dress such as the Loft Ribbed Turtleneck Ribbed Midi Dress in Pavestone Heather ($100, loft.com) is fine on its own but gets extra cozy layered over Everlane's The Long-Sleeve Supima Square-Neck Bodysuit in Black ($32, everlane.com) and under the trim Old Navy Cozy Long-Line Cardigan Sweater for Women in Heather Gray or Black Jack ($48, oldnavy.gap.com). Want a shapelier look? Add the slim Lauren Ralph Lauren Charm Crosshatch Leather Belt in Black ($35, macys.com) over the dress (under the open cardigan) or over the dress and cardigan at the waist.

How to Stay Stylish and Warm Without the Bulk (9)

How to Stay Stylish and Warm Without the Bulk (10)

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How to Stay Stylish and Warm Without the Bulk (2024)

FAQs

How to Stay Stylish and Warm Without the Bulk? ›

A person with a significant amount of lean body mass (particularly muscle) has an advantage in the cold. Muscle generates a lot of heat, provides thermal insulation and contributes to a high rate of metabolism at rest.

How to stay warm but not bulky? ›

Here are a few techniques for how to dress warm but not bulky:
  1. Wear a belt to highlight your natural waist.
  2. Choose a long necklace to bring the eye to your waist.
  3. Style your shirt or sweater with a half-tuck.
  4. Add a structured blazer or coat that nips in at your waist.
Oct 20, 2023

How do you dress warm but not bulky? ›

How to Stay Stylish and Warm Without the Bulk
  1. Stock up on base layers. ...
  2. Make any dress into a “twinset.” ...
  3. Stack the layers to keep them fashionable, not filling. ...
  4. Close the gaps. ...
  5. Bring back tights and socks. ...
  6. Use color to streamline your layers.
Dec 7, 2023

What makes you warmer fat or muscle? ›

A person with a significant amount of lean body mass (particularly muscle) has an advantage in the cold. Muscle generates a lot of heat, provides thermal insulation and contributes to a high rate of metabolism at rest.

What type of clothing keeps you the warmest? ›

Here are some of the best materials to include in your winter wardrobe.
  • Wool. Wool is a great material and a natural fiber to wear during winter when the temperature drops because it keeps you warm by trapping air close to your skin. ...
  • Down. ...
  • Fleece. ...
  • Gore-Tex. ...
  • Cotton flannel. ...
  • Leather. ...
  • Faux fur. ...
  • When in doubt, wear layers.

How to dress warm but stylish? ›

This is what I use to layer up for extra cold days
  1. Thin thermal vest.
  2. Black long-sleeved bodysuit.
  3. Cashmere jumper.
  4. A light silk dress layered on top.
  5. Thermal tights.
  6. Thin thermal socks.
  7. Knee-high boots.
  8. Smart black double-breasted blazer.

Is it better to look lean or bulky? ›

It depends on personal preference and fitness goals. Some prefer the aesthetics of lean muscle for a more defined look, while others aim for bulkier muscle for strength and mass. It's about what aligns with individual fitness objectives and preferences.

How can I be skinny and not bulky? ›

How to Get Lean Instead of Bulky
  1. Do: Pay More Attention to Your Diet. ...
  2. Don't: Overestimate Your Calories Burned. ...
  3. Do: Mix up Your Training. ...
  4. Don't: Stuff Your Face. ...
  5. Do: Take Shorter Rests During Workouts. ...
  6. Don't: Think That Cardio Is the Only Answer. ...
  7. Do: Be Explosive. ...
  8. Don't: Compare and Lose Patience.
Feb 29, 2024

How to look smart and keep warm? ›

Always wear thin layers on the inside and thicker layers on the outside. A sweater goes on top of a shirt and a thick jacket goes on top of the sweater. This creates a balanced look and makes it easy to remove the top layers in case it gets warmer – thank you, unpredictable British weather.

How can I look prettier in winter? ›

7 Winter Beauty Tips To Look & Feel Fabulous
  1. Feeling Comfy & Warm In Your Clothes. ...
  2. Winter Fragrance. ...
  3. Conditioner & Hair Masks. ...
  4. Adjusting Your Make-Up Routine. ...
  5. Intense Skin Moisturiser & Oils. ...
  6. Get A Humidifier. ...
  7. Stay Hydrated.
Oct 12, 2023

How to dress warm and stylish in winter for females? ›

Pick a longline style to lock in heat, like a trench or wool coat, then top things off with a pair of chunky leather boots, a knitted scarf and a woolly hat. Slip on your mini dress over a pair of thermal black tights before adding knitwear. Choose cropped or oversized knitwear, whatever works with your style.

How do you stay warm when losing weight? ›

With that in mind, here are some tips from past patients:
  1. Regular hot drinks are a definite. ...
  2. Layers of clothes are better than one heavy item. ...
  3. Try to have warm meals whenever and wherever possible. ...
  4. Try to keep moving. ...
  5. Keep mentally active as it can distract you from feeling cold.
Mar 2, 2018

How can I keep my body warm naturally? ›

Being active is one of the best ways to keep the body warm naturally in any season. When you exercise, your body burns calories, which are units of energy. This stored energy is converted to heat, which is why your body heats up. Exercise also helps increase blood circulation and makes you break a sweat.

How to stay warm with little clothing? ›

Layering is key when you want to stop body heat from escaping. As the basis for any winter outfit, start with thermal fabrics designed for maximum warmth without the bulk – think leggings and long-sleeved tops – add a loose middle layer such as a flannel shirt and top with the thickest jumper you can find.

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