Temperatures are dropping around the country, but there are no signs of our social lives moving indoors anytime soon. In fact, with COVID-19...

A Guide To Stylish Layering In A Socially-Distant Winter

Temperatures are dropping around the country, but there are no signs of our social lives moving indoors anytime soon. In fact, with COVID-19 cases beginning to spike again, the CDC advises against congregating at all. However, with the holidays edging In, there might be a select group of people that you’re still safely planning to spend that time with — whether they be close friends, family members, or even your partner (for a date night at a beloved local restaurant that offers outdoor dining, bien sur). Anyone who's attempted outdoor socializing in the fall knows it's a tricky dance; you want to look nice and take advantage of a rare outing, but spending extended time al fresco in 40-degree weather is no joke. You could stay bundled up in a parka and scarf, but then you end up feeling like Randy in A Christmas Story and not your old stylish self.

If this describes a fashion conundrum you’re currently struggling with, we’re here to help. You can stay warm and still enjoy a shred of style dignity with the help of buildable thin-but-warm pieces, hands-free scarves, quilted pants, and leggings that come with built-in toastiness for layering under other garments. Ahead, discover all 17 of our suggestions for looking chic while staying warm and socially distant this winter.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Everlane Italin Merino Rib Turtleneck


Forget your standard cotton turtleneck — if you’re serious about layering up, looking for a slim, fitted wool turtleneck to wear under a button-down or sweatshirt for maximum warmth.

Everlane Italian Merino Wool Rib Turtleneck, $, available at Everlane

Zara Merino Wool Blend Bodysuit


Or, for an even closer-to-the skin layer, try a bodysuit in a cozy fabric like wool. Adding layers to this look will be seamless, and you’ll stay toasty throughout the night.

Zara Merino Wool Blend Bodysuit, $, available at Zara

BALEAF Fleece-Lined Leggings


Sometimes you just gotta wear leggings, and when the temperatures drop, your regular compression style just won’t do. Look out for a fleece-lined pair, for maximum insulation.

Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings, $, available at Amazon

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Full-Zip Hoodie


A hoodie layered into your cold-day outfit is a given, but it isn't exactly the most style-savvy look — unless, of course, it's crafted from 100% Mongolian cashmere. So next time you need to pop that hood up, you'll be feeling warm and looking luxe.

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Full-Zip Hoodie, $, available at Quince

Urban Outfitters Gia Bucket Hat


Not all of us were born to rock the winter beanie (or want to). Luckily, their looser-fitting cousin the bucket hat has made a big fashion comeback — bringing with it an array of new cold-weather-friendly iterations. Urban Outfitters sells everything from this here fuzzy number to sherpa styles, faux fur, and even full-on corduroy buckets that are all ready to keep your ears warm and your bad-hat-hair a little more at bay.

Urban Outfitters Gia Bucket Hat, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Adidas Gender Neutral Quilted Pants


No longer just for the slopes, quilted pants are your friend as you’re socializing outside this winter. These PrimaLoft-insulated trousers are meant for snowboarding, but they’ll look chic with heeled boots if you’d like to deliver a little more of a look at your outdoor event.

Adidas Gender Neutral Quilted Pants, $, available at Adidas

& Other Stories Padded Turtleneck Zip Collar


H&M’s sister brand was at the forefront of the great dickey revival of 2019, and the retailer is still turning out faux-collar options for your layering pleasure. Case in point: this padded, puffer-style turtleneck scarf — complete with front zipper and side snaps for keeping it securely in place.

& Other Stories Padded Turtleneck Zip Collar, $, available at & Other Stories

Lululemon Perfectly Oversized Crew


We were already superfans of this roomy, tailored-to-perfection sweatshirt. The oversized fit also makes it perfect for layering over turtlenecks or button-downs for added warmth.

lululemon Perfectly Oversized Crew, $, available at lululemon

FEA Designs Handmade Fingerless Gloves


Fingerless gloves are a must if you’re going to brave any kind of outdoor dining — we like a longer-hemmed style that covers your wrists, too.

FEA Design Handmade Fingerless Gloves, $, available at Etsy

Nike AeroLoft Running Scarf


This cozy-looking snood is meant to be a fuss-free layer for a devoted wintertime runner, but its vibrant magenta hue and adjustable design also makes a chic accessory for al fresco socializing when temps are low.

Nike AeroLoft Running Scarf, $, available at Nike

Uniqlo HEATTECH Pants Leggings


Looking for extra insulation with no added bulk? Uniqlo’s HEATTECH fiber is renowned for its technologically advanced warmth, and one of our favorite offerings are these barely-there jeggings. With a slim, super-fitted cut and pant-like details, they offer all the polish of a trouser, the comfort of leggings, and the insulation of multiple layers.

Uniqlo Heattech Ultra Stretch Legging-Pant, $, available at Uniqlo

L.L. Bean High Waisted Flannel-Lined Jeans


Are you fully on the mom-jeans bandwagon, in search of the most high-waisted, hip-widening, butt-enlarging jeans that money can buy? Well, look no further — it’s likely that your mom actually wore this classic flannel-lined pair from L.L. Bean. (I know mine did.) With their cozy cotton lining, they also offer a mom-approved dose of insulation.

L.L. Bean High Waisted Flannel-Lined Jeans, $, available at L.L. Bean

Greylin Charley Shirt Jacket


This fluffy, oversized “shacket” is an insulating and supremely chic topper that can be worn over baselayers for extra coziness.

Greylin Charley Cozy Shirt Jacket, $, available at Anthropologie

Polygonal Forest Quilted Baggy Pants


This super-soft high-waisted pair of trousers will keep you warm whether you’re gallivanting around outside or lounging around the house.

Polygonal Forest Quilted Baggy Pants, $, available at Etsy

COS Cashmere Ribbed Leggings


Look, we all know that leggings are pants — but these luxe ribbed cashmere leggings are so soigné that they are begging to paraded around on an elegant (and chilly) winter evening.

COS Cashmere Ribbed Leggings, $, available at COS

Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks


Socks do not have to be sad — instead, use them as an opportunity to bare a little ankle that's covered in statement-making flair. Toasty tip: Opt for a pair of compression socks for a little extra lock-the-heat-in oomph.


Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks, $, available at Comrad

Kule Seever Scarf


We love Kule’s cheeky, cheerful stripes — and this insulated scarf (with a pull-through slit so that it stays in place) is a great example of their chic-preppy style.


Kule The Seever Scarf, $, available at Kule

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Oversized Sweaters For Big Time Snuggly Feels

30 Winter-Friendly Coats That Ring In Under $150

I Tried On Lululemon's Most Popular Leggings



from Refinery29 https://ift.tt/32NCVYK
via IFTTT