How To Dress Layer By Layer
It's finally starting to feel like the Syracuse we know and love put up with. It's been abnormally warm for the past few weeks (thanks, global warming), but the temperature has begun to drop. Unfortunately, transitioning into our sweaters and jackets isn't as nice and cozy as we would've hoped. We all know the feeling of checking the temperature on our way the door to an 8 a.m. and seeing it's freezing out; we bundle up and brave the cold, only to walk into our first class and be hit with a gross wave of heat. As if that sensation alone isn't terrible enough, the temperature rises as the day goes on, and now we're stuck carrying around a heavy parka. Layering, though an art of sorts, is the solution to our outfit woes. Here are some items to help you master the skill of proper laying and stay one step ahead of the ever-unpredictable weather of upstate New York.
Scarves and Ponchos
Scarves are great transitional pieces while ponchos are basically really big, underrated scarves. They're typically more affordable than coats, so you can even get playful and experiment with bold colors and different textures. Scarves and ponchos add a cozy element to every outfit, which is perfect if you want to avoid the dragging a jacket around on those days it heats up. When you get hot inside, you can just take it off and stuff it in your bag or unravel it around your neck for a nonchalant look.
The Light Jacket
For those days when it's chilly, but not freezing, reach for a lighter jacket. Cute outerwear pieces like duster coats, motorcycle jackets, blazers, bomber jackets, and jean jackets all fall in this category. When it's a littler colder, layer any of these jackets over a sweater and you’ll be warm enough for walk to class, but comfortable enough to sit through that 3 hour lecture. Or less uncomfortable, at least.
Sweaters and Sweatshirts
Everyone loves a cozy knit sweater, but sometimes they're bulky for class. Try throwing on an oversized knit sweater, or long cardigan, quarter zip or hoodie over a t shirt so that you could peel it off if necessary. Sweaters are the best for staying warm, but avoid wearing more than one article of clothing that qualifies as a sweater. For example, don’t wear a hoodie over a cable knit sweater and throw on a cardigan; you’ll feel like you’re walking in a sauna in 45-degree weather. You'll probably smell like it, too.
When layering your complete outfit, it's usually good to start with a light shirt or tank, add a sweater, hoodie or cardigan, throw on a light jacket, and finish it off with a scarf. Depending on how cold it is, you can add more layers to keep warm or stuff some in your bag to stay cool. If you happen to block out time in your morning to look extra stylish for class, here's some inspo to really take your layered outfits to the next level.
