All Wrapped Up: AW25 Layering Made Easy
Posted by Josie English on 8th Sep 2025
How to Layer for Autumn and Winter: From Cosy Jumpers to Sleek Gilets, Fleeces, Coats and Knitted Vests
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing better than wrapping up in layers that feel as good as they look. Autumn and winter are made for layering, not just to keep the chill away, but to show off your personal style in new and creative ways. The beauty of layering lies in its flexibility: mix and match cosy textures, play with colour contrasts, and discover combinations that take you effortlessly from brisk morning walks to city commutes and family weekends outdoors.
Layering also plays an important role in building a capsule wardrobe. With just a few versatile pieces, you can create multiple outfits that look fresh every time. Think of a knitted vest that can be styled over a blouse for work, dressed up with a skirt or trousers for an evening out, or layered beneath a coat for those frosty mornings - one core piece, endless possibilities.
From snug fleeces to sleek gilets, chunky jumpers to light knitted vests from trusted brands like Barbour, Joules and Regatta, every layer works hard to help you build outfits that are warm, practical, and effortlessly stylish.
Women’s Autumn and Winter Layering
For women, layering is all about balancing comfort and style. Start with a breathable base such as a t-shirt, blouse or lightweight layer that won’t feel bulky under your outfit. Add warmth with a knitted vest, fleece or classic chunky jumper, ideal for chilly afternoons or cosy moments at home. Complete the look with a gilet for easy movement on the go, or a coat when frosty mornings call for that extra level of snug.
A capsule approach means your favourites work harder for you. The same jumper can be paired with jeans for everyday wear or trousers for when you're in the office, styled under a gilet for countryside strolls, or teamed with a coat and scarf for cold-weather city commutes. Play with contrasts to elevate your look - a plush fleece peeking out beneath a padded coat is practical and stylish, while a chunky jumper under a sleek gilet gives you that “effortless but put-together” finish.
How to Layer Men’s Outfits for Autumn and Winter
Men’s layering combines function and comfort with style. Start with the staples - a polo, shirt or simple t-shirt, and build from there. A fleece adds instant warmth for day-to-day wear, while a shacket gives structure and a smarter edge for evenings out. As the weather cools, a gilet becomes the ideal mid-layer - light enough to wear comfortably, but warm enough to make a difference. Once the winter chill really sets in, finish things off with a coat or jacket for maximum protection.
The beauty of men’s layering is its adaptability. A gilet can look relaxed over a sweatshirt for laid-back weekends, add practicality when paired with a fleece for crisp autumn walks, or slip neatly under a coat for those frosty weekday commutes. This kind of capsule approach means fewer pieces, styled in more ways - always ready for whatever the day brings.
Layering Essentials for Children’s Autumn and Winter Outfits
For kids, it’s all about keeping them cosy, comfortable, and free to move. A soft fleece is the hero piece to pair with a simple t-shirt, perfect for school mornings, weekend outings or simply playing outdoors. On milder days, throw on a jacket for an easy extra layer. When the temperature drops, swap in a padded coat to make sure they stay snug even in the frostiest weather.
Children’s wardrobes benefit from versatility too. A single fleece can be worn solo on crisp autumn days, layered under a jacket for exploring outside, or doubled up with a coat for extra warmth in winter. Bright, cheerful colours under neutral coats not only keep the cold away but add fun and personality to their outfits, proving that practicality doesn’t have to be boring.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Layering for Autumn/Winter 2025
Layering in autumn and winter is more than just piling on the pieces; it’s about building versatile outfits that work hard for you. With the perfect mix of jumpers, fleeces, gilets, coats, jackets, sweatshirts, shackets, and knitted vests, you can create a capsule wardrobe that’s practical, stylish, and easy to adapt to your plans.
This season is the perfect excuse to embrace fashion that’s both functional and fun. Mix textures, experiment with lengths, and learn to style one core piece in multiple ways. With the right layers, you’ll stay warm, look stylish, and make autumn and winter your most fashionable, and versatile, seasons yet.