British winters are rarely arctic, but they change all day: a cold platform, an overheated train, a drizzly walk to the office. Layering lets you add and remove warmth as you go, and it is the easiest way to make simple clothes look considered.
The three-layer system
1. Base layer: thin and close-fitting
A heavyweight tee, the Kensington Ribbed Henley or a mock neck. Keep it fitted so the layers above sit flat.
2. Mid layer: texture and warmth
This is where the look comes from. Choose an overshirt (the Barbican Cord Overshirt or Brixton Check Shacket), a quarter-zip, or a zip cardigan.
3. Outer layer: weather protection
A gilet for mild days (Hyde Quilted Gilet), a padded jacket for cold ones (Arlington Down Jacket, Highgate Hooded Puffer), or an overcoat for smart days.
4 layered outfits
- Weekend: tee, check shacket, straight jeans and trainers.
- Office: Oxford shirt, quarter-zip, overcoat, chinos and loafers.
- Evening: roll neck, double-breasted coat, pleated trousers and Chelsea boots.
- Cold commute: mock neck, cord overshirt, gilet, cargo joggers and trainers.
Layering mistakes to avoid
- Every layer the same length. Let each layer be slightly longer than the one beneath it, or wear the mid layer open.
- Too many chunky pieces. Pair one thick layer with thin ones.
- Clashing patterns. Keep to one pattern per outfit and let texture do the rest.
- Tight outer layers. Size your coat to fit over a knit. If you are between sizes on outerwear, size up.
Accessories finish it
A herringbone scarf and a ribbed beanie add warmth where it matters and tie the colours together.
Everything above is in our Layering Edit. Mix any two pieces to save 10%.