I Swear By This Hidden-Layering Hack for Bulk-Free Winter Warmth

by Joy Montgomery

Staying warm in winter without looking like Joey Tribbiani (aka wearing all the clothes) is not an easy feat. While I have no problem waxing lyrical about the joys of a stunning statement jumper, sometimes, the reality of surviving the cold months is a little less glamorous, particularly when you're making the rounds of the local park (for the 100th time). It was whilst interning that I picked up on one particular layering hack that has seriously changed my winter dressing game. I was told that the fashion editor's secret to keeping warm whilst still looking pulled-together and polished was a distinctly practical-looking £40 gilet.

Photo:

The Image Direct

Coming in a range of colours, Uniqlo's down versions are so light yet super insulating. Their selling point lies in their ability to sit invisibly underneath coats, and thanks to an adjustable neckline, they can even work with undone jackets and blazers (as seen below). Once I wore it out, I never turned back. Suddenly, I could wear my favourite shirts and light knits in winter without having to pile on bulky layers. Plus, if you need any further reason to make the investment, stylish A-lister Katie Holmes was spotted out and about last year with her own layering gilet—clearly, I'm not the only one who is a quilted-vest convert.

I bought one in black, as it blends in the best with my wardrobe. However, there are plenty of other options available. See how I style mine below.