A Layering Masterclass

We’re in that in-betweeny time, not quite ready for a big snuggly winter coat but in the need of something to layer over the top. And when it comes to layering, it’s the proportions that are key. As a general rule you want to keep the volume in one area only so…if you’ve got volume on your bottom half, then you need to pair this with a more fitted top half and vice versa, skinny on the bottom needs a bit more volume up top.

For wearing over your dresses, with midi skirts, culottes, wide leg trousers, tapered leg styles, joggers, girlfriend/boyfriend/straight leg/skinny jeans you need a great leather jacket. You want a style that isn’t too boxy (Meatloaf is not the look you’re channeling) and don’t think about this as something you really will be wearing done up. It may be that sizing down is what is needed to get the right fit, particularly as the leather gives. You can also wear these under a wool coat when it gets nippy.

These are my top picks, all tried and tested leather jackets that have been bought and loved by lots and lots of ladies. You will wear this time and again so it’s worth investing in a classic style like one of these:

Dalby Jacket £298 All Saints

A clean and simple style will work best and this is a best seller for a reason.

Vela Leather Biker Jacket £298 All Saints

I’ve just bought this style after my old Cos jacket has more or less given up after 12 or so years of being worn to death.

Grey Leather Biker Jacket £279 Mint Velvet

This is great is you are finding a black leather to be too harsh. The smoke grey is softer and still works perfectly with all your winter darks.

Clean Leather Biker Jacket £299 Jigsaw

The same applies to this style which is a navy. Just not a big fan of the done up look…

And now to the other end of the scale, something for skinny jeans before you dive headlong into big puffa/parka/wool coat world. It’s all about that sweetspot where practicality does not negate the ability to look good. So a hood is a must as is some form of waterproofing. These lightweight numbers should certainly do the trick to keep the wind and rain out but with a bit of style to boot.

Cameron Print Camo Parka £79 Hush

This is showerproof.

Freya Printed Rain Mac £129 Hush

Only in stock in 6, 14 and 16 but it’s a wipe clean plastic that is a long long way away from a pac-a-mac.

Grey Stripe Back Parka £159 Mint Velvet

The metallic stripe across the back is lovely.

Star Back Parka £159 Mint Velvet

This comes in navy and khaki and already out of stock in some sizes on Mint Velvet’s website but John Lewis, House of Fraser and Next also stock Mint Velvet clothing.