Purple Lumberjack

I’ve officially concluded that our weather is exactly three months behind schedule.

With this unusually warm weather we’ve been having in New York, there really hasn’t been a need to bundle up. My thick scarves haven’t seen the light of day yet, and I’ve been postponing the purchase of boots until the season calls for it.

This means that I can get away with wearing a simple sweater or, in this case, a plaid thermal jacket, and be just fine.

I love this jacket! It’s actually been in my closet for a while. I don’t wear it too often, but it always make me smile when I do (which is how clothes should always make you feel). I paired it with an Aeropostale hooded sweatshirt, BDG super-skinny pants from Urban Outfitters and my very favorite vintage shoes, purchased in a Harlem thrift store.

Completing the look is a bunch of necklaces I made with a simple macrame technique using organic hemp twine. You can find a similar one in my Etsy shop!

Some people may find it difficult to layer heavy pieces like sweaters or jackets. It can often look clunky or misshapen. Here are some great tips to follow when layering heavy:

– Use complimentary colors. Try to stay away from colors that are too similar, as this can make you appear bigger. You can even play around with different patterns, but don’t go too crazy.

– Try different fabrics. This is probably the most important tip. Wool on wool, or flannel on flannel looks wierd and uncomfortable. Try pairing a cotton cardigan underneath a wool sweater or, like in my case, a sweatshirt underneath a thermal jacket.

– Wear cuffs. A simple cuff (like I did) provides a great variation in height on heavy garments, and makes the outer one appear lighter than it may be. Try not to go above the elbow though, as this can make the heavy layer underneath look bigger and ill-fitting.

– Consider your Long Johns. Long Johns (or thermals, as some people may call them) do not have to be regulated to the undergarment section. Places like Uniqlo or American Apparel offers them in a wide variety of colors. Mix and match a few, throw on a sweater and scarf, and your good to go! This year, I’ve also been wearing shorts over thermal pants. People look at me a little funny, but I love this look!

– Have a good balance. Don’t wear heavy or loose things all over. Contrast a looser fitting top with a more form-fitting bottom (or vice versa).

Hopefully these tips will be helpful for you. We may have a long winter ahead of us, but we can still be stylish!