Warm Up to Layering for Seasonal Joys

Transitional weather can make daily dressing a challenge. The answer lies in layering, a styling trick that allows you to move effortlessly through the day without compromising on comfort or aesthetics. The secret is not how much you wear, but how intelligently you put it together. Modern winter dressing has moved beyond bulky coats and cumbersome knits, with lightweight fabrics, fine-gauge thermals and versatile separates – offering warmth minus the volume.

Transition With Textures

Layering is as much about creating visual interest as it is about keeping warm. Several lightweight layers can offer better insulation than one heavy piece by trapping air between them, while allowing you to shed a layer when the sun makes an appearance. Teresa Marco, Head of Design at Sumissura says, “You can start with a breathable base like cotton or fine merino, add a knit, and finish with a water-resistant outer layer. Separates do the rest. An unstructured blazer over a fine-gauge sweater looks polished at the office, and without the blazer you're still dressed for evening drinks. An overshirt works as a jacket in the morning and as a shirt by the afternoon. I will stick to three colours so everything goes together without thinking.”

From Extreme To Moderate

The approach to layering depends on temperature fluctuations. In colder destinations, outerwear becomes an essential part of the look. The layers underneath can be lighter and more fashion-forward. Senior designer Rina Dhaka, who recently showcased her collection “Devika” at Serbia Fashion Week in collaboration with AFRA World, mentions, “Layering helps, but it needs smart planning, especially when the weather outside and indoors varies. In places like Serbia or other Western countries, where it is extremely cold, you often see a large, loose coat, while underneath you can be as glammed up as a catwalk model.”

Dhaka adds, “Personally, I like stockings

to cover my legs, something around my neck and then an overlay. In Indian sensibility, we have always had the shawl. Growing up, thermals had to be brought in from America or the UK. In India, my grandmother knitted them, but they would often poke, and the moment the afternoon sun came out, you would be sweating. Today, very fine-count thermals are available for those who swear by them. Personally, even in extreme cold, I prefer layering cottons. I look for cotton or wool, both natural fibres.”

Piece & Purpose

Good layering is about knowing when to add structure and when to keep things relaxed. A crisp shirt beneath a fine knit, an oversized sweatshirt under a cropped jacket or a lightweight cardigan over a fluid blouse can create dimension without making an outfit feel heavy.

Thermals are wardrobe essentials, with fitted tops, slim leggings and seamless constructions offering warmth without disrupting the silhouette. Shilpa Aggarwal, Founder of Tastes Like Couture, mentions, “I always recommend starting with a breathable foundation like a crisp cotton shirt, a fluid blouse or a lightweight knit, and building around it with structured blazers, relaxed cardigans, lightweight jackets or capes. Cotton blends, fine-gauge knits, lightweight wool and fluid fabrics offer the ideal balance of warmth, breathability and movement. I love experimenting with contrasting textures like pairing silks with lace, introducing tweed to classic silhouettes or layering with heat-pleated capes. Sweater vests are another favourite for transitional dressing, look for ultra-fine knits, seamless construction and heat-retaining fibres that offer insulation without adding volume.”

The Sporty Touch

Athleisure brings a more relaxed dimension to transitional dressing. An oversized hoodie teamed with leggings or joggers makes an easy everyday combination, while a cropped jacket or a sleek windcheater lends it a sharper finish. Utkarsh Sahu, Co-Founder and CEO of Hunnit, says, “Layering is one of the easiest ways to navigate transitional weather because it allows you to adapt your outfit as temperatures change through the day, without compromising on comfort or style. Build your look with lightweight, versatile separates that can be easily added or taken off depending on the weather. Breathable, stretchable materials that offer warmth without adding unnecessary bulk are ideal for this kind of weather.”

Classic Accessories

Accessories can bring an outfit together, adding personality and polish without overwhelming the look. A fine scarf, a well-chosen belt or a classic timepiece can lend definition to even the simplest combination of separates. Designers Shantanu and Nikhil, who recently collaborated with watch brand Rotoris on a limited-edition collection, see watches as an extension of the layering conversation. The duo recommends, “Watches are a big statement, and it goes well with Indian as well as Western outfits. A classic evening watch can be worn on occasions when you feel joyous. It goes very well with a black Sherwani or a navy-blue Kurta or with a nice tailored suit. Some of the fabrics that immediately come to mind for three-piece- suit are wool felts for nostalgia, and the decadence, the tweeds, a herringbone or hounds-tooth. Wear it with a crisp shirt, with or without a jacket and it looks great. While you're traveling, throw in a sweater on your neck or add a fine scarf and you will stand out.”

Peel & Feel The Difference

1. Look for breathable, stretchable and soft fabrics that offer warmth without adding bulk. For thermal innerwear, skin-tone neutrals, ivory, charcoal and black blend discreetly beneath everything from fluid blouses to tailored separates.

2. Moisture management and thermal comfort are equally important when moving between indoor and outdoor environments. An overshirt or shacket is a versatile choice, working as a jacket in the morning and a shirt by afternoon. Joggers and relaxed separates add to the mix.

3. Build around versatile neutrals such as black, grey, beige, chocolate brown and off-white, with deeper winter shades and muted pastels adding character. Pair fitted base layers with oversized sweatshirts, hoodies or cropped jackets for warmth without compromising the silhouette.

You can start with a breathable base like cotton or fine merino, add a knit, and finish with a water-resistant outer layer. Separates do the rest.”

— Teresa Marco, Head of Design, Sumissura

Layering helps, but it needs smart planning, especially when the weather outside and indoors varies.”

— Rina Dhaka, Senior Designer