Yes, I’m being hyperbolic because it’s winter in Los Angeles, but if like me, you find yourself in a world where the weather formerly known as ‘SEASONS’ seems to mix it up on you regularly this time of year… let’s rap.

As a New England transplant I’m no stranger to cold, but the last few decades of winter weather in Los Angeles have gotten increasingly bananas. The 1990s were reliably cool and rainy in January but this past month we saw soaring, summer-like temps. Just two weeks later, I want to wear gloves indoors and pile on everything fuzzy at once and it’s hailing. I’m cold, but cranking the thermostat is not the answer for this lady with dry skin. What to do?

Quite simply; LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS. It’s easy to operate here without the layering skillset that comes when regularly in more extreme, distinct seasons. We need heavy outdoor coats only occasionally. We don’t frequently go in and out of cold/hot winter settings that we remember we will want to peel off layers or we will sweat/freeze. Maybe the coat you do have is too heavy or too light for your needs, Goldilocks.

Our centuries-long reliance on wool for warmth is either completely foreign or feels out of fashion. Current looks often feature cashmere or acrylic; neither itches like wool, but cashmere is rarely thick and usually pricey, and synthetics pill and can feel unbreathable. Turtlenecks under wool sweaters are still in style in The Preppy Handbook and when I go east in winter, but otherwise I see very little of it in the wild.

Whether you grew up in hot or cold weather, here’s a quick primer / refresher on layering:

Assembling a thoughtful collection of pieces that are right for your body’s temperature proclivities (menopausal hot flashes, always cold, etc) is EVERYTHING. What do you have on hand that you could layer that you don’t already?
Take the lay of the land into account as much as you do your style. Whether indoors or out, overcooled or heated, fancy or casual, dress for that location, day and event. I’m over freezing for a lewk.
Work a base layer. It can be lightweight and old school like silk or technical like Uniqlo Airism – but it should fit close to the body, so as to both hold heat and allow for breathability and to allow for your visible layers to lay smooth.
Easy on, easy off. Consider what pulling over your head will do you your hair, makeup, jewelry snags, voyeurs. Buttons, snaps, hooks and zippers remain welcome inventions!
Pay attention to fabric content. Knowing you prefer cotton over synthetics, for example, can make a difference when you know your itinerary - and even if you don’t.
Head, neck, hands and feet. The kid’s song plays better with the more well-known lyrics, but being prepared to cover and uncover these four spots is clutch. Personally, I hate a cold neck. Whatever your prime spot(s), rocking a hat, scarf, gloves, wearing thicker socks or tights as a layer EVEN UNDER YOUR PANTS – just ONE of these things could change your day from miserable to great. And that’s what this is really all about; being dressed appropriately for whatever changing temps come your way, so you can focus on what’s important – the business of your day.
Layers can be stylish as hell. Consider interesting/unusual external silhouettes over your base layers to express your personal style. Dressing to beat the cold does not mean looking like the Michelin Man, unless of course that is the lewk you desire. You do you.
Have fun with layers! Personal experimentation comes as an added benefit of wearing clothes. Dress to please yourself, above all.

- Stephanie AKA “Styling Mama”

@composedco