How to Layer Like a Pro: Pile Up This Season’s Trendiest Outerwear!

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Snow blizzards and ice storms have turned many of us into cave people. But there’s just no avoiding the days when you have to get up and get dressed to go to work, do some errands, go to school, or meet up with some friends. So, how do you gear up to prevent yourself from falling prey to one of the most bitter winter seasons to date? By layering, of course!

Pile up and get as much clothes as you can possibly put on without looking like you just bred fur on yourself. Let’s pick up some nifty tricks from some celebrities:

1. Layer a fur vest over your leather jacket.

Heavily pregnant Rachel Zoe keeping warm in an oversized sleeveless fur coat, taking son Skyler to Froyo Life for a frozen yogurt in Los Angeles on November 20, 2013

Rachel Zoe mixed her leather jacket with a luxurious fur vest to give the outfit more characterHeavily pregnant Rachel Zoe keeping warm in an oversized sleeveless fur coat, taking son Skyler to Froyo Life for a frozen yogurt in Los Angeles on November 20, 2013

Fur vests are wonderful alternatives to fur coats, which can be off-putting because of their bulk. You can play with different textures and materials just like what stylist to the stars Rachel Zoe did here. She mixed her leather jacket with a luxurious fur vest to give the outfit more character.

2. Inject a bit of preppy layering to your outfit by wearing a collared shirt and putting a sweater or an oversized shirt on top.

Fearne Cotton seen arriving at the BBC Radio 1 studios in Central London, United Kingdom, on November 11, 2013

And like British presenter Fearne Cotton, layer some more with a trench coat.Fearne Cotton seen arriving at the BBC Radio 1 studios in Central London, United Kingdom, on November 11, 2013

What makes this trick so great is that it gives you infinite styling possibilities. You can wear your sleeveless collared shirts underneath so they won’t go to waste this winter. You can also opt for a thick shirt or a knitted sweater to go on top of it.

And like British presenter Fearne Cotton, layer some more with a trench coat. You can also substitute the coat with a boxy jacket. This look works with any type of bottom — pants, skirts, or shorts. Wear thermal tights if you want to go for skirts or shorts.

3. Layer a parka jacket over your chunky sweater.

Cara Delevingne on the set of The Face of an Angel in downtown Florence in Italy on December 18, 2013

We like how Cara Delevingne made her getup look so effortlessly casual by going for a pair of skinny jeans and a pair of combat bootsCara Delevingne on the set of ‘The Face of an Angel’ in downtown Florence in Italy on December 18, 2013

Parka jackets are versatile, and they pretty much work with different tops. You can even wear one with a printed or a patterned sweater for a more interesting look. We like how Cara Delevingne made her getup look so effortlessly casual by going for a pair of skinny jeans and a pair of combat boots.

4. Wear your band or graphic-printed shirts with a coat and a vest.

Alexa Chung leaving the BBC Breakfast studio after appearing on the show at MediaCityUK in Manchester, United Kingdom, on September 9, 2013

 Wear your band or graphic-printed shirts with a coat and a vest like Alexa ChungAlexa Chung leaving the BBC Breakfast studio after appearing on the show at MediaCityUK in Manchester, United Kingdom, on September 9, 2013

Inject some playfulness into your attire by wearing your favorite band shirt or graphic-printed top. To keep it winter-friendly, wear a coat over it and finish off with a printed vest. Alexa Chung’s outfit is the perfect example. You can even team it up with a leather skirt. Keep your legs away from frostbite by wearing a pair of tights.

5. Get your printed sweater, and wear it with a collared long-sleeve shirt.

Jessica Alba leaving Toscana Brentwood restaurant to attend a meeting in Los Angeles on December 12, 2013

Get your printed sweater, and wear it with a collared long-sleeve shirtJessica Alba leaving Toscana Brentwood restaurant to attend a meeting in Los Angeles on December 12, 2013

We can’t get over Jessica Alba’s cute and preppy attire for a meeting. The actress opted for a printed sweater that took care of our winter malaise. She wore it with a contrasting collared shirt. Take the preppy vibe to the next level by wearing pleated skirts. You can opt for any kind of winter shoes, but we personally like Jessica’s rain boots.

6. Team up your favorite bomber jacket with a fur vest.

Olivia Palermo at the Matthew Williamson show during London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014 in London, United Kingdom, on September 15, 2013

Team up your favorite bomber jacket with a fur vestOlivia Palermo at the Matthew Williamson show during London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014 in London, United Kingdom, on September 15, 2013

Olivia Palermo showed us that bomber jackets and fur vests work. We wouldn’t dare try the look ourselves, but with the fashionista’s monochromatic take on it, we are tempted to. As if the unusual pairing isn’t enough, the American socialite also wore a slitted maxi skirt. We prefer a pair of boots over Olivia’s sandals, though.

Copy these outfits with some layering essentials below.

Coats and Jackets:

RED Valentino Long Leather CoatRED Valentino Long Leather Coat, $1,795

O 2nd Cloe Lace CoatO’2nd Cloe Lace Coat, $725

MiH The Boyfriend Denim JacketMiH The Boyfriend Denim Jacket, $295

Madewell Traditional ParkaMadewell Traditional Parka, $245

Vests:

Viktor & Rolf Cutout Black VestViktor & Rolf Cutout Black Vest, $1,495

Giambattista Valli Fur VestGiambattista Valli Fur Vest, $2,160

Alberta Ferretti Collection Sleeveless Leather VestAlberta Ferretti Collection Sleeveless Leather Vest, $2,490

Jocelyn Coco Rabbit Fur VestJocelyn Coco Rabbit Fur Vest, $468

So, are you ready to give these tips a go?

Credit: WENN / KIKA / Steve Searle / Will Alexander