Friday Finds: Transitional Layering Pieces
This week’s finds are a follow-up to Wednesday’s post, so let’s talk some great layering suggestions. If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, click the link above and then come back!
One of the tips was to have a jacket layer. I could go on and on about cool jackets, but I’ve actually already done that! September was the month of jackets. It’s possible that not all of the items will be available, but I definitely talk more in-depth about different jacket silhouettes, as well as listing some fun options. Check out the series here: parts one, two, three, and four.
Undershirts - Numi
I’ve been mentioning these undershirts a lot, and now is the time to talk about them. Short version: I love them, they’ve changed my life, I can’t stop wearing them. Long version:
Numi offers a variety of undershirt silhouettes in a very stretchy and soft tencel fabric, with little pads sewn into the underarm area. I was worried that the pads would look or feel bulky or obvious, but I haven’t found that at all. I primarily wear mine as layers under sweaters so that the sweaters don’t get sweaty. This way, they won’t get smelly, stained, or require frequent washing. I wish I’d tried them earlier! As far as layering goes, they’re an added layer for warmth, but also keep you feeling dry.
I have tried the Crop Top (in almond and in black) and the Crop Boatneck (in black). I went with the cropped length because I tend to wear high-waisted bottoms, and didn’t want to deal with tucking in fabric. I definitely prefer the regular neckline to the boatneck, because it feels like the boatneck is just waiting to slip off of my shoulders. I wouldn’t wear it on its own as a top, while I’ve worn the black crop, as already seen on the blog. I prefer and recommend the lighter colors over black, as they’d be more invisible under anything, though they don’t work as well on their own.
Admittedly, they are expensive. But compare their price to dry cleaning or replacing sweaters and blouses that get dirty, shrunken, or otherwise damaged. I also find they make it more comfortable to enjoy my cozy sweaters.
Packable Puffers - Uniqlo
Maybe I’m biased because it’s what I’m most aware of, but I feel like Uniqlo really has this market almost cornered. Full disclosure: I don’t have any Uniqlo puffers in my closet, but I bought a compact vest for my husband that I like to steal, and my parents both have and wear them a lot in the cold months. They offer a wide range available, so here are my top recommendations.
Ultra Light Down Compact Vest: (There are two links because they have colors listed separately for some reason.) These are very light, but help keep your torso very cozy. They come with little bags that you can tuck them into if you don’t need them, or want to pop one in your bag, just in cases. I definitely need to get a few neutrals, maybe the pink.
Ultra Light Down Compact Jacket: (Same deal with the links.) Same deal as the vest in terms of packability and coziness, with sleeves! Love the neutrals and the fun color offerings.
Ultra Light Down Compact Coat: Handy for layering under another long coat (like a trench), or popping over an outfit to warm it up and get some cover, but not anything too heavy. I am most interested in black or brown.
Ultra Light Down Hooded Coat: I love a longer-length puffer for rain, snow, or wind. The natural color is so lovely. Also packable, but I think not quite as compactly as the above options.
Ultra Light Down Jacket: Basic puffer jacket, not too bulky but not very compact either. Available in many colors, some of which are on super sale! Those sales are final, however, so be careful. I’m tempted by the off-white and the greys.
Wool Socks - SmartWool
I feel like I’ve written more than once about how much I recommend wool socks to stay warm and comfortable, and SmartWool wool socks are my favorites. They offer a lot more than socks, but that’s all I’ve tried from them. They have a lot of different colors, lengths, and styles which they have searchable by activity.
I love that they make different socks with specific activities in mind, both for temperature regulation and for foot protection. I am not active or athletic, but my husband has worn them for a variety of activities (biking, running, working out) and loves them.