Let's layer up

It's cold isn't it?  As much as we're all gazing wistfully at all the new season loveliness that is piling up in the shops, it's too cold to wear them. 

Well I have a cunning plan.  A) to keep warm and B) to be able to wear some S/S gems - or even just change up some of your much loved but bored of, Winter outfits. 

We need layers.  And today I'm looking at super versatile undergarments that can give new life to old outfits whilst being practical at the same time.  This is going to be the key to my packing and is a look I love into the Spring - layering under jumpers and throwing on a huge scarf, hat and gloves and hey presto. 

These are also great for covering a multitude of sins.  I wear longline tops, particularly under sweatshirts and jumpers with skinnies as I just feel meh about having the tops of my jeans on show with the (high) risk of a flash of muffin if I lean over.  Not something that anyone needs to see, plus it's chilly!

I find I'm much more comfortable with the proportions if I have something slightly longer covering my modesty. 

My fave longline tops are from Hush.  These are a lovely thick stretchy fabric and I find have the added bonus of keeping everything tucked in as well (my lack of exercise, whilst not meaning I've put on any weight, alas has meant my body resembles a not quite set blancmange.  Just gawjus.  The more lycra, the better) 

L/L Stretch tee in Everglade - this one is now half price at £15

My must haves would be the grey, black and white.  All supremely useful on a daily basis.  £30 These are great for layering under jumpers and sweatshirts (personally I'm not brave enough to wear them on their own... think sausage trying to escape its skin..... ) but also under short sleeve tunic tops and shirts.





They also have longline vests which are perfect for under thick jumpers now (I find I don't always need a longsleeve top but don't have to have a jumper against my skin.. I appreciate I am odd....)  I also love these under a tee in the Spring when it's not quite full on tee weather....  Ditto a sweatshirt - in fact anything.

Two shades in the sale - the greeny blue Everglade as above, but also in a gorgeous shade of teal blue - the Mallard was £22.50 now £15



Classic neutrals are also a must have at full price though £22.50

Love the Charcoal Marl shade - perfect with blacks and greys. 




Others which I rate but the are more expensive are from Baukjen.  They do have some different colours though. 

Baukjen Essential Extra Long T in French Navy was £49 now £39


And in wine - was £49 now £41


I don't do this often, but I do have one for the Tallies here.... you won't see many mentions of this but..... Long Tall Sally.  I'll be honest, there really isn't much I rate from there.  But I am loving the look of these and if you do struggle with getting ones long enough, then these have got to be worth a go (free P&P and returns I believe....) 

Long Sleeve Long Line Jersey tunic in black and white £20 or two for £30



My other choice would be the plain black.



Alternatively you may find the normal length longer than normal on you and fine - I'm loving a stripe as a layer at the moment and this one is in the sale.  WIth LTS, my advice would be to size down.  In my experience, everything is very much the larger scale of sizing.

Long sleeve scoop neck tee was £18 now £12  They also do a whole host of other shades - normally £18 but two for £28



The other option that people rave about is Uniqlo - their Heat Tech range.  Now I've tried these and I can confirm that they feel amazing but... they are definitely made for the more petite amongst us.  Or just normal.  Not oversized at 5ft10 like I am.

Uniqlo Heat Tech Scoop Neck £12.90 in pretty much any colour you can think of


Or a Crew neck version £12.90  Again, colours a plenty, plus they do a V neck one online.


The alternative for taller people, a little bird told me is the men's versions.  Genius! 

Love the v neck for layering. 

Men Heat Tech V-neck T-shirt £12.90

Also loving the navy one.... 

So I need to get on with my packing - slightly surreal thought that I'm going to be honest, it's that long since I've been away from the children.......

But before then, I have a pretty fab weekend planned which requires lots of dress thought so I'll be focussing on that tomorrow.  

Outfit from yesterday - wrapping up against the cold.



Navy off duty cashmere jumper - Boden
Navy cable knit cardigan - Nicole Farhi
Navy and grey tie dye jeans - H&M
Grey crocheted beret - Primark
Black buckle boots - Toga Pulla 
Black quilted bag - Zara 

Hope everyone is keeping warm!  Spring seems a long way off at the moment, doesn't it?