When it's so cold that the outside is more like a frozen tundra rather than a winter wonderland, we can be stumped on what to wear. We'd like to keep our fingers and toes intact instead of being frostbitten, and we aren't really in the mood to have our face whipped red by the blistering wintry winds. When it's freezing cold outside, it's pure survival mode time. But we still want to look fashionable, right? The trick is layering.
Actually, make that long layers, to be more exact. Layering is the tried-and-true way to make sure we survive the low temperatures — because as we all know, life doesn't stop just because the weather is freezing cold.
Have no fear. Layering doesn't mean we're going to end up looking like the Michelin Man (who looks pretty warm and toasty, TBH). Dressing with long layers can actually be quite stylish as long as we keep a few things in mind. We should layer from the thinnest to the thickest material, like starting with silk and ending with a thickly knit sweater. Other tricks to try are accessorizing with belts to cinch the waist or paying attention to proportions, like pairing a long sweater with sleek leggings or skinny jeans.
Long layers help us conquer the cold weather like the boss snow queens that we are. For some inspiration, read ahead to see 30 long layering clothing items that everyone should add to her wardrobe pronto.
1. Patchwork Waterfall Cardigan
Patchwork is arguably the coziest pattern, and reminds us of curling up on our couch under a mountain of blankets and pillows. This long open cardigan has a trendy asymmetrical hem and a tassel trim to keep things fashionable.
Patchwork Waterfall Cardigan ($34.99, Target)
2. Knit Turtleneck Sweater
This fluffy long turtleneck looks so comfy, we could drown in it. Plus, it's so pretty with glittery thread details. We'd pair this with some skinny jeans or leggings, or throw this on top of another dress.
Knit Turtleneck Sweater ($49.99, H&M)
3. Helena Cardi
This cardigan duster with a long fringed hemline can be paired with anything. Plus get this: it has thumbholes to keep your hands warm and toasty.
Helena Cardi ($88, Lovestitch)
More from CafeMom: 12 Vintage Beauty Secrets That Range From the Insane to the Still Useful
4. Homecoming 'Round the Mountain Sweater
We envision this fuzzy knit sweater keeping someone warm après-ski in a cabin somewhere.
Homecoming 'Round the Mountain Sweater ($55, Modcloth)
5. Charlie Duster
This space-dyed duster will even keep your hand warm, thanks to a cozy knit hood.
Charlie Duster ($110, Lovestitch)
6. Long Cashmere Duster Cardigan
Let's get back to basics with this elegant cashmere cardigan.
Long Cashmere Duster Cardigan ($325, Neiman Marcus)
7. Plus-Size Car Coat Cardigan
This thick cable-knit sweater is perfect for when we want to snuggle up to the fireplace with a good book.
Plus-Size Car Coat Cardigan ($32.99, Target)
More from CafeMom: 21 Shoe Styles We Were Obsessed With in the '80s & '90s
8. Speak Up Duster
We want to show off our wild side with this leopard-print duster. Check out the metallic thread accents.
Speak Up Duster ($208, Revolve)
9. Knit Sweater
This long sweater is made of wool and has a thick turtleneck for maximum comfort.
Knit Sweater ($59.99, H&M)
10. Long-Sleeve Maxi Duster Jacket
This duster jacket is super chic, and perfect for the office, the daytime, and obviously, nighttime. We'd wear this with everything.
Long-Sleeve Maxi Duster Jacket ($51, Missguided)
More from CafeMom: 30 Hairstyles That Expertly Hide Unwashed Hair
11. Long Time No See Floral Duster Jacket
This duster jacket is sophisticated and stylish, thanks to its velvet material and floral print.
Long Time No See Floral Duster Jacket ($50, Nasty Gal)
12. Purple Cable Knit Duster Sweater
The rich cranberry color of this sweater is perfect for winter days, and compliments pretty much every skin tone. It's also a great transition piece from fall to winter to spring.
Purple Cable Knit Duster Sweater ($68.90, Torrid)
13. Spellbound Tie Dye Kimono Duster
This satin tie-dye kimono is perfect for giving off those boho vibes even in the dead of winter.
Spellbound Tie Dye Kimono Duster ($58, Nordstrom)
14. Come a Long Way Satin Duster Jacket
This duster is an eye-catcher, thanks to its satin material and pointed color.
Come a Long Way Satin Duster Jacket ($60, Nasty Gal)
More from CafeMom: How to Tuck Jeans into Boots in 4 Easy Steps
15. Ribbed Knit Duster Cardigan
We think that this knit cardigan is a wardrobe staple.
Ribbed Knit Duster Cardigan ($28, Forever21)
16. Plus-Size Soft Knit Floral Print Duster
Throw this duster on over a neutral outfit and you've got a stylish look all set and ready to go.
Plus-Size Soft Knit Floral Print Duster ($15.99, Rainbow)
17. Plus-Size Open Front Fleece Duster
Fleece is cozy, no one can deny that. Let's all wrap ourselves in it with this open-front duster.
Plus-Size Open Front Fleece Duster ($14.97, Rainbow)
18. Women's Floral Duster Kimono Jacket
This lightweight, flowly kimono is the perfect finishing touch to any winter outfit.
Women's Floral Duster Kimono Jacket ($29.99, Target)
19. Cocoon Knit Midi Cardigan
A cocoon sure sounds nice when it's freezing cold outside, right?
Cocoon Knit Midi Cardigan ($59, Nordstrom)
More from CafeMom: 10 Ways to Use Mascara Wands You Probably Never Thought Of
20. Low Tide Cardigan
Soft and slouchy? Yes, please! We'd wear this indoors and outdoors.
Low Tide Cardigan ($128, Nordstrom)
21. Puff Sleeve Longline Cardigan
This layering piece is different thanks to its puffy sleeves. Can we talk about that deep purple hue, though?!
Puff Sleeve Longline Cardigan ($68, Nordstrom)
22. Heart It Laces Sweater
This oversized sweater has a pretty satin ribbon laced up the side, giving it a sweet and sexy edge.
Heart It Laces Sweater ($148, Nordstrom)
23. Cable Patchwork Cardigan
This neutral cardigan will literally go with anything, and will still dress up even the plainest outfits, thanks to its mismatched fabrics.
Cable Patchwork Cardigan ($80, Nordstrom)
24. Plus-Size Cozy Cardigan
Two words: statement piece. This head-turning cardigan is also as cozy at it looks.
Plus-Size Cozy Cardigan ($54, Venus)
25. Plus-Size Snowflake-Print Hooded Duster
The snowflake print at the bottom of this hooded jacket is the epitome of winter dressing.
Plus-Size Snowflake-Print Hooded Duster ($89.50, Macy's)
26. Plus-Size Duster Cardigan
The plaid print on this duster cardigan is great for preppy babes. We think Kate Middleton would approve.
Plus-Size Duster Cardigan ($59, Macy's)
27. Zeagoo Long-Sleeve Draped Open Front Cardigan
The waterfall silhouette of this cardigan makes it work for any occasion, whether a party or work event. We want one in every color.
Long-Sleeve Draped Open Front Cardigan ($24.99, Amazon)
More from CafeMom: 18 Cringeworthy Fashion Accessories From the '80s
28. Women's Lightweight Classic Long Office Cardigan
This knee-hitting cardigan has dark colors perfect for the colder seasons. Throw this baby on when running errands with the little ones.
Women's Lightweight Classic Long Office Cardigan ($27.99, Amazon)
29. Dahlia Velvet Duster Coat
We're so into the burnt orange hue of this velvet duster. In fact, we'd say it's pretty groovy.
Dahlia Velvet Duster Coat, ($173, ASOS)
30. Kent Cardigan Sweater in Stripe
We're all about this soft striped cardigan, which has side slits for a more flattering cut.
Kent Cardigan Sweater in Stripe ($110, Madewell)