The battle to stay warm in winter while avoiding looking frumpy is one I’ve waged since the first time my mother tried to put me in a puffer jacket. It wasn’t the silhouette of the jacket that bothered me, but more the way it obliterated any evidence of my budding personal style—my primary inspirations being this Groovy Girl doll, Wednesday Addams, and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. The key to keeping the sartorial spark alive during the cold months, I would go on to discover, is developing a love for layering. Here, I've gathered four examples of flattering ways to wear heavy and warm pieces without losing yourself in the process.

Sweater Dress + Longline Coat + Boots

Photo: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

An excellent way to avoid frumpiness is to style with lengthening proportions. Building on top of your favorite base layers, pair a shin-length knitted dress with a long coat and a boot with a slight heel for an elegant option Lily van der Woodsen would covet.

Bright Coat + Turtleneck + Jeans

Photo: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Going outside in freezing weather is a lot more bearable when you have a coat that you are genuinely excited to wear. Balance statement outerwear with classic neutrals for a polished look that doesn’t sacrifice warmth or personality.

Belted Long-Sleeve Coat

$699 $699 at Farfetch

Theia Rollneck Sweater

$1075 $1075 at Farfetch

High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans

$285 $214 at Farfetch

Snakeskin Ankle Boots

$950 $485 at Farfetch

Fingerless Cashmere Gloves

$110 $110 at Farfetch

Vest + Blazer + Coat

Photo: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

When layering, it’s always a good move to take a few cues from menswear. Keeping your silhouette structured and building from a fitted, bright sweater as a base layer will prevent the outfit from looking bulky.

Roll-Neck Fitted Jumper

$475 $333 at Farfetch

Devin V-Neck Vest

$130 $130 at Farfetch

Check-Pattern Blazer

$698 $698 at Farfetch

Belted Wool-Cashmere Coat

$699 $699 at Farfetch

High-Waisted Trousers

$187 $159 at Farfetch

Ridged-Sole Ankle Boots

$1050 $1050 at Farfetch

Puffer + Silk Dress + Pants

Photo: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

I’m a firm believer in sartorial exploration, particularly when it comes to breaking the rules of seasonal dressing. A silk summer dress over denim and a sweater paired with a puffer is a glorious confluence of texture and material if you’re looking to try something new.