How to Stay Stylish and Warm Without the Bulk

Layering has become a shortcut to style. It’s also the best way to dress for cold weather outdoors and lowered thermostats indoors, including a shocking degree of winter air-conditioning in movie theaters, workplaces, stores and restaurants. Throwing on a lounge-around outfit of tank, tee, hoodie and joggers is easy. The problem is how to stay toasty without looking bundled and bulky in everyday clothes. Pile it on and stay sleek with these six tips:

(Left to right) Skims Fits Everybody Crewneck Bodysuit in Onyx; Lands’ End Women’s Lightweight Fitted Long Sleeve Turtleneck Tee in Radiant Navy; Poseshe Women’s Plus-Size Long Sleeve Bodysuit in Navy Blue

Skims; Lands' End; Walmart

1. Stock up on base layers.

The biggest mistake is not having the right pieces to make layers work efficiently. Your best move? Swapping go-to basic layers such as boxy tees, sleeveless tanks and old lace-trimmed camisoles — for stretchy bodysuits and long-sleeved tops that hug your torso and arms like a second skin. The smoothest are fabric blends infused with modal, elastane or spandex. As the first line of chill defense, they slide ripple-free under dresses, knits and sweaters and provide itch protection. Available in classic crews, turtlenecks, Vs and trendy square necklines, they work as an invisible base under clothes or can add a stylish touch peeking out at neckline or wrists. The most useful for cold weather are long-sleeved styles in neutrals such as the Skims Fits Everybody Crewneck Bodysuit in Onyx ($78, skims.com) available in a wide range of skin-tone shades for wearing under white and pale colors, the Lands’ End Women’s Lightweight Fitted Long Sleeve Turtleneck Tee in Radiant Navy, Vicuna Heather or Black ($20, landsend.com) and the Poseshe Women’s Plus-Size Long Sleeve Bodysuit in Navy Blue or Black ($20, walmart.com).

(Left to right) Everlane The Long-Sleeve Supima Square-Neck Bodysuit in Black; Loft Ribbed Turtleneck Ribbed Midi Dress in Pavestone Heather; Old Navy Cozy Long-Line Cardigan Sweater for Women in Heather Gray; Lauren Ralph Lauren Charm Crosshatch Leather Belt in Black

Everlane; LOFT; Old Navy; Macy's

2. Make any dress into a “twinset.”

Wearing dresses in winter is always a challenge. Instead of shivering or adding a tailored blazer in desperation, try “winterizing” dresses with supple long cardigans for insulation. You can tone the cardigan to the dress or contrast it for a pop of color. A sweater dress such as the Loft Ribbed Turtleneck Ribbed Midi Dress in Pavestone Heather ($100, loft.com) is fine on its own but gets extra cozy layered over Everlane's The Long-Sleeve Supima Square-Neck Bodysuit in Black ($32, everlane.com) and under the trim Old Navy Cozy Long-Line Cardigan Sweater for Women in Heather Gray or Black Jack ($48, oldnavy.gap.com). Want a shapelier look? Add the slim Lauren Ralph Lauren Charm Crosshatch Leather Belt in Black ($35, macys.com) over the dress (under the open cardigan) or over the dress and cardigan at the waist.