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Not sure about you, but I've spent a good few hours this past week staring longingly at FW21 runway images. One recurring theme of these crowd-less shows was the use of multi-garment layering, with the likes of Loewe, Lemaire, ERL, and several others taking turns in reminding us exactly how damn good a modular approach to dressing can look. With those images on the mind, we took to British retailer Harvey Nichols to pick out 10 key items that'll help take your winter layering game to new levels.

When talking layering, a good winter wardrobe demands key and staple pieces that you can interchange and pair up with ease; items that'll breathe new life into the clothes you're tired of simply by being next to them. Having these foundations in place is a smart investment, as you'll get far more wear out of pieces for far longer.

It's not just aesthetic power that good winter layering tools can bring either. More layers mean more warmth. It's not rocket science. So from base layer tees right up to cast-leading coats, we've selected standout goods by brands including Acne Studios, Loewe, and Calvin Klein.

Check our three-part breakdown of winter layering essentials below.

Top Layer

Acne Studios Dali Army Wool Coat

Acne StudiosDali Wool Coat
$1,000
Buy at Mr Porter

Your winter layering line-up deserves a strong leader, one that can be relied upon time and time again through the cold months and won't get tired. A solid long coat will step up to the job, and this timeless wool option from Acne will look good while doing so.

Moncler Dabos Quilted Jacket

MonclerDabos Quilted Shell
$1,640
Buy at Harvey Nichols

You're not always going to need a full-blown coat in winter. Well, hopefully not, anyway. If moving between warm places in a city requires something a little more light and functional, shell jackets like this one from outdoor wear supremo Moncler are ideal.

Norse Projects GORE-TEX Jacket

Norse ProjectsTromso Gore-Tex® jacket
$520$510
Buy at Harvey Nichols

Lightweight jackets that are capable of bearing wind and rain are an absolute wardrobe essential. Coated in GORE-TEX, there's no doubt that this Norse Projects piece can do exactly that when needed. Not only can you pair this with a more heavy-duty coat in winter, but you'll also get wear out of it at pretty much any time of year.

Mid Layer

Belstaff Quilted Gilet

BelstaffQuilted Shell Gilet
£195
Buy at Mr. Porter UK

The gilet is a winter layering tool that should never be overlooked. In fact, this little garment is so powerful that we had to include two here. The first is this classic-looking quilter number by everyone's favorite countryside walk outfitter Belstaff.

Mki Miyuki Zoku Fleece Gilet

MKIFleece Gilet
$83$77
Buy at Selfridges & Co.

And the second gilet comes courtesy of UK-based Mki Miyuki Zoku, which offers a more modern take on the classic, dressing it in fleece for ultra coziness.

Polo Ralph Lauren Hoodie

Polo Ralph LaurenPrinted Hoodie
$242$140
Buy at Farfetch

While the gilet affords new layering options by removing sections of garments and allowing others to appear triumphantly from those blank spaces, the hoodie is ready and waiting to do the latter. You'll probably end up sacrificing some warmth to let the Ralph graphic show through an open zip, though, just to warn you.

NN07 Piet Ribbed Cardigan

NN07Knit Cardigan
$165
Buy at Mr Porter

Zipped items are always welcome when talking about winter layering. This sophisticated zip-up cardigan by NN07 is the epitome of staple and will work well with whatever you throw its way.

Loewe Knitted Jumper

LoeweStriped Knitted Jumper
$445$890
Buy at Farfetch

Decidedly more bold and brash than the NN07 cardi above, this knit jumper from Loewe is absolutely perfect for adding some contrast and color through open necklines, zips, and sleeveless layers.

Base Layer

Calvin Klein Set of Three Tees

Calvin KleinT-Shirt Set Of 3
$45
Buy at Harvey Nichols

Ok, perhaps not the most exciting part of your winter layering shopping trip, but an essential one nonetheless. The best outfits are built on strong foundations, and foundations don't come much stronger than basics by Calvin. Three in one to keep in fresh supply.

Sunspel Cotton Long-Sleeve

SunspelCotton Top
$130
Buy at Matches

If a short sleeve tee isn't getting you hot enough, then let the long-sleeve in. This one is 100 percent cotton, just what you need for setting the standard for comfort with your first layer.

Our designated Selects section features products that we love and want to share with you. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

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