London’s Queen of Layering on Epic Winter Outfits and Perfect Gift Ideas

November 24, 2020 at 11:15PM

At Who What Wear, we know just how much you, our readers, love to hear about the latest and greatest trends, easy styling solutions, and the best of the best on the high street. That’s why we’ve partnered with Gap, one of our go-to destinations for effortless style, to bring you The Fashion Forecast—a new series dedicated to solving your everyday styling needs and wants, as well as getting a grip on emerging trends with the help of some of the coolest influencers around. This week, we check in with Chloe Robertson, queen of layering, as she shows us how to stay chic and cosy for winter. Plus, she talks gift-giving tips in the run up to Christmas. 

You may notice from these outfits that I’m not the biggest fan of colour. I’m naturally a lazy (read: efficient) dresser and I like all my separates to work together in different combinations. That’s why I usually gravitate towards a neutral palette, especially in winter when there’s so much layering going on. 

This year, instead of colour, I’m doing all the talking with carefully-selected standout outerwear, and a great quality coat is definitely one of the things I’m most excited to be wearing for winter 2020. Gap has so many options, I hardly knew where to start (although this beautiful fluffy Sherpa style was certainly a good place). I’ll be layering simple, comfy basics underneath that will keep me warm on those all important daily walks. 

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One of my top tips for keeping these warm winter outfits streamlined and chic is to choose fine knitwear instead of chunky—they work the best for layering and actually help keep you warmer by trapping in heat. I also love layered tonal combinations for a more expensive-looking finish— shades of white, grey or beige will always look sophisticated. In addition, it does away with any colour-matching stress and if you’re slightly shorter like me, it helps to make you look taller… I swear! 

Another of my secrets? Invest in a steamer—you can be wearing the most basic outfit but if it’s creaseless, it will always look more pulled-together. 

Even before we discovered a newfound love for loungewear this year, my mantra was always to dress practically, stylishly and timelessly—all things that fashion lovers know Gap always gets right. I’m never disappointed in the quality and I love how I feel whenever I wear their pieces, so I’m really excited to bring you these three cosy outfits from their latest collection, which I hope will inspire you for the coming colder months. 

My standout buys definitely include the cream Sherpa overcoat—as soon as I put it on I felt like a new woman, no joke and it’s absolutely perfect for throwing over all the fuss-free, super-casual outfits we all lean upon. And I’ve also fallen for a cashmere beanie and some black wide leg jeans—this denim style is luxe, hard-wearing and a new staple I’ll be using all year round.

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So, before we get carried away with Christmas shopping, keep scrolling to shop my three favourite looks from Gap’s most recent drop…  

I love the bold contrast of a tailored black coat and winter whites underneath. As you can see, I’ve opted for a thin knit to layer with, and a high neck will keep in the heat better as well. 

This check is timeless whilst still making more of a statement. Paired with the wide-leg denim silhouette and chunky boots, this whole look is still simple but a bit more directional. 

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Sequins might be off the menu this year, but I guarantee you a fancy silk slip dress can work for the daytime. I love layering something like this so you can easily take it from day to night, and even from season to season—I’ll also wear this on holiday with a nice tan (one day…).

As the days get colder, I can’t help but start to get excited for Christmas. I’m a big fan of how magical and nostalgic it always feels. My family enjoy dressing up on the big day so I’m thinking the black slip dress would be perfect with a thin polo layered underneath. 

By far the most exciting bit about Christmas for me, though, is giving gifts. You can’t go wrong with winter essentials like classic cashmere, snuggly socks or a pair of lovely PJs—they’re all elevated basics that make every day a little more luxurious. I always turn to Gap for these as I know I can count on their quality, whilst still staying on budget. I tend to live by the rule “one for you, two for me” these days as we all deserve some self-gifting after this year, and I’ve got my eye on the cream beanie and matching mittens.

Here are some of my favourite Christmas gifts from Gap… 

Author Emily Dawes | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC