It’s easy to succumb to the winter lifestyle of piling on thick heavy layers. After all, it is cold and depending on what mother nature has in store, probably snowing. Personally, I don’t want to leave my house when it’s like that. However, life doesn’t stop just because it’s cold out. This is also the time of year that as concealed carriers our lives get a little easier because we can just throw on a sweatshirt and the issue of printing is basically non-existent. That method of dressing is perfectly fine for a quick coffee run or weekend errands, it’s basically my go to. However, as women, there isn’t any fault in wanting to look cute even though mother nature wants to try to hold our style down.

This is when strategic layering comes into play. Instead of just grabbing your sweatshirt there are ways you can style up your look. A lightweight vest, blazer, or cardigan are great options to help pull a look together. You can throw those easy to wear (and warm) pieces over any top in your closet. That way when you need to put on your final layer - that warm coat - you won’t feel like a stuffed sausage.

While the extra layers are an added benefit to concealing your firearm you also introduce a new challenge of accessibility. Meaning, is your self-defense tool accessible? Or better worded, how easily accessible is your self-defense tool? In the summer you only had to worry about minimal layers and thin fabrics. The colder weather inevitably brings on extra bulk. One of the things you might need to reevaluate is your carry method. So while carrying inside the waistband may be your go-to, opting to carry outside the waistband might be a good option. It reduces the number of layers you have to clear to access your self-defense tool.

When I put on a coat in the winter and I’m carrying I won’t zip up or button my coat because that’s one obstacle I can’t get around quick enough. So just something to consider. However, if you plan to be outside for a longer period of time, for instance cleaning off a snow covered car, you are most likely going to want to be bundled up so considering pocket carry in your coat might be an option.

With all that said, there is an important takeaway for carrying during the colder months and that’s making sure you are practicing your dry draws. I can’t say that enough - layers or not. Sometimes just the addition of a simple cardigan could cause some obstacles that you weren’t aware of. Now, if you went and added a vest or something more, that’s additional layers you’ll need to clear in order to draw your weapon. So that’s something to think about and practice. What’s the point of adding extra layers to conceal your firearm if you can’t get to it quickly and efficiently?

READ MORE: The Women’s Ultimate Guide to Dressing for Concealed Carry

— CONCEALED CARRY DETAILS —

{LOOK ONE} Self-Defense Tool: Heckler & Koch VP9SK | Holster: StealthGearUSA Ventcore Appendix IWB | Belt: Rag and Bone
{LOOK TWO} Self-Defense Tool: Glock 43 | Holster: StealthGearUSA Ventore AIWB | Pocket Knife: CRKT Cobia Folding Knife
{LOOK THREE} Self-Defense Tool: Glock 43 | Holster: StealthGear USA | Belt: Rag and Bone
{LOOK FOUR} Self-Defense Tool: Heckler & Koch HKVP9 | Holster: Blacksmith Tactical | Belt: Rag and Bone

{check out the discount codes page for holster discounts}

— OUTFIT DETAILS —

{LOOK ONE} Vest: Zara {old; similar} | Sweater: Topshop | Jeans: Frame Denim | Bag: Chanel | Shoes: Saint Laurent {similar} | Bite Beauty in 'Gazpacho'
{LOOK TWO} Sweater: BP. via Nordstrom | Vest: Old Navy | Scarf: Nordstrom | Jeans: Rag and Bone | Shoes: Marc Fisher | Bag: Proenza Schouler | Lipstick: Bite Beauty in ‘ Tannin’
{LOOK THREE} Cardigan: Madewell | Top: Nordstrom | Jeans: AG Jeans | Boots: Vince Camuto | Bag: Givenchy | Lipstick: NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in Don’t Stop
{LOOK FOUR} Jacket: BB Dakota | Shirt: Nordstrom | Jeans: Rag and Bone {similar} | Bag: Chanel | Shoes: Vince Camuto | Lipstick: Bite Beauty in 'Gazpacho'