Fall and winter are my favorite seasons to dress up! These cooler months provide an excellent opportunity to experiment with layering. Beyond the practical aspect of keeping cozy, layering has several benefits for crafting a stylish and refined appearance. Firstly, combining pieces with varying lengths, textures, and colors can instantly enhance an outfit. Additionally, layering can lend an illusion of height to your body shape. Lastly, it allows you to get the most out of your wardrobe as you can creatively mix and match the same items in multiple ways.
Make it Triple For an Extra Chic
What’s the ideal number of items to achieve a chic layered look? In my experience, displaying three layers tends to yield a sophisticated yet uncluttered appearance. You can supplement these three layers with additional base layers that may not be visible but will provide extra warmth and comfort.
Make it Visible
For a chic layered ensemble, it’s essential that your layers are discernible. There are various techniques to ensure this, as illustrated in the images below – leaving your coat or jacket open; rolling up your sleeves; undoing the buttons on your shirt; sporting items of differing lengths, and so on. This approach helps create vertical lines in your outfit, adding an illusion of height to your figure. As an example of vertical lines, consider the photo below – the texture of the turtleneck, the buttons on the shirt, and the open blazer work together to form a vertical silhouette.
Add Items in Neutral Colors
Incorporating neutral-colored pieces can enhance any outfit without making it appear too busy. You have the option to layer using solely neutral hues, or introduce a pop of color. If you decide to include two colored pieces within your layers, ensure the rest are neutral to maintain a balanced look. Alternatively, a monochromatic layered style can be achieved by mixing items of the same hue, ideally with varying textures to keep the outfit interesting. Below is an example of a layered outfit that successfully combines three neutral colors – camel, black, and navy blue.
Use Accessories as an Extra Layer
On days when you’re not in the mood to add another layer of clothing, accessories can come to your rescue. A neck scarf, a knit draped over your shoulders, or even a crossbody bag can function as an additional layer, giving your ensemble the desired layered effect. Layering necklaces is another effective technique to create a sense of depth in your outfit.
Mix Items in Different Styles & From Different Seasons
Experimenting with layers can involve mixing items from various seasons and styles. This is an effective strategy to utilize your wardrobe throughout the year. For instance, you could layer a winter knit over a summer tank top adorned with embroidery. Similarly, combining items of contrasting styles can help you either dress up or tone down your outfit. A case in point would be pairing a casual denim jacket or shirt with a tailored coat or blazer for an effortlessly chic yet relaxed look.
I hope these tips will keep you stylish and cozy this winter 🙂
