Layering isn’t just a way to stay warm – although it can be of course. But it’s also a way to make a style statement. However, layering can be tricky as you can add unwanted bulk. Let’s take a look at why you might want to layer and how to layer your clothes to create the most flattering effect.
You can use layering in so many different ways – to make yourself look taller, slimmer, or hide any parts of your body that you aren’t so confident about.
Reasons to layer your clothes
You can reinvigorate your wardrobe
Layering your clothes can be the perfect way to reinvigorate your wardrobe. By layering, you can create countless new looks from your existing wardrobe.
You can make yourself look taller and slimmer
You don’t have to look taller and slimmer, of course. But if there are days when you want to, using long layers can create an elongating, lengthening effect which can create the illusion of height.
You’ll find more tips in this article on how to look taller and slimmer.
You can wear your warm weather clothes for longer
If you have a favorite summer dress, you don’t need to stop wearing it when the weather cools down. You can just add a few layers to make sure you stay cozy and warm.
Layering is bang-on-trend right now
There were plenty of layered looks on the runways for spring and summer 2021. Here are just a few of them (below).
Michael Kors – Adeam – Max Mara
How to layer clothes
Now that you’re thinking about why you might want to layer, let’s take a look at how to layer effectively and with style.
1. Play around with proportions
Stella Carakasi Days Like This cropped sweater (similar here)
Layering is a way to add fun and maybe a touch of the unexpected to your wardrobe. You can add a shorter, boxier sweater over a traditional white shirt, for example.
2. Focus on your fabrics
A good way to ensure that your layered outfit looks “right” is to use different materials for your layering. So you may add a wool vest or sweater over a cotton shirt.
Kim (above) uses different textures in her outfit, and finishes off her look with a pair of net shoes.
Get her look with this similar shirt, sleeveless top, wide leg pants, slingback pumps and earrings.
CURRENT AIR metallic sweater tank – Rails cotton shirt – Wit & Wisdom bootcut jeans – Tory Burch sneakers – Kurt Geiger London quilted shoulder bag – Adina’s Jewels twisted hoop earrings
3. Try a dress over pants
I’m a big fan of wearing dresses over pants, and plenty of the big-name designers showcased this look in their shoes for the upcoming season.
Nikki (above) looks fabulous in her long, white shirt dress worn over skinny jeans.
Recreate her outfit with this similar shirtdress, jeans, espadrille sandals and handbag.
Halogen tie waist shirtdress – PAIGE raw hem ankle jeans – Cecelia New York peep toe bootie – Kurt Geiger London leather tote – Christina Greene cuff bracelet – Christina Greene drop earrings
For more inspiration, take a look at how to wear tunics and short dresses over pants.
4. You don’t have to stick to traditional layering techniques
Yes, it might be usual to pop your sweater over your shirt – but how about doing it the other way around? You can see above that Victoria Beckham created a whole collection around the concept of wearing a shirt over a sweater.
5. A black roll neck goes under everything
When thinking about the essentials you need in your wardrobe, a black rollneck is always useful as you can wear it under pretty much everything.
Patricia (above) shows how you can layer your knitwear for extra warmth and to create a different look. She wears her black rollneck under her crewneck sweater.
Check out this similar turtleneck top, long sleeve top, jeans, flats, handbag, necklace, belt and sunglasses.
Vince Camuto floral puff sleeve dress – L’AGENCE turtleneck top – Vagabond Shoemakers knee high boot – Kurt Geiger London quilted shoulder bag – Tory Burch stud earrings
6. Wear a shorter coat over a longer top
Often you may wear a coat that is a little longer than your top or dress. However, wearing a shorter jacket over a longer top is a good way to play with the proportions of your outfit.
This can also be a good technique for hiding a belly because the different lengths can help to disguise areas of your body you may not feel so confident about.
Beth (above) wears a shorter denim jacket over her long white t-shirt.
Get her outfit with this similar longline shirt, denim jacket, printed pants, sneakers
Sam Edelman leather bomber jacket – Theory tunic top – AG skinny jeans – Tory Burch sneakers – Kurt Geiger London leather tote – Missoni wool blend scarf
7. A long vest is a layering staple
A long sleeveless vest is a fantastic way to layer at any time of year, but it’s a particularly useful piece of clothing during spring and summer when you may want to add a layer without adding too much additional warmth.
Petra (above) opts for knitted coordinates and accessorizes with a Bottega Veneta crossbody bag
Check out this similar blouse, cardigan vest, pants, boots and sunglasses.
MBJ vest cardigan – Rails cotton shirt – PAIGE raw hem ankle jeans – Gentle Souls wedge sandal – Kurt Geiger London leather tote – Panacea pendant triple layer necklace
8. create long lean lines
A long cardigan is a beautiful way to create, long, lean lines in your outfit.
Laura (above) coordinates her navy cardigan with the trim on her lace top.
Steal her look with this similar printed lace trim top, cardigan, jeans, booties, crossbody bag and bracelets.
MBJ open front long cardigan – Lock and Love slim T-shirt – PAIGE raw hem ankle jeans – Franco Sarto ballet flat – FashionPuzzle tassel crossbody bag – Kendra Scott long pendant necklace
9. Leave your shirt tails hanging out
If you’re going to layer, then make sure your layers show. Rather than tuck your shirt into your pants and then layer your sweater over, leave your shirt tails out for a modern look.
Vanessa (above) wears her sweater over her shirt and adds a touch of biker chic to her outfit with her chunky boots.
Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt, sweater, jeans, lace-up boots and clutch.
ZAFUL criss cross twisted back knit crop sweater – Rails cotton shirt – AG skinny jeans – rag & bone Chelsea boot – Kurt Geiger London quilted shoulder bag – Adina’s Jewels twisted hoop earrings
10. Layer your knits
Layering your knitwear can add enough warmth so that you don’t need a coat.
Alexis (above) wears her poncho over a striped shirt, but you could also wear with a turtleneck sweater.
Recreate her outfit with this similar striped shirt, poncho, pants, flats and clutch.
PULI knit poncho – L’AGENCE turtleneck top – AG skinny jeans – Vagabond Shoemakers knee high boot – Kurt Geiger London leather tote – Adina’s Jewels twisted hoop earrings
11. Double your outerwear
You can wear two coats together to create a warm and edgy look. I’ve seen the double-coat look on the catwalks, on Instagram and on city streets.
You could wear a moto jacket under a longer coat. Leave the collar of your moto over the collar of your wool coat.
Patricia (above) shows off another layering technique by layering a sweater over her shirt, and then adding a long, padded vest.
Check out this similar shirt, vest, puffer coat, jeans, boots, shoulder bag and sunglasses.
AllSaints leather biker jacket – Chartou oversize plaid jacket – Treasure & Bond classic shirt – Wit & Wisdom bootcut jeans – rag & bone Chelsea boot – Nordstrom leather crossbody bag –Tory Burch stud earrings
12. Wear a belt over everything
A belt is really useful for creating different looks with your layering. If you feel an outfit is looking a little shapeless or too bulky, try cinching a belt over everything and see if that is more flattering.
Belts of all thicknesses were major accessory trends for spring 2021, and there are more tips in this article on how to wear a belt.
Monika (above) wears a belt over her coat.
Recreate her outfit with this similar mock neck top, coat, belt, pants, pumps and handbag.
Tory Burch leather belt – Madewell woven belt – Halogen double ring leather belt –Isabel Marant reversible leather belt
13. throw on a scarf
A scarf is another good wardrobe staple to add as a layer to any outfit. It can disguise a tummy, add interest and tie in the colors of your outfit.
Annette (above) wears a scarf which combines the blues of her sweater and boots with the yellow of her coat.
Steal her look with this similar long sleeve top, coat, pants, booties and scarf.
Nordstrom eyelash trim print cashmere & silk wrap – Barbour tartan scarf – Nordstrom tissue weight wool & cashmere scarf – AllSaints patchwork scarf
14. choose a ready layered outfit
An easy way to layer is to choose a top, dress or jumpsuit that already features layering, such as the Karen Kane layered hem top (below).
15. Don’t wear too many bulky items together
If you’re layering you’re likely to want to stay warm and perhaps create a long, slimline look. It’s unlikely that you want to create added width. So, be sure to keep your outfits in proportion when thinking about how to layer clothes, using the tips above rather than adding too many bulky layers.
CAPSULE WARDROBE
Do you already layer your clothes day-to-day. What are your best tips on how to layer clothes for the most flattering effect?
Continue reading:
- 14 Sure-Fire Ways To Hide Your Belly With The Right Clothes
- How To Wear A Cardigan Without Looking Frumpy: 11 Cardigan Outfits For You To Try
- How To Wear Asymmetrical Clothing – Asymmetric Dresses And Tops To Fall In Love With
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Feature image by Kim
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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