Layering your clothes is a cold-weather staple to help you stay warm in all kinds of wintery conditions. But did you know you can wear layered outfits all year round? Light clothes and breathable fabrics create chic layered looks even in the spring and summer.
The layered look is a popular look right now on runways and social media alike. In this post, we’re giving you our best tips for learning how to layer outfits yourself. From basic combinations to daring looks you never thought of, you’ll leave this post inspired to start layering every piece of clothing you own.
What is Layering?
Layering is wearing more than one piece of clothing on one part of your body, such as a cropped leather jacket over your tee shirt. It’s not only trendy; it’s a great way to elevate basic outfits while showcasing your personal style.
Layering Tips
Before getting into layered combinations, we need to review some basics. Here are some tips to guide you as you begin playing around with layering.
Know Your Proportions
Layering gets a bad rap for making you look bulkier. But if you know your proportions, you can use layering to balance your silhouette or draw attention away from areas you feel self-conscious about. If you have broad shoulders, wearing a fluffy skirt balances that out. If you have a larger stomach, use layers to bring attention to your neck or legs instead.
Use Different Cuts
Layering works best when you combine form-fitting clothes with looser ones, as seen in the next section. But you don’t necessarily have to layer the loose item over the tighter one. A bustier or tank top can also look great with an oversized sweater or flowy dress.
You can also experiment with the necklines of various tops. Mixing and matching different collars and cuts brings interest to your outfit. Consider wearing a round neck under a sweetheart neckline or a collared shirt under a v-neck.
Finish with Accessories
You can also layer accessories. Try including multiple necklaces, a scarf, arm or leg warmers, headbands, and belts. Consider using them in unusual ways, such as wearing a necklace as a belt or socks over tights.
Basic Layering Ideas
These basic layering ideas are easy to pull off, perfect when starting with layering. Use them as inspiration, combining ideas and playing around with different silhouettes to find what you like.
Sleeveless Over Sleeves
Start with a base short or long sleeve shirt. Then add a tank top, corset, or bustier over the top.
Dress and Shirt
There are two ways you can do this. The first way is layering a thin shirt with short or long sleeves under a short sleeve or sleeveless dress.
Or you can reverse this and wear a shirt on top of a dress, imitating the look of a skirt. It’s a great way to get more outfits from a few pieces.
Sweater Over a Dress
You can also combine a sweater and a dress. Wear it loose over the dress, or add a belt to cinch it in. If it’s an extra light sweater, you can even try wearing it under your dress.
Pants With A Skirt
This might seem very 2000s, but using the right pieces makes it a striking look. Try pairing trousers with a long, flowy skirt or skinny jeans with a mini skirt.
Double Jackets
Double jackets can help you stay extra warm and stylish in the cooler seasons. Start with a thin, short jacket, then top it with a long, heavy coat. Add a belt at the waist to keep it from looking too bulky.
Button Up Over an Outfit
Start with any outfit you like, then throw on an oversized button-up shirt for interest. Leave it loose, button a few buttons, or tie it to change the look.
Advanced Layering Ideas
Are you ready to try some more difficult layered outfits? With some practice and confidence, these trendy combos will turn heads wherever you go.
Triple Tops
If you’re ready to take your top game up a notch, try adding a third shirt to elevate your look. You can try wearing a long sleeve top, a short sleeve top, and a corset, or a sleeveless dress, short sleeve shirt, and a cardigan.
Double Skirts
Similarly, try doubling up on your skirt or wearing a skirt under or over a dress. Experiment with different fabric weights and lengths to see what you like best. You can layer two similar-length skirts for a petticoat look or choose vastly different lengths for more of a statement.
Use Scarves
Scarves are versatile accessories you can wrap around your head, waist, or neck. You can wear them as tops or skirts. Play around with different ways to use them in your outfits to add more dimension.
Mix Fabrics and Textures
Mixing fabrics, textures, and patterns takes layered looks to a new level. Pair opposite kinds for more interest or similar styles for a more cohesive look. Like always, experiment to figure out what you like the look of.
The best part about layering is there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Use these ideas as inspiration and experiment from there. Play around, and you’ll find the combinations you can make are endless.
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