Happy Friday everybody! The weekend is upon us!!! Woohoo! I’m not going to lie, this week seemed forever long, so I’m extra glad the work week is over.
The look I’m bringing to you today is all about layering. I love fall and winter for many reasons, but one of my favorite things about these cooler seasons is the fashion creativity that presents itself, that frankly just isn’t present during warmer weather months. Don’t get me wrong, I love summertime, and you can definitely show your creativity with summer fashion, but cold weather fashion is just…well, different. As the temperature drops, often times layering becomes essential, but layering doesn’t just have to be for braving the chill. It is a prime opportunity to strut your creative stuff! Creative layering in an ensemble generates dimension and texture, which in turn adds interest. We all love interesting things, right?
Keep scrolling to read my tips on pulling off that layered look in a fashionable cool-girl way!
::How To Get That Layer Game Strong::
-No-Fail Base Layers-
These are your starting layers; the layers you build upon. The pieces that never let me down me when I want to put together a layered look are items like a chambray shirt, a white button-down shirt, a white tee, a grey tee, a black turtleneck, and a striped turtleneck (either in navy and white stripe or black and white stripe). Obviously, these are not the only options for a base layers, but they are great wardrobe essentials that you will get miles and miles out of. Trust me on that!!! In these pics, I layered a chambray shirt underneath my white sweater and allowed the cuffs of my sleeves and the top of my collar to peek out.
-Outwear with Personality-
Fun outerwear pieces are great and easy options to up your layering game as well. I love vests for this very reason! Vests can add color, texture, or both to your look. This long, wine colored vest from Topshop is so amazing. The quality is fabulous, and it has the cut of a trench coat, just without the sleeves! It doesn’t have to be a vest though. Jackets, ponchos, and cardigans are perfect too! I love some of the chunky knit cardigans I’ve been seeing a lot of! But, whatever the cut, fabric options seem to be endless…wool, leather, faux fur to name a few. So fun!!!
Sometimes its too cold to go with just a vest, so on those days I will layer a vest over a jacket. Leather and denim jackets are great options when you want to throw a vest on top. Just keep in mind the fabric of the vest. Faux fur and wool materials are substantial enough to balance with the jacket underneath.
Add Personality with Accessories–
The final touches of a look are such an easy way to add pizzazz! I am a hoarder of scarves, belts, statement jewelry, and hats. They can do wonders to an otherwise simple look. I always try to think of new and different ways I can utilize these pieces. Some of my favorite ways include belting a cardigan, vest, or jacket. Added interest and a cinched waist, SCORE!!! I am also a huge fan of small, square, silk scarves (think pocket square size). You can do so much with them! I will tie one around my neck, wrap one around my wrist, tie one around one of my belt loops when my shirt is tucked in, tie it on the handle of my handbag, and even tie it around my ponytail (not all at the same time of course 😉 ). My goodness… I could go on and on with multiple ways to style this little guy! It may just be my go-to accessory of the moment!
Here are some Instagram shots for those that love a visual example!
-Pattern Mix-
Finally, layering is a perfect opportunity to play with multiple patterns! A leopard jacket over a striped shirt (check out one of my most recent Instagram pics), a gingham patterned button-up paired with a large print, floral cardigan… I think you get the idea. I keep talking about the benefits of adding interest, well not much gets more interesting than mixing prints! The trick with this is you either want to stay in a similar color family, or pair together a small print item with a large print item. Another good idea is to make one of your prints stripes. Stripes are the neutrals of the print family… they can go with most everything!
I hope this has inspired you to try layering in a way you might have never tried before! I absolutely love layering pieces to create a completely different look! What tips do you have for layering? I would love to know!!!
Vest. Sweater (sold out, but love these here, here, and here). Shirt. Pants. Boots (sold out, similar here and here). Necklace (old, similar here). Watch.
Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo,
Megan
