Layering is one of those trends that come in and out of fashion from time to time, but which can also serve a very practical purpose too. Whatever the season, layering clothes can help you go from indoor to outdoor or day to night with ease, and without having to plan a different wardrobe for every eventuality. It also adds interest to your clothes and multiplies the number of potential outfits you have in your wardrobe. To layer well (and not look like the Michelin man) just takes a little thought. Here are my tips.
Start with your base layer
Think of your first layer like your canvas: it should provide a comfortable, smooth foundation for the rest of your outfit to build on. In summer, you might choose a breathable camisole and, in winter, a lightweight long-sleeved t-shirt. Your base layer should fit you well. It is probably worth choosing a neutral colour for your base; whether you intend it to ever been seen or not, you don’t want it accidentally dominating the rest of your outfit.
Colour x Pattern x Texture: pick one to play with
If all your following layers were different colours, patterns and textures, it may look like you got dressed in the dark – unless you are deliberately making a statement of course! To bring your layers together and make them look like one outfit, it’s usually better to not vary all of these too much.
For example, if your layers are dramatically different textures (which they might well be if you’re putting a chunky knit over a silky blouse) try to choose from the same colour palette or colour tones/depths. Equally, if you want to be brave and mix different patterns in your outfit, it will look more polished if those garments share similar colours and didn’t vary too much in texture. Consider the overall balance of your outfit.
Think about proportions
Think about proportions in two aspects. Firstly, you probably want to wear bigger, chunkier garments on top rather than as your base layers. Just practically, in terms of the size of your clothes, a tighter-fitting top that you’ve squeezed on over a chunky jumper just isn’t going to look right. Many of us tend to buy jumpers or cardigans in sizes larger than tops or blouses for exactly the reason that we expect to wear something underneath them.
Secondly, you can choose to play with proportions but still retain a figure-flattering look. For example, a fitted top paired with an oversize blazer will look comfortable and casual; an oversized top with an oversize blazer could make you look bigger than you are and is likely just to look like a poor fit. Use proportions – and different lengths – to help balance your outfit.
Use accessories to good effect
Again, accessorising comes down to balance. If you have a very busy outfit, with lots of texture or pattern, you probably don’t also want to pile on overly large or colourful scarves, handbags or jewellery as well (unless that’s your “clothing personality”). However, if you have gone for a more pared-down look (think ‘Stealth Wealth’ quiet luxury in creams and tans, perhaps) you can probably afford to go with a quality, statement piece alongside it.
It helps if you have a full-length mirror to hand so you can assess your whole look before you leave the house. And, play or practice when you have time, and snap a photo to remind you of these looks for when you’re getting dressed in a hurry. Keep a folder of your clothing ideas somewhere handy – a specific folder in your phone, or printed out and near the wardrobe.
Build your layering wardrobe with versatile classics
Building a wardrobe that layers well is a bit like building a successful capsule wardrobe; you’ll want to buy classic items that will last and will go with many other garments in your wardrobe too. Look for lightweight cotton cardigans in a range of plain or neutral colours, for example, to provide a year-round layer when you need it. Look at versatile scarves – extra warmth in winter, sun protection in summer – that can help dress up other items.
And embrace your outer wear – your coat or jacket – as an extra layer too. A leather jacket, classic trench or stylish winter coat can provide extra style to your overall outfit as well as extra warmth when you need it. With classic items like this, it can often be worth considering them an ‘investment’ piece, perhaps paying a little more than you’re used to for a timeless piece that will last you well.
