Tips for Layered Fashion

C ontrary to popular belief, layers are not just for the depth of winter. If you have a wardrobe full of jackets, oversized sweaters, long coats, and patterned button-downs, you can still use them to make a statement during the autumn/spring months. Let us get down to some tips for layered fashion you can keep in mind for successful mixing and matching.

Color Families

In most cases, colors are the main story around which you can design your outfits. Layers made of colors in the same color family feel full, rounded, and edgy. For instance, if you are wearing an all-green top and shorts, a yellow overcoat would be extremely stylish as a layer. Similarly, white goes beautifully with beige and black. A white shirt and tan skirt would look great with a slightly darker brown jacket. Play around with the color wheel and keep checking a full-length mirror to see the overall effect. Other good color combinations for the fall are navy blue and mustard, or black/white and tan.

While we’re talking color, keep in mind that one pop of color from the same color family can go a long way. Such as a red handbag or yellow booties. A little goes a long way. If you have chosen a big brightly colored item, such as a knitted multicolored sweater, keep the other items in the mix very lowkey.

Fabric Textures

Along with a pop of color, a coarse or otherwise different texture can catch people’s eyes. Try to create variety using the different textures that can be found in your cupboard. For example, a cotton button-down with denim pants can be further paired with wool or corduroy to bring about a holistic feeling.

You can even play around with accessories to add a different texture to the mix. Just don’t go too crazy and remember that full-length mirror we spoke about earlier!

Playing with Proportions

A wacky way to add pizzazz to your layering is to play around with different proportions and sizes. One way to do this is to wear a fitted layer inside and a large, oversized one on the outside. For instance, a short skirt and a blouse paired with an overly large, brightly colored jacket. Or, you could wear a loose top and a fitted sweater/cardigan on top. Don’t be afraid to be experimental; you can only make this work if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone a little.

Crop tops are a wonderful layering item because they look good with almost any kind of overlay. From denim jackets to sparkly sweater cardigans, everything looks wonderfully layered on top of a loose or fitted crop top.

Limiting to One Bulky Item

Simply put, avoid using too many bulky, large items as part of your layers. Choose one main item that draws attention and keep the other items very lowkey. You don’t want to draw attention to every part of your outfit at once– you want the gaze to naturally take in the outfit one brilliant piece at a time. Wear either your very heavy boots or the overly large bulky coat; both might not work together in the same outfit. You can even use a bulky scarf with an otherwise normal outfit to add that bulk.

Careful with Patterns

This might be the most important part of learning how to layer. DO NOT use more than one pattern in your outfit, especially if they are completely different patterns quite dissimilar to each other. Matching separates have become a thing thanks to major fashion outlets, but they limit themselves to only one pattern in the whole outfit.

Your patterned item could be the inner top of your pants, it can even be your large, bulky overcoat. However, once you have gotten the hang of layering, you can slowly start experimenting with minimal patterns. A plaid skirt and a star-spangled top might not always go wrong.

Lastly, and most importantly, you should have fun with the process. Never take fashion too seriously– it is for you, after all, and not for anyone else. Tips for layered fashion aside, keep your heart in the game and be a little edgy with the fashion choices you make. Your individuality and uniqueness are what will set you apart in this game.