The advent of autumn means fashion is about to take on a much more luxurious persona. No more sassy sundresses and sandals. Instead, sumptuous layers of deep colour and rich fabric will take centre stage. Learn how to layer like a fashionista with our how-to guide.
1. Why Layer?
Layering allows your favourite wardrobe items to make the transition from one season to the next. Tiny tees can be combined with long sleeved knit tops to create a sporty look when the weather gets cooler. Layering is also a great way to combine interesting colour, texture and pattern combinations. And, of course, there are practical reasons to layer, such as the fact that adding extra layers will help keep you toasty warm!
2. Fashion Victim
Alert Layering can result in a look that’s très chic, but it also presents the opportunity to make many fashion faux pas. Among the flubs to avoid when layering are combining colours that clash, going overboard with too many different patterns, creating layers that add bulk to the body and squeezing tight clothes over baggy ones.
3. Gotta Have It
By employing the correct technique you can likely create several smart outfits using clothes you already own. Look for these types of garments to layer: long dresses and skirts, long sleeved tee shirts, tank tops, v-neck sweaters, knit vests, blazers (in suede, tweed, neutral tartan, corduroy or even denim), leg and arm warmers, knitted hats and coloured scarves.
4. Pretty Patterns
Certain patterns, including stripes and polka dots and floral prints and plaids, can look very attractive when paired. But be careful! Combining more than one colour of plaid or tartan is hard on the eyes. It’s also a bad idea to don conflicting geometric patterns, especially if these patterns are very bright. Better to choose elegant, simple patterns, since fall tends to be a fairly demure season. Choose prints inspired by menswear, such as pinstripe, houndstooth, plaids and checks.
5. Colour Me Gorgeous
Neutrals can look great with neutrals, but don’t fall into neutral territory for days on end. Colours layer really well with neutrals and with other colours. When you wear a black blazer, combine it with jewel-toned tops and scarves in vivid colours. To create a bold statement, pair complementary (high contrast) coloured clothes and accessories, such as deep blue with apricot, mustard yellow with violet and mocha brown with turquoise. For more subtle looks, pair shades of the same colours together, with a neutral. For example, you could wear a teal blouse over an aqua blue camisole with a steel grey skirt.
6. Add an Accent
Layered outfits can appear a tad heavy and staid at times, but this pitfall can easily be avoided with the addition of accents. An accent is a small detail that makes a big impact. Accents have characteristics quite different from the basic color scheme (they're opposites). Think of the three basic characteristics of colours to help you select an accent:
Value: Dark + Light
Hue: Warm + Cool
Intensity: Brilliant + Muted
For example, if you’re layering several separates in deep neutrals, such as blacks, browns or greens, you could throw a light white, cream or champagne accent into the mix in the form of a scarf, hat or even a hair band.
7. Dress Up
Layering is often thought of as a casual look but it can actually appear rather plush when the right materials are used. Try layering with jewel toned velvet jackets and crisp dress shirts or allowing gorgeous ruffles to peek out from beneath skirts, sweaters and wool jackets. For a more romantic look, pair poet-sleeve blouses with vests or jackets and long billowy skirts, plus a pair of leather boots.
8. Very Vintage
Layering is the perfect opportunity to get down with your old school self. Shop at second hand stores for whimsical tunic dresses and peasant skirts. Pair them with belted sweaters and jackets, a pair of knee high boots, and a load of beaded necklaces.
9. All About Accessories
The layered look is never complete without an accessory or two. Or three, or four! Try groupings of bangle bracelets, strings of opera length beads, pearl necklaces, shoulder-duster earrings, wide belts, chokers, wrist cuffs, large shoulder bags, hair bands and hats in all shapes and sizes.
10. Add Outerwear
A woman cannot layer with indoor clothes alone. Top layered outfits with belted sweaters or jackets - always autumn must-haves. Then add a vintage brooch, a brightly coloured scarf and a knit or wool hat. On particularly cool days, keep your legs warm with knee-high boots and luxurious tights.