How to Layer Like an Expert in 3 Easy Steps

The Ultimate Layered Outfit!

Getting the layering look right is both an art and a science.  It is an art to look effortless and awesome, and a science to functionally get all the layers right.  I am a huge fan of layering, mainly because I am always cold!  Here are three tips to get you started on layering like an expert:

1.  Start with the basics. A dress, a skirt and blouse, jeans and a T.  Put on the first layer over your underthings.

2. Add more clothes. A sweater over the blouse, a buttoned up cardigan over the T, a sparkly tank over the plain one.  Now if you are feeling brave (or are just chilly!) go ahead and add another layer.  A jacket over the sweater over the blouse, a chunky cardigan over the buttoned up cardigan over the T, a vest over the sparkly tank over the plain one.  You get the idea.

3. Layer on Accessories. Accessories are essentially another layer.  Think belts, scarves, legwear (including the knee socks above) and necklaces as they drape directly over your body.

A couple of tips to help get it right:

1. Start small:  Add one more layer to what you would normally wear.  Eg. in the image above, just add the shirt under the dress (and maybe the belt).
2. Avoid looking bulky by layering thin pieces out to thicker.
3. Mix Fabrics.  A wool vest over a silk blouse, a chunky cashmere cardigan over a thin cotton T.
4. Vests are a great piece for layering over any blouse or T and under a jacket.

Here are a few outfit ideas to get you started:

Above, from left to right:

• leggings+tank+sweater+drapey cardi+scarf+boots
• tights+shorts(could do a skirt here too!)+t-shirt+cardi+scarf+toque+boots

Above, from left to right:

• skinny jeans+checked shirt+sweater+camo utility jacket (image courtesy of Stockolm Street Style)
• skinny jeans+blousy cotton top+cardi+blazer+scarf+suede boots (image courtesy of Glam Canyon)

Want to read more about how to be an expert at layering?

Check out these great links:

How to layer clothing and look fashionable, by Milana Saric at Fashion Style Advice

Curvy Women: 8 Tips on How to Layer Clothing & Not Look Like a Shapeless Slob, by Sheri Reed for Cafe Mom (on Huffington Post)

Cupcakes and Cashmere, a lovely personal style blog for outfit ideas

What are your layering tips?

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