Layering dos and don’ts
There are three major mistakes in layering:
- using pieces that are unsuitable for layering,
- ignoring your body type, and
- wearing the wrong underwear.
Layering requires basic understanding of which pieces are suitable for layering and what your body type is. All starts out with a well fitting bra, and body conscious underwear. Learn to love shape-wear as layering adds bulk.
Add horizontal lines strategically
Make sure your layers do not draw attention to the points that you want to hide. Instead, draw attention to the points you want to highlight. For example when you have a tiny waist you want a cropped top/jacket end there. The hem of the layering piece namely creates a horizontal line that draws attention to where it is. Thus, use this strategy in your favor when layering.
Stir away from bulky
Use fitted/tailored items for layering to avoid to look bulky. Good layering pieces are tank tops that cannot be worn alone, special layering tops, tailored T-shirts with long sleeves. Thin tailored shirts may work as well.
Use air as an insulator
This under-layer serves as extra insulation by the layer itself, and by creating a thin air layer. Air does not conduct (body) heat well. The under-layer must be long enough to peak out about 2 inch (5 cm) and add a pop of color or interest. It also has to stay in place when you put another layer on top. The photos below show some examples for inspiration.
When layering for staying warm, don't forget to keep the look slim by adding vertical linen and sleek items. #style Click To Tweet
Layering a Barbour cable-knit dress over a G-III suede skirt. The MOSCHINO belt adds shape and proportion. The red GNW tights and red Manolo Blahnik booties elongate the legs. All items are my own.
GNW leopard print layered under V-neck cashmere sweater worn with a sleek Sienna Studio leather pencil skirt (similar skirt), GNW tights and Harley Davidson booties (all own)
Layering a tailored Great Northwest denim shirt under a sweater with leather jeans and scarf. The scarf and necklace pull the outfit together. All items are my own
Barbour cable-knit dress worn under Ruby Belle plaid sheath dress with brown GNW tights and brown Clarks booties (all own)
Plaid wool skirt with cashmere cardigan, turtleneck layering top c/o Adea, and white jade and onyx necklace c/o Almo Jewellery to create a sleek layered outfit
Jones New York polka dot shirt layered under V-neck silk short sleeve sweater both tucked into the Sienna Studio leather pencil skirt worn with GNW tights and Harley Davidson booties (all own). The cat-print tie pulls the outfit together
What are your layering challenges? Let me know by email so I can help you.
Fashion linkup party
Last week Zarouhi Zaz from Mama and More invited me to co-host her weekly linkup party All About You. Zarouhi grew up in the Isles of Trinidad and Tobago, but has a French background as well, and now lives in the UK for more than twenty years. On her blog, she shares the different cultures, and her knowledge on style and beauty that she gained when she worked in marketing for luxury products.
Come join the All About You linkup party. Tweet this to invite your friends too.
Thanks for linking up. Don’t forget to bookmark Zarouhi’s blog so you can linkup again next week.
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Photos: G. Kramm
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