How To Layer Clothing, 10 Tips

How To Get The Layered Look Right

Posted by: Nina Carbone Filed in: style
2:10PM, Monday October 26th 2009

After looking through this blog post of all sorts of beautifully (and expertly) layered folks on the street, I came to the following sartorial realization: creating a slim and cohesive layered look ain’t all that easy. (Though this girl, above, certainly makes it look that way!) So many people (myself included sometimes) end up with big, bulky outfits that look disheveled, and not artfully so. So I figured it was high time we passed on a few layering tricks and tips—it’s all about balance, color and texture. Check out all 10 after the jump, and if you have any fail-safe methods for looking chicly layered, I’m dying to hear!

Stick to similar color families. See how, in the picture above, she rocks out various shades of blues and browns? It pulls all the separate pieces together.
Change up the textures. One way to add interest to your look is with different fabrics and textures. I love her houndstooth coat and woolly tights!
Only one chunky layer per outfit. Rocking a heavy, thick sweater or a big faux fur vest? Everything else should be thin cotton or skinny silhouettes.
Vary your hemlines, necklines and sleeve lengths. Part of getting the layered look right is seeing each piece poking out from under whatever is on top. If one shirt is collared, throw on a scoop neck underneath and a hoodie over it, that way you’ll be able to easily visually distinguish each layer.
Balance, balance, and balance. Going with loads of layers on the top part of your body? Stick to one piece on your bottom and vice versa.
Keep makeup low-key. In this case more is just more. Don’t try to load on the eye shadow to compete with your clothes.
Dresses offer prime opportunity to layer. Think over and under. Got a short-sleeved work dress? Go long and silky underneath. Or try a cardigan and a vest over top.
Take more than just one piece of jewelry off before leaving the house. Unless you are looking to emulate the Olsen Twins’ madcap homeless look circa 2004, don’t overdo it with the bracelets and necklaces.
Don’t be afraid of patterns. There’s nothing chicer than just a hint of a print—if you’re not feeling super adventurous, make your patterned piece one of your under layers.
Add a scarf—it counts!

comments

lea322
wrote on October 26 2009 @ 01:18 pm: [report]

Love these tips! I get nervous when I start layering because I don’t want to look like a bag lady!

spatula
wrote on October 26 2009 @ 01:34 pm: [report]

Why in the world would you put jewelry on and then take it off before leaving the house? Why can’t you just…not put too much jewelry on?

dudette
wrote on October 26 2009 @ 01:35 pm: [report]

maybe its just me but i think the girl in the picture looks a hot mess. its cold enough for 2jackets, a huge scarf and sweater leggings but she opts out on pants? not a good look. to be honest i DO think she looks like a bag lady. I think the tips would generally work fine but i hope above picture is not the goal in mind!

joyy
wrote on October 26 2009 @ 01:52 pm: [report]

@dudette - it’s not just you.

Clementine
wrote on October 26 2009 @ 02:06 pm: [report]

I’m with dudette and joyy. Also, the way she’s standing makes her look pregnant…or maybe she is pregnant. Either way, it’s not a mistake I would want someone to make about me.

joyy
wrote on October 26 2009 @ 02:20 pm: [report]

@Clementine - I would hope she isn’t pregnant ... she’s smoking!

Katepato
wrote on October 26 2009 @ 02:50 pm: [report]

@Spatula - I always hear that the accessory thing is a golden rule of fashion… but it makes no sense! How many accessories are women putting on? I’m lucky to remember a pair of earrings in the morning.

There is nothing attractive about this look, if this picture is the goal in mind. Besides, I’d rather not do my laundry once every two days.

amandabear
wrote on October 26 2009 @ 03:52 pm: [report]

I actually kind of dig it. I’m a bigger fan of skirts and dresses than pants, so even in the winter I’ll wear them with tights instead of opting for pants. Tights and leggings can be surprisingly warm.

CaleeKay
wrote on October 26 2009 @ 08:50 pm: [report]

she does look like she could be pregnant, /shrug. My mom smoked with me and i turned out fine. lol, not that im condoning it cuz i hate cigarettes.

but i understand how some people can get turned off by this look, but i also feel like its not always about thinking we look ‘cute’ in it, its about comfort too!
I just recently tried wearing more leggings and less jeans, and i almost want to not wear my jeans anymore! Its so cozy!

And @dudette