Layering has been all over the fall runways. It’s no secret we at Glamour are a little obsessed with the trend. The mix of proportion, fabrics, and silhouettes make each look different, beautiful, and, most important, fun. The best part is (though a little retail therapy is always nice), you can start experimenting right now with pieces you already have in your closet!
Layering also allows you to wear pieces year-round, in different ways and to different events. Maybe that dress you wore to a casual party last summer becomes work-appropriate this winter by layering a cotton turtleneck underneath…maybe you rediscover that crop top or sweater you bought on a whim and never wore (see Elizabeth & James below!) by wearing it over a longer top.
If you follow the three rules below, you’ll be totally set to start having a little more fun when you get dressed in the morning!
- Play with proportions. I can’t impress upon you enough how important this is—I would even go as far as to say it’s the whole point of layering. Pair long tops with short sweaters, structured dresses with simple knits—go wild!
- Mix up your textures. This is your chance to wear your sheer silk blouse with a thick wool skirt, or that embellished jacket with a crisp cotton top.
- Don’t get too bulky. Try not to throw something heavy under something heavier. You’ll feel mentally and physically dragged down!
See below for some layering inspiration, straight off the runway! Which layering personality suits you best?
Classic Layers: Dries Van Noten layered in the most traditional sense. Pair a crisp cotton oversize tunic with a shorter, embellished jacket to punch up your look. Add a pair of slim-fit pants and you’re ready for anything.
Artsy Layers: If you love chunky knits but don’t want it to weigh you down, take a page from Elizabeth & James’ book. A longer shirt underneath a chunky cropped sweater, in the same hue, makes the look clean and simple.
Edgy Layers: If you are feeling truly bold, try Marni’s layering look. Over anything from a chunky knit to a thin T-shirt, this is the perfect way to dress down a fun, structured top you may not know how to style for day!
