8 WAYS TO LAYER CLOTHES BEAUTIFULLY

Layering is a beautiful, different and creative way in which to wear items from your wardrobe. This is a manner of dressing that enables you to wear multiple layers of garments one on top of the other. Because autumn is approaching, layering is thus becoming more and more fundamental as the cooler weather sets in.

However, layering is not as easy as it looks – especially if you don’t want to appear bulky in the process. When done properly, layering can be very sophisticated, chic and also quite flattering. It has many advantages – the main one being that you can still wear and enjoy your beautiful summer items whilst keeping out the autumn chills with a thicker layer on top.

We’ve put together some useful tips to help you create a beautiful layered look and still incorporate the latest trends while doing so. 

Here are 10 Beautiful Ways to Layer Clothes

1. Layer with neutral colours and simple textures. Pair a black blouse with a cream-coloured cardigan. Add a brown leather bomber jacket on top and a black scarf for a wintry appearance that easily converts when the weather warms up. 

2. Opt for a carefree, weekend approach by wearing a tight tee and a loose-fitting kimono-style jacket over it. Keep it crisp by adding leggings and pumps in a completely different colour. You can also wear a chunky belt to add to the layering look. 

3. Play with prints and textures. This is really the beauty of layering and this is what makes layering so exciting. Mix and match items that are similar in colour or hue – it doesn’t really matter if they are different in texture or pattern. In fact, different is good since this makes for an interesting, eye-catching outfit. Always remember sophistication throughout – add small chic touches such as an up-do, leather boots and a stylish handbag to complement this layered approach. 

4. For a pretty, feminine layered look with a dash of urban-edge, combine a pale dress, thin waist belt and black biker jacket. Add matching black leather half boots for a contrasting, chic look that will take you from day to night. 

5. For a laid-back, European-inspired look, don a Panama hat, simple floral print dress and experiment with a shirt and jacket as top layers. The boat shoes complement this outfit perfectly here and work together beautifully with the Panama hat to further this European-inspired look. 

6. For a dash of country-girl appeal stick to blue denims, tan brown leather and layer earthy, natural tones. This gorgeous combination of blue, brown and black is unexpected yet works beautifully. If you wish to experiment with more colours, stick to the same fabrics - the black leather skinnies together with the tan leather jacket keeps things simple, natural and not too over the top. 

7. Stick to a maximum of three main colours when you layer, or utilize shades of a certain colour to further the layered look. This gorgeous maroon scarf works perfectly with the leather biker jacket, maroon striped skirt, matching tights and cute brown boots. Every item is in a similar hue here and the experiment with different textures and patterns is thus appropriate. Overall, this layered look is sexy, modern and chic. 

8. Colour is everything when it comes to layering. This gorgeous outfit below shows the importance of textures and colours working together to create something truly beautiful and also something ideal for temperamental weather conditions. A dark grey tee is the base layer, next, a pastel or mint-coloured shirt is added for an on-trend appeal. Lastly, the casual grey sleeveless jacket is something one would never think to add but it works really well and completes this somewhat military-inspired look.  

How Not To Layer Clothes

Don’t wear too many layers and avoid a bulky look. Layering can make you look like a granny so if you wear a thick cardigan so ensure you wear it together with a garment currently trending i.e. mint slacks or an Aztec print skirt. Also ensure your base layers are tight-fitting. 

Avoid too many colours, prints, patterns or styles or you’ll end up looking a tad bit confused. Rather stick to one or two main styles and combine. For example, this royal blue cardigan is great with the white print blouse. However, the frayed denim shorts and tights make this look a little ‘too much’. Instead, pair this cardigan and blouse with jeans or slacks – but keep the satchel bag as it goes perfectly with the royal blue cardi and adds an old-school feel to the look. 

Our Top Tips for Layering 

• Pair a tight-fitting item underneath a bulky one.
• Because focus is on the layers, keep your jewellery simple and elegant.
• Wear a layered upper with slim-fitting pants or tights for a chic appearance. Always keep your bottom layer as a tight-fitting one and as close to your skin as possible.
• If you’re curvaceous, steer clear of chunky knits. Rather layer in terms of colours.
• Use belts and scarves to incorporate layering into your look.
• If you’re hesitant to layer and want to look more neutral – stick to one colour and simply wear different shades of that particular colour. You may want to mix in different textures instead to still keep it interesting. 

Posted by Elizabeth Joss on March 1, 2013, 12:57 p.m.