TIPS AND INSPIRATION TO HELP YOU MASTER LAYERING

I've mentioned time and time again that I don't have a lot of clothes but I think you'll agree that I am not lacking in outfit choices. And the reason I have a wealth of outfits to choose from in my limited collection is because I make the absolute most of the items I have, not only by mixing and matching them, but by using the most powerful styling tool I know - layering.

But layering doesn't just make it easier to maximize a small closet, it's also a great way to add interest and personality to a look and it can be a great way to highlight your assets and balance your proportions.

However, despite all this brilliantness that layering offers us I know that many of you don't do it and find it a tricky styling technique to master - it can sometimes look bulky, scruffy and unflattering, and often feels uncomfortable too. So this week, I’ve compiled a short list of pointers to help you master the basics of layering and am sharing some of my favorite layering looks to give you some ideas!

mastering the basics of layering

You need a good selection of lightweight layering tops to draw upon, in a selection of styles and colors to fit your collection's color pallet. – I have a selection of long, 3/4, short, and sleeveless tops in a variety of necklines – slash/turtle/scoop - as well as a good selection of camisoles that are predominantly in black (obvs!). I also have a few pattered pieces too such as stripe and floral prints.
Take your shape and size into consideration. If you’re petite, layering lots of big bulky pieces will likely swamp you and make you look bigger than you are. Instead, layer lighter weight pieces with just one or two bulkier items.
Layering is the best way to keep warm in the winter but if the look of layering isn’t for you, keep your layers hidden. A couple of light weight thermal tops worn under fine knitwear will keep you warm without the look of layering. I’ll often do this if I’m with clients and want to look a little more polished.
If you want to layer items in the same color, prevent the outfit from looking flat by combining a mixture of textures – a favorite combination of mine is faux fur, leather and denim.
If you’re mixing different lengths and textures it might be wise to avoid throwing different prints into the mix as well as there’s a risk you’ll like you got dressed in the dark.
Sleeves can often be uncomfortable when layered and even if the sleeves start out in the right place they'll often move around and bunch up with wear, especially if you're layering shirts and blouses under sweaters. A good way to combat this is to turn the cuff up and over the sleeve of the sweater to keep it in place, like this.
Use layering to highlight your assets and balance your proportions. For example, if you have a broad torso and narrow hips, layer a long-line vest over your outfit to draw the eye in and narrow your torso.
A great way to tie a layered outfit together is to match the color of the layering top to the color your wearing on the bottom half, as I have done here. It also creates a column that's slimming and lengthening which is a particularly good styling tip if you’re short.

layering inspiration

Layer a long line vest under a jacket. Don't worry too much if the two items are different lengths, I actually think I prefer it when one is dramatically longer than the other:

Layer a long-line vest over a coat:

Layer a faux fur gilet under a coat. Aside from being cozy warm, it's a great way to update an old coat:

Throw a long vest over a simple sweater and jeans combo, it's a quick and easy way to elevate your outfits when you're in a rush!

Sweaters look great layered over dresses:

Layer a skirt over a dress

Photo taken by Sarah Collins

Play around with the proportions and make a feature of your layering:

Photo taken by Lauren

Play around with the seasons! A summer slip layered over a winter sweater can look fabulous!

Button ups and are made for layering! Wear under or over sweaters, dresses and jumpsuits:

Tie your fave t-shirt over a dress:

Photo taken by Sarah Collins

Dresses are a super simple piece to layer. Vests, sweaters, cardigans and jackets can be thrown on top, while blouses, buttons ups, sweaters and turtle necks all layer underneath: