Please talk to me about layering!

[Bag peace]

As we're coming into F/W, this seems a good time to talk about dressing in layers. I'm terrible at it. If I need to put on anything more than a blazer or coat, I look boxy and scruffy.
However, I've often admired others who seem to have figured out how to make layers look stylish, not messy. Give me all your tips and tricks on how to make the proportions work so that I don't look like this:

Pictures would be amazing, too, if you have them!

Tagging people whom I think will be able to get the conversation started! @880 @Antonia @papertiger
Also, @cecchetti I recall you mentioning that you dress in base layers and then build on top of that? Maybe you have some ideas?
Everyone feel free to tag in others whom you feel would enjoy the discussion or whose stylish layers you admire. The more the merrier!

 

[papertiger]

I'll try. I am really only conscious of trying to achieve an overall look. I am probably going to look a little less layered this autumn because I want to go a little more formal, suited and booted. I am aiming for a fairly clean and spare look - which is going to be opposite to layered.

However, layered is not the opposite of minimalism because you can re-purpose things, play and have fun. Make use of what you have already. Only add if you need.

Colours:
Overall, work out which colours look best on you.Then work out whether you look best in high contrast or tonal. Unless you are a If you are high contrast you can go for black/white/light/dark base layers and pop colours/opposite level neutral on top (or vice versa). If you look best in tonal stick to one family throughout or low contrast colours.

Accessories / Jewellery
Don't layer everything. A clean, one-colour body-con dress can take a stack of layered accessories but a layered outfit is going to be more tricky so you may have to cut down on jewellery stacks, bag charms or whatever usually spices-up an outfit.

Under:
I do with good basics/base layers though - and they don't have to cost a fortune. You can use stuff you have already, vests with or without support, trad. tees, long-sleeve Ts and fine wool turtlenecks (which are everywhere atm) Silk thermals, leggings or tights.

Over:
You can use shirt-dresses and button/zip-through undone as layering pieces. Put a longer skirt over a shorter dress, you have a new 'top', put a top over a dress, you have a new 'skirt'.

It's about thinking out the box. Could you where a skirt as a cape? A silk scarf as a bolero or belt? A pareo/sarong as a skirt or top. See things as shapes and colours rather than categories.

You can use existing ponchos and shawls over coats and jackets without resorting to a puffer (which may any look unless you are going skiing/hiking.

Cos have something called hybrid pieces atm, they are made for wearing in different ways and layering.

 

[cecchetti]

I can’t add a huge amount more than @papertiger except that the baselayers are close fitting(I wears Skins), then looser fitting statement pieces over them.

But not hundreds of layers as in the delightful pic!

Also colour matching is important..
Or contrast for a pop of colour-but not too many colours.

And I Always wear jewellery!

I tend to wear variations of the same look until I get bored of it, so I’m not that much use as there’s not as much variety in my wardrobe than some PF members, but yes I DO dress in base layers-I’m honoured that you remembered xx

 

[lill_canele]

Living in Southern California, I can't really layer very much (it's not that cold).

However, in order to reduce the bulk, as stated above, my inner or base clothes tend to be thinner and more lightweight, generally close to the skin to avoid the bunching up of fabrics.

I really love Uniqlo heattech tops and tights, they are thin but warm and great for layering! They have varying thicknesses so make sure to read the description carefully before buying (since they can all look similar). They are also very affordable.

 

[880]

I play with different textures and weights of fabric ( and well as length, proportion, and color)
The only other thing I can add to all the replies is to experiment and have fun.

 

[Bag peace]

I am probably going to look a little less layered this autumn because I want to go a little more formal, suited and booted. I am aiming for a fairly clean and spare look - which is going to be opposite to layered.

The suited and booted is my usual go-to. I gravitate towards menswear-inspired, tailored looks. However, it's becoming predictable and dull. I'm hoping the layers will add interest and texture, but without drowning me!

Thank you so much for all the suggestions! I already do the under/overs that you mentioned (base layers, open button-down shirts on top), but I need to play with more colour as you suggested, to see what works.
I also should think outside the box more often! Let me see if I can get creative! I'll post some pics if I find anything that works. The most creative thing I usually do is wear a shirt or dress backwards if there's an interesting detail I want to highlight. I can definitely push myself out of my comfort zone a little further.

Cos have something called hybrid pieces atm, they are made for wearing in different ways and layering.

Cos is a great suggestion, thanks. I'll pop into the one in town when I'm next out and have a look at their hybrids!

 

[Bag peace]

Or contrast for a pop of colour-but not too many colours.

Interesting. I usually do 2 colours. If I add a 3rd colour, it would be via the bag I'm carrying. I may experiment with mixing shades of the same colour. Thank you.

I really love Uniqlo heattech tops and tights, they are thin but warm and great for layering!

Great suggestion. Love Uniqlo for basics. Thank you.

I play with different textures and weights of fabric ( and well as length, proportion, and color)
The only other thing I can add to all the replies is to experiment and have fun.

So, you already know I love your style because I drool over your pics, ha ha! I tagged you because I immediately thought of your layers when I was considering this problem. You seem to have mastered getting the proportions right, without it ever looking boxy and drowning you. Any tips of figuring that out for myself? Do you think it's just experimentation until you find combos that work or is there some secret style rule that I'm unaware of?

 

[papertiger]

Cos is a great suggestion, thanks. I'll pop into the one in town when I'm next out and have a look at their hybrids!

Here's a selection




Browsing at things like these prompts me into thinking about the 'hybrids' I have already. I know I already own a vintage Karen Millen trench cape (it was an inspired by Burberry look) a vintage Trussardi wool Bolero and an Opera cape with huge balloon hood. Any old jumper can be turned into a cropped one, a hoody into a snood. I love the wrap-round the wool over-skirt (above) which can be warn over trousers, dress or another skirt. I may get that myself.

My mistake this Summer was a ballet (lyrical) dress from Capezio (camisole leotard with empire-line chiffon skirt attached). The chiffon is a bit too nylon. I may wear the top under a shirt but the skirt over skinny black trousers, black knee-high DMs on top of them. Maybe too goth but we'll see. Trying to get a nod to this collection https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/you-have-to-see-this.1062449/ as you know I am slightly obsessed - and that's all about layering

 

[Swanky]

As a short and busty sis I find it hard and unflattering to layer no matter how much I love the look!
My base layer has to be skin tight as any extra folds of fabric leave me looking heavy.

 

[Bag peace]

Browsing at things like these prompts me into thinking about the 'hybrids' I have already. I know I already own a vintage Karen Millen trench cape (it was an inspired by Burberry look) a vintage Trussardi wool Bolero and an Opera cape with huge balloon hood. Any old jumper can be turned into a cropped one, a hoody into a snood. I love the wrap-round the wool over-skirt (above) which can be warn over trousers, dress or another skirt. I may get that myself.

Thank you for the pics. I love the wool wrap around skirt, too!
You've got me feeling inspired. I have a white cape balzer, a bolero with a puff shoulder that I haven't been able to style since I got it, and a houndstooth trench. I'll have to play around and find ways to utilize them because they're definitely underused pieces in my wardrobe that can be utilized to elevate my look.

I may wear the top under a shirt but the skirt over skinny black trousers, black knee-high DMs on top of them.

I love the sound of this! Knee-high DMs conjure up memories of my teenage self, running around Camden thinking I was all 'punk'. Ha ha! Thanks for the memories!

My base layer has to be skin tight as any extra folds of fabric leave me looking heavy.

Oh you've hit on something I hadn't realized! I am the opposite. I need even my base layers to be loose (unless they're the thermals under my jumpers in the winter). I don't like anything to be too tight. That's probably why I feel so scruffy in layers- every layer I wear is loose. Thanks for that bit of clarity.

 

[BalenciagaKitte]

I am fairly short, 5'3", so I think the key to layering is some kind of defined waist, and also matching the color of your skirt or pants to your shoes. The exception to this is if you're wearing all one color, you can wear a different color shoe. In my experience, I can wear a lot of layers if I'm creating length (height), if that makes sense.
Now this isn't my finest outfit but I have a lot of layering going on here: a cardigan over a short animal-print dress which is over a navy pencil skirt! Belted to define waist and navy shoes to match the skirt gives it vertical length. I hope this helps!

 

[BalenciagaKitte]

Here is a monochromatic example, from summer but a short dress worn over pants and a tank top. The dress has a seam at the waist which helps.

 

[Bag peace]

I have a lot of layering going on here: a cardigan over a short animal-print dress which is over a navy pencil skirt! Belted to define waist and navy shoes to match the skirt gives it vertical length. I hope this helps!

Here is a monochromatic example, from summer but a short dress worn over pants and a tank top. The dress has a seam at the waist which helps.

This helps soooo much! I'm not great at visualizing, so getting pictures helps me a lot! Thank you so much.
I would never have realized just how many pieces are involved in these looks because they transition so well and without adding bulk. In the first one, I love the use of the skirt to lower the hemline to the knee. So clever!
The defined waist in both outfits really makes the difference!
Amazing inspo! Thank you so much.

 

[880]

. I have a white cape balzer, a bolero with a puff shoulder that I haven't been able to style since I got it, and a houndstooth trench.

I think the key to layering is some kind of defined waist,

+++++++++++++1000

Thanks for the tag and the compliment @jblended
IMO, look to the original source of inspiration for the item in question:

For a bolero, I think years ago, boleros were styled with one piece dresses, some of them dressy and sleeveless. This was to break up and add interest to the line of the dress, and also to add warmth. Boleros lengthened the leg by shortening the torso, and could easily be paired with high waisted trousers today for something more casual. I would not wear a bolero with any pant or skirt that is too tight bc my problem area is my abdomen. To create a waist, I prefer an a line skirt.

For the white cape blazer, how long is it? If it’s on the long side, I think a slim pant that flows and drapes. If it’s short, perhaps a more flowy pant?

For houndstooth, is it the traditional white and black. Is it a small pattern. Most would mix with solids. I might mix pattern, but the scale of the print IMO would have to be much larger or much smaller. Or a solid in a saturated primary color. ..
Just as Dolce used to combine florals with leopard print, I think it might be possible to do this with houndstooth, but the floral would have to be larger scale, saturated, bold color. . .

 

[Bag peace]

For the white cape blazer, how long is it? If it’s on the long side, I think a slim pant that flows and drapes. If it’s short, perhaps a more flowy pant?

It's in storage currently, since we've had a very hot summer. As I recall, it hits me around the bum, so rather long. I'll pull out some pieces and play around to see how they work together. I'm feeling very inspired by everyone's input so far, so I'm looking forward to experimenting.

For houndstooth, is it the traditional white and black. Is it a small pattern. Most would mix with solids. I might mix pattern, but the scale of the print IMO would have to be much larger or much smaller. Or a solid in a saturated primary color. ..

It is traditional and small print. I usually wear monochrome under it, but I like the idea of a saturated primary colour. I have a royal blue jumpsuit (long sleeves and trouser legs) that I find too overwhelming on its own. The houndstooth trench may break up/tone down the colour, while also adding interest as an additional loose layer!

Thank you for the inspo!