Mastering the Art of Layering

Although it’s winter here in Georgia, it’s about that time of the year where the weather becomes impossible to predict day-to-day. One day it’s freezing, the chance of snow floating around–but the next it’s bright, sunny and you're overheating in a sweater. As we move into more transitional weather, instead of dressing for one extreme or the other–we need to master the art of layering our clothes–creating versatile, flattering outfits that keep you prepared for anything and everything!

The dark days and chilly nights of Winter are upon us…so how on earth are you supposed to balance staying warm and cozy while also being stylish from top to bottom? Layering has always been the answer, but it can be a difficult thing to balance.

Layers Upon Layers

This time of year the weather can change so DRASTICALLY. Frosty morning commutes normally mean cocooning in mix-matched knitwear and bulky outerwear…not cute—right? Plus, on top of that you have to deal with the middle-of-the-day heat that COMPLETELY contradicts what you put on in the morning to feel warm. It’s like this transitional weather is begging me to bring a spare t-shirt everywhere I go now. Well…all of that can be fixed with proper layering techniques!

Layering can seem daunting at first, but it's all about experimenting and playing around with pieces in your wardrobe. It truly is a great opportunity to try on different colors, textures, and fabrics (the possibilities are endless) from every season. As we build our wardrobes, or even take extra time to examine what we have–we want pieces that are adaptable. This is the foundation for layering! Luckily, as we move into this season where it's colder in the mornings, warmer during the day and then toss-up at night–this gives us (yes, I said us) the perfect opportunity to take a crash course in ‘the art of layering’.

Start with Basics

When diving into the world of layering, you want to keep your foundation simple. Basics, which often might seem boring or unattractive to buy, actually set the tone for an outfit! It’s all in the styling. Today, the biggest part of business casual is learning how to use basics to your advantage, like pairing them with certain features or highlighting them in different ways.

I always recommend starting with high-quality, lightweight pieces. You want something soft, but also stretchy—that doesn’t look too bulky underneath whatever you choose to pair it with. That way you have an easy baseline to layer with that doesn’t bring anxiety, or a lack of arm mobility when putting an outfit together. Dressing for changing temperatures, also means having pieces that work with you. Take what I have below for example. A thick, structured body suit can be an easy way to stay warm, but also a great center top for when it’s time to shed the sweater. Leggings are perfect for spring because you can find heat-tech versions that keep in the warmth. On top of that—they are usually a comfortable, light option that allows breathability for unexpected hot days. Last, but not least, a neutral colored sweater vest adds a layer of professionalism, protection from cold commutes, and the versatility to shed it mid-work day if you’re REALLY feeling the heat.

Even if these aren’t your jam—aiming for more basics pieces in your wardrobe will give you more layering options during the day and make it much easier to pick out your outfit at night!

*The White Company*—Sweater Vest, $51.60

Turn Towards TurtleNecks

She’s a CLASSIC styling choice during the winter, and she comes in almost every color under the sun. But don’t take my word for it—Diane Keaton, Kate Moss, and Carolyn Bassete-Kennedy are all show-stopping stylists for the ultra versatile turtleneck. Wear them under a hoodie, an oversized sweater-vest, or a warm winter blazer…this piece of clothing can be layered with almost any outfit! Turtlenecks are by far the best winter layering item…and yes maybe I am biased—but let’s talk about some facts. They are usually versatile, found in a variety of textures, and can be worn for almost any occasion. What more could you want?

I think it’s important to keep at least a few basic turtlenecks, in a few neutral shades like white, black or brown on hand AT ALL TIMES. But let’s be honest—plain, striped, or even colorful—there are no hard-and-fast rules to sweater season, except materials. You want something that is gonna last you for a lifetime, and act as a baseline to most of your outfits. So if you are looking for something that will be a staple in your wardrobe, watch out for the cheap stuff that can be thrown in your face by retailers so often.

Let’s not forget the most important part—the LAYERING! Turtle necks are great for going every-which-way you need them to go. Grab a then one (like the Old Navy one below) and put it under that neutral sweater vest you invested in, or even tuck it into a warm pair of warm tights. Pull over your favorite midi skirt or dress to make summer pieces work for the winter days. Not feeling the tucked-in look? No problem. Grab an oversized patterned turtleneck (H&M one below), throw on some jeans…and TADA! You’re ready to take on the day while staying warm cozzzyyy. Whatever you need the turtleneck will provide ladies—just trust the process.

*The White Company*—Long Turtleneck Sweater, $79.50

T-shirts Aren’t Just For Summer

I’ll say it again—t-shirt’s aren’t just for the summer!! Thanks to new trends, casual corporate wear has become a thing of the present. Pairing a high-quality tee, with jeans and a nice blazer has taken the world by storm as a new style. BUT—this doesn’t just mean any t-shirt ladies. Do not be tempted by the 8$ ones you find on clearance at your local Target. We must resist temptation! The art of locating the perfect layered t-shirt look is QUALITY over QUANTITY. And I can say this because I have been there myself—I see a good deal and I just can’t resist…but there’s a reason that shirt is on clearance, and it usually means it ends up sitting in my dresser/closet for the rest of eternity until I do a closet clean-out—where it’s the first thing to go.

You want a thick, opaque, t-shirt in tonal colors that can help build a foundation for different looks—both causally effortless and professional. Plus if you’re feeling really iffy about the weather, you can always pair the two (turtleneck and t-shirt) for a layered look to keep the heat in. This also works for when you get to hot, all you have to do is take your turtleneck off and then you’ve got a crisp, cool t-shirt ready to rock the rest of the day away in. With proper layering, watch your summer staples instantly become winter appropriate when you put them together properly! UNIQLO has great affordable options for quality t-shirts that come in tons of colors.

Don’t Overdo It.

If we learned anything from 2023–it’s that minimalism is here and she is here to stay! This past year was defined by minimalism and eccentrics. Two VERY different fashion cultures! Obviously you can pick one category to fall into, but eventually you might find yourself spending erratically to get a glimpse of the other side. That’s why it’s important to find a happy medium between the two ends of the fashion spectrum in your everyday life. It creates a more versatile, buildable wardrobe that can shift with each phase of your life.

BUT. Wait, didn't you just say to mix and explore with texture…why, yes–yes I did! Overdoing it doesn’t mean you have to be afraid of mixing mediums–like a leather jacket with a large wool scarf–it just means you don’t want the outfit to take control of you. Whatever you wear at the end of the day should accentuate YOU–not the other way around.

So, mix your prints. Put that bright patterned sweater vest over your white button down to add flavor–just make sure you don't add an equally attention grabbing piece to the bottom. Too much can take away from the emphasis. You want your outfit to flow with style, so play off of some of your favorite things about fashion…just try not to go overboard with it.

Tones From Head-to-Toe

An easy way not to go overboard is to keep the same color flowing throughout your entire outfit! Tonal dressing has become a new phenomenon that is both uncomplicated and chic. There’s just something about a head-to-toe tonal ensemble that just projects. Color can be a bold statement. An all-red outfit can be a serious power move–and don’t get me wrong, it would be an ALL OUT style moment–but during this transitional winter season, neutrals can be less daunting and easier to style. Using different textures of the same color to create a stylish, yet tonal outfit, and can be an effective way to keep warm while looking pulled together.

Layering also flows much easier this way. You don’t have to be worried about what colors will clash or if a texture is too much—you can just DO! Plus, thanks to style icons in the industry, tonal layering has been labeled as high-end & expensive. SO, if you’re feeling a little lazy and want to be cozy at the same time—grab a bunch of neutral pieces, layer them, and walk out of your house feeling like the best thing on the block!

From Day to Night

If you’ve ever made plans after work, you know the meaning of “jeans and nice top”. It’s the baseline for an after-dark wardrobe that’s appropriate to wear to work and easy to dress up. The Friday evening look should feel and look effortless—plus the best part about it is that you can make as dressy or not-dressy as you want it to be! As we move into spring—while still in the brink of winter—you want layering that will take you from day to night. Remember, layers are your ally here. If your worried about a chilly building—grab a sweater and drape it over your shoulders for a more elevated look. A light jacket, or any top piece should accentuate your what you already have on.

The EASIEST thing to help pull an outfit together is a great pair of jeans. Straight leg and high waisted pants are definitely the most popular right now, but you want something that will help structure your fit. With a straight pant, your proportions are equalized. This give you more freedom to add a fun-friday top—making it the center of the outfit. High waisted pants are great for body suits which can be layered with button downs for the office, but easily styled for a night out with friends. Plus you can alway add shoes into the mix. Throw on a pair of loafers for the office and then swap them out with some kitten heels later on! As long as you have a that neutral top that works with any shoe—your good to go!

*River Island*—Straight Leg Jeans, $84.00

*Old Navy*—High-Wasted Loose Jeans, $21.99

Crash-Course Complete!

And there you have it! A little bit of layering can set you apart from the rest AND make sure you are prepared for any situation life decides to throw at you.

I do want to say–like I always do–these are merely fashion suggestions. I do a little bit of catching up on trends, and love to share them with you, but that in no way means this is law…I’m no fashion police ladies!

So here’s your last one: DON'T care what people think!

What you love and what I love might be very different and that is the true beauty of it all. Fashion is unique to every single one of us! So thank you for letting me share these trends with you. I’m always happy to see the way people make fashion their own–that’s what it is all about after all. We do what we love. See you later lovelies <3

How to's, Fashion, StyleSherri DickensFebruary 7, 2024layering, fashion, fashion tips, trends, winter styleComment