Monday, 22 September 2014

Layering 101



The winds are blowing colder so time to bring on the layers!  No matter what the new trend is, layering them will never go out of style.  Follow these simple tips to ensure you haven’t “overdone it.”  Yes, same rules apply to the men!




Texture
Think about mixing different textures like knits, leather, furs, silks, etc… This adds depth and interest to an outfit especially if you decide to go monochromatic.

In this outfit you see I am playing with the same neutral hue which has the potential to get HELLA boring. I mixed it up with some leather, cotton and fur to give it some attitude. So if you are someone who likes wearing black on black on black, this is an interesting approach to your outfit.













Fit
Like mixing up textures, you gotta mix up the fits as well.  Layering with all loose or all fitted pieces will be unflattering.  Balance your shape for a silhouette that compliments your figure.

Look away from the crazy mixed-print pants for a moment and check out how I'm wearing a loose, open cardigan over some fitted leggings and under a structured leather jacket.I can still have that free-flowing movement while still being able to define my shape.












Color
Avoid using too many colors or patterns.  Stick to a color palette to avoid looking overwhelming and mismatched.

I have incorporated colors and a pattern and maintained uniformity by sticking to a color palette. The black in the pattern ties with the other black pieces I am wearing.I also added the vest for a pop of color!














Weight
Unless you are experiencing a polar vortex, you really shouldn't be layering all heavy pieces. Like the Michelin Man, you will have a hard time moving around. Try piling on thin layers to avoid looking so bulky.

I have a basic tee under a light sweater and topped with a cropped denim jacket. Because the layers are light, I can use this as a technique to transition from summer to fall. (Excuse the hand print on the mirror. It's probably from one of my little cousins.  Why are kids always sticky??)











 

Accessorize
Remember, you can layer accessories as well! They also have the ability to tie your layers together, add an accent, or give you shape.

You see here I have layered socks over my colored tights under the knee-high boots. It is certainly a more creative take on the layering technique. Although men don't typically wear tights, they can try the cuffed pant with fancy socks OR add a bow tie or suspenders over a shirt & under a cardigan/blazer.













Layering is a WAY to wear your clothes.  It isn't something you can go out and buy, so SHOP YOUR CLOSET before you even think about buying shit you already have!  If you have survived ANY winters, most likely you already have some staples!  These are simple guidelines I use to make layering easy yet chic. Like perfecting any technique, you need to practice!! Experiment and see what you like and WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD.  The combinations you can come up with are endless!

Play fearlessly!

No comments:

Post a Comment