How to Layer Clothing？

Do you remember how during childhood grandmothers used to put countless layers of clothes on us in winter, explaining that by dressing like cabbages we would keep ourselves warm even in strong winds and low air temperatures? These endless socks over tights, a T-shirt under a shirt and a sweater on top of it, a vest over a turtleneck with a knitted scarf - at that time this principle of wearing clothes seemed ridiculous and unacceptable to us. We were angry at our grandmothers, but we couldn't do anything about it.

Layering clothes has been known for quite a long time, if you remember the closet of a noble lady in the 18th century, you could count on average from 10 to 15 layers. In the 20th century, layering was remembered in the era of hippies, who did not think about what and how to put on, so they wore everything together, T-shirts, cardigans, dresses, and so on.

During the 20th century pure images dominated, but the era of fashionable postmodernism mixed everything in a pile - quoting and borrowing from different eras resulted in a new philosophy of combinations, which is reflected in "layered" sets. Convenience, contrasts, practicality and lack of rigid canons are the backbone of this philosophy. Layering clothes is the combination of several items of clothing in one image in layers, for example, skirts and pants, T-shirts and shirts.

Thanks to regular street style chronicles, layered looks are no longer associated with the outfit of an urban madwoman. But in practice, many of us are still stumped: what to mix with what and in what sequence to put on? However, not everyone knows the basic rules of how to layer clothing which will make the image interesting and not turn it into a cabbage. To do this, you will need a good sense of combination and knowledge of some basics. Let's understand the rules of layered sets to put together new combinations on your own.

Layered outfits have long captured the hearts of fashionistas and there are various reasons for layering to get popular these days. Firstly, this styling skill helps to play with the basic pieces interestingly and stylishly. Layering clothes is a huge space for self-expression with minimal financial expenses. You layer some items of clothing on others, and combine them, showing imagination.

Secondly, by practicing the skill to successfully mix models, you provide yourself with a large number of different outfits, even if there are not so many positions in the closet. Thirdly, complex sets help to disguise the shortcomings of the figure, since the main emphasis is on stylization, not silhouette. But to enjoy these advantages, you need to know a few basic rules that will help you successfully compose layered sets and not look as if you were dressed in complete darkness.

Layering clothes is not just a fashion trend, it is the art of creating a unique style that combines comfort, warmth, and aesthetics. In cold weather, you often have to sacrifice style to avoid freezing your nose and other extremities off in the street. This fashion technique is especially relevant during the transitional seasons when the weather is changeable, but style and comfort remain priorities.

Layering clothes is more than just putting one piece on top of another; it is an art of combination that requires an understanding of the basic principles to create stylish and balanced looks.

The essence of layering is different from the usual way of wearing a coat over a sweater worn over a t-shirt. All layers should be visible at once and should fulfill their function. A layered look is like a constructor, where you combine different pieces into a single aesthetic and functional whole. The number of layers can range from three (basic combination) to 5-6. Layers can vary in shape, texture, color, and even match different closets (e.g., sporty, classic, or evening). Accessories are also a layer in this image and the task is to harmonize this layer into the whole "cabbage".

Each Layer on Its Own Level Must Work Independently
The new millennium philosophy of "layering" looks first emerged in New York City. Because of the unpredictable weather that can change throughout the day, Manhattan residents created a method of quickly adapting to changing conditions and maintaining an elegant appearance. The image created must be fully functional. If you remove one of the layers, the look should remain acceptable. This is a key principle when layering clothes. You can remove all but one layer, and your look should still look complete.

A classic casual set for fall days with incomprehensible weather is a printed t-shirt, a warm cardigan, a jacket cut coat, and a voluminous scarf. A constructor that can be assembled during the day in any combination.

You Should Start Assembling the Look with the Thinnest Layer
T-shirt, top, blouse, and shirt - all this is put on underwear and in the final image will serve as an accent, that is, will be slightly visible: the lace of the top, the sleeves of the blouse or shirt, the collar of the shirt from under the sweater or jacket.

For example, if you start with a top with a lace skirt, then put on a thin blouse, then a coarse knit sweater, cocoon coat and a big scarf, the top and thin blouse will be the foundation of your look, they are only seen at the end, but it is the "end" and makes the whole story graceful.

When you're choosing "tops" (tops, t-shirts, etc.), choose ones that work well in layers - these are thin, tight-fitting pieces with interesting elements at the neck, interesting sleeves or a skirt (something that will act as an accent when layering clothes). A shirt with a print under a monochrome cardigan is a classic thin base.

You Can't Do Without a Voluminous When Layering Clothes
You need to decide right away whether you want a clear silhouette and stick to a certain style, or whether you want to create a layered image. If you choose the first option, then collect combinations by the chosen image and forget about layering. If you choose the second option, then forget about a clear silhouette and use voluminous pieces.

Volume is most often created by top layers - sweaters, jackets, scarves, stoles, etc. So that the image is not too shapeless, only one layer should be voluminous. Do not try to squeeze a multi-layered set into a narrow coat - it will look ugly. You can wear a straight coat with thin layers, but it is easier to work with cocoon coats in this case.

What things are worth buying if you're serious about mastering layering clothes? These are blazers (jackets), cocoon coats, loose cardigans, etc. Which things to choose depends on your preferences and lifestyle. A voluminous cardigan over a jacket is an unexpected combination.

Remember the Rule of Contrasts
To make your layering image interesting, don't forget to use contrasts. There are several types of contrasts you can choose when layering clothes:

Contrast of color or pattern (different colors, a monotone layer and a layer with a bright pattern, contrast of different patterns - floral pattern and "animal" pattern).
Contrast of texture and material (silk, coarse yarn, leather, etc.).
Contrast of idea (classic + sports style + office style, feminine + masculine, democratic + luxury, etc.).
The easiest contrast to start creating a look with if you're a beginner is a contrast of color and/or pattern.

For example, you can choose two bottom layers in neutral shades - white, beige, gray, or black - and wear a colored coat over them (or vice versa). In this combination, the coat will be the main element, and the neutral layers will only emphasize its originality. If you have difficulties with the monotonous office dress code, try to buy a brightly colored voluminous coat or jacket - this layer will go well with neutral bottom layers and will make you happy on the way to work.

Experiments with Texture
Layering clothes with different textures is always a good move, especially in layered clothing, says designer Dmitry Rubalsky. - Satin, velvet, organza, lace, chiffon, jacquard and other festive fabrics perfectly rhyme with everyday materials such as cotton, wool and denim. Heavy textures can be combined with light textures, so drape, leather, fur, tweed and suede are quite appropriate in the same image as lace and chiffon.

The combination of smooth and textured surfaces will also be successful, so in layering clothes sweaters made of coarse-knit wool, corduroy, fur, bouclé and other similar materials are welcomed. Such combinations as a chiffon top and a rough sheepskin vest can be stylish if you choose the right blouse or turtleneck.

Layering Long and Short Pieces
Some stylists advise wearing short over long - this is the main principle of layering clothes. That is, each bottom layer should be slightly longer than the top one to emphasize the layering. However, if you put on top of layered clothes long coat or cardigan and unbutton all the buttons, then this rule can be ignored.

Duplicate things look interesting, that is, clothes from the same category, such as two dresses of different lengths, two jackets of contrasting colors or two skirts (one of dense fabric, and the second of light and transparent). At the same time, the top piece should be shorter and looser - this is important for proper fit and comfort.

Enhance the Effect
How to make layering clothes more colorful and interesting? Use asymmetrical elements that will bring dynamics and expressiveness to the image. It can be a scent on the dress or skirt, uneven hem, asymmetrical folds and draperies, asymmetry in the design of sleeves and neckline. Even an asymmetrically tied scarf or shoulder bag can bring a touch of carelessness and lightness to the bow.

Another way to look spectacular is to layer clothes from different styles. For example, a classic shirt and jacket can be mixed with sporty pants or jeans, and a military-style jacket or kosha can be combined with airy chiffon or translucent lace skirts. And pay attention to such a detail of the closet as a vest. This is the perfect garment for creating layered looks! Vests can be different - denim, leather, knitted, ethnic. There are even vests in the form of a coat, jacket, or tuxedo that can be worn as outerwear.

In a layered look, the jewelry should be restrained. There are enough accents in a layered look, so when choosing jewelry, the main thing is not to overdo it. Evaluate the weather and planned events.

Compliance with these principles will allow you to create layered images that will look harmonious and stylish, emphasizing individuality and good taste.

It's really hard to use layering on a warm summer day. It's more usual to put on a T-shirt and jeans and quickly run away on business. But what to do if you don't want to give up your favorite trend at all?

1. Linen jacket + whatever you like
A thick jacket made of durable tweed isn't always relevant in the summer when you want to layer clothing. In hot weather, you want something more relaxed and airy, which means you need to choose a summer piece with special care. The following jacket will be a great option for summer:

loose fit: in a narrow silhouette you will not only be cramped but also hot, so prefer relaxed models;
linen or linen with silk in the composition: light and pleasant material is more important than ever when composing an ensemble at +25-30 °C;
light or bright colors: high temperatures do not like dark colors, so choose a jacket in a pastel palette or juicy tones.

2. Shirt as a top layer
To the office, and for a walk, and even for a social event - in any case, a snow-white shirt will not look excessive. This is the base of any woman's closet, which looks harmoniously both on the naked body and over a turtleneck or dress.

When you feel like to layering clothes during summer, you can choose from fine cotton, linen, viscose or silk to keep you comfortable throughout the hot day. Wear it unbuttoned, tuck the hem into pants or jeans, or casually tie it in a light knot. The look will be perfect with any of the options.

3. Vest + t-shirt or shirt
A great alternative to a jacket is, of course, a vest. The lack of sleeves and the possibility of wearing it open just confirm what we mentioned. When you decide to layer clothes in cool summer weather, we recommend opting for knitted versions, and in hot weather - for models made of linen.