Adding a layer underneath a dress is an effective way to transition our wardrobes from Summer into Autumn. Got to love the versatility of a frock!

There are two important things to keep in mind. First, layering in this way requires a certain style of dress. You’re after a dress made of fairly thick fabric, either lined or unlined, knit or woven. This way the under layer doesn’t show through the dress. Sleeveless wool blend sheath dresses are ideal for layering because they are fairly rigid and substantial. Second, the layer underneath the dress should generally be thinner than the fabric of the dress. While this is by no means a hard and fast rule, it’s a pretty flop-proof strategy.

Consider layering the following items under dresses:

• Button down shirt: Any color and sleeve length. Scrunch up the sleeves for outfit texture and a more relaxed vibe.
• Soft blouse: Solid or patterned. Blouses with collars work best as do those with mandarin collars. Blouses with pussycat bows are extra-sweet layered in this way.
• T-shirt: Three quarter sleeves or long sleeves will do. These work best under a more casual dress.
• Knit top: Depending on the integrity of the fabric, knit tops can also work under dressier dresses.
• Turtle neck: These come in both jersey knit (T-shirt fabric) and fine gauge knit (sweater fabric). The former is for casual occasions whereas the latter dresses things up.

I don’t want to stifle your creativity, so don’t limit your dress layering options to sleeveless sheath dresses and the layering pieces suggested above. But it’s a good place to start if you’re new to the concept.

Get stuck into that wardrobe and begin the experimentation! Combine all sorts of layers under your dresses and see what happens. The results could be arty, hip and above all cost effective. Inspire us by posting your favourite combinations on the forum.

Update: A few days after this post I followed up with another where I model two examples of layering underneath dresses.

Use your imagination to picture these dress styles layered over the right button down shirt, soft blouse, T or knit top. I vote fab.

As I mentioned this morning, I seldom shop online. Apart from shoes and my loyalty to Zappos because of their incomparable customer service and extended selection, I can probably count on one hand the times I’ve shopped online for clothing this year. I am Team Store all the way.

Because of my line of work I’m in brick and mortar stores frequently, which makes this type of shopping easy for my lifestyle. I also enjoy the ambiance of a store setting and love to touch the fabric of an item before I make the purchase. And it’s a social thing — I enjoy shopping with other people. Call me old fashioned, but I get a kick out of shopping the archaic way.

On the other hand, it’s totally understandable to me that online shopping is easier for most people. Press a button and wait for the goodies to appear on your doorstep. You can’t beat that for convenience.

I’m willing to bet that Team Online is going to beat Team Store by far. Over to you to prove me right or wrong. Are you Team Online, or Team Store? Tell us why. Please pick a side — no batting for both Teams.

We all have aspects about our personal style, our shopping habits and the way we organize our wardrobes that seem unexpected. In some instances even a little quirky and out of character.  But that’s who we are and for whatever the reasons, these ways work for us.

I’ll go first. Here are 10 things about my style and wardrobe that might surprise you. Or not!

1. I must match the colour of my bra and knickers. I cannot feel fab in an outfit when they are mismatched. This is strange, because I generally prefer mismatched outfit combinations. Why I have this thing about matching my underwear is beyond me.
2. I have more pairs of boots than bras, and more handbags than pairs of knickers.
3. I’m addicted to having a layer of moisture on my lips. My preference is for lipstick but lip balm will suffice when I am working from home.
4. I seldom shop online.
5. I spend a good few hours of the day in colourful American Eagle sweats (I don’t wear a robe). First thing in the morning when I’m attending to the dogs and the blog post, and again at night after I’ve had a shower and am lounging at home.
6. I walk around in damp Seattle every day, yet I don’t have a raincoat.
7. I seldom shop the sales. When I see something that I love and within my budget, I want it right there and then. I lose interest by them time it’s on sale. Plus, my size runs out fast.
8. I’m not into make-up at all. If I didn’t look considerably better with a bit of mascara, eyebrow pencil, lipstick and blush, I’d totally toss interest in all forms of make-up.
9. I don’t wear specs at home unless I’m watching television.
10. I colour code the items in our wardrobe because it looks pretty and makes me feel like I have things under control.

If you’re prepared to share the unexpected aspects of your style, shopping habits and wardrobe organization, I’d love to hear about them.

The September newletter went out to subscribers last Thursday. If you aren’t signed up to receive it in email you can read it online.

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Enjoy!