https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 23:50:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846962 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 17:58:05 +0000 lady 1846962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have nothing new to add. I employ several of the strategies listed above. You have a treasure chest of options here. </p> <p>You mention that you have too much color variety? Is your tolerance for color mixing low?</p> <p>I typically employ the cami then sheer blouse/opaque button blouse(top 3-4 unbuttoned) strategy adding a topper: moto/long cardigan/denim jacket and summer to medium weight scarf as necessary. I never strip down to just the cami even though I have many colors and use them for pop. </p> <p>Recently, on days that begin in the low 50's but increase to a high in the upper 80's, I have some sheer tank blouses that I'll put over a cami then wear a Moto/denim jacket over. I lose the jacket by midday. </p> <p>Reading this has reminded me of a military style shirt jacket that I could be using Right Now that's been orphaned for the most part since I bought it.<br /> I'll be moving that to the front of my closet and constructing outfits that include it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846942 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 17:09:17 +0000 Suz 1846942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Light layers are key both to warmth retention and staying cool if you have to remove them!&nbsp;</p> <p>The tips you've already received are superb. I'd only add something relevant to Angie's blog post of today -- ensure the garments' cuts will play well together if you plan to layer.&nbsp;</p> <p>I layer almost all year where I live, although much less so in summer heat. Transitional seasons and winter demand layering, so I'm such a pro I barely think about it. What I do notice (when I travel) that humidity (or dryness) affects what works best in terms of comfort. A layering strategy that might work in my relatively humid climate won't be enough for the big extreme temperature swings of a place like the mountains.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846898 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 15:32:38 +0000 karen13 1846898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very useful post. I woke up to snowflakes! Aack! I can use some of these tips today. My only move here is to go to a tee or button down under a cashmere crew neck, so this will help me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846894 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 15:22:13 +0000 Laura1975 1846894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to take some time to go back over these replies. I think firstly I'm going wrong with colour palette. I maybe have too much variety and therefore limited options as to what goes with what. I also don't have many lighter layers. All my cardigans are pretty heavy weight. Loads of helpful things to look at. Thank you all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846878 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 14:30:54 +0000 LaPed 1846878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't think of a time of year when I don't layer, tbh. Summer mornings can be chilly where I live, so I like to have a variety of cotton and linen toppers to wear on summer mornings -- blazer, field jacket, denim jacket, boxy cardigan, hoodies, and my flannel shirts (which I keep out as jackets in the summer, and which then become mid-layers in the winter). Usually in the summer it's just one layer underneath -- sometimes a tee or tank for casual, sometimes a button-front shirt if &nbsp;want more structure.&nbsp;</p> <p>Cold-weather layering, I usually start with a camisole, either wool or silk or a blend of the two (unlike Angie I cannot wear camisoles in summer heat -- but maybe that's due to the humidity here). Then usually a lightweight merino top or sweater, or sometimes a substantial cotton shirt -- think flannel, chamois, or a thick St John style Breton top. Like Firecracker, I have a couple long-sleeve Uniqlo Heattech baselayers, with deep scoop necks, that can be layered under lighter weight tops to make them winter-worthy -- they provide a little more warmth than a camisole does. I have a very thin, lightweight down vest that I can slip over some outfits, and which fits underneath almost all of my coats, so that comes out on very cold days -- or acts as an outer layer on fall days.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like scarves but have a hard time wearing them indoors, even summer scarves -- I almost always end up removing them for a good chunk of the day, so they rarely feel like an integral part of my outfits. I still like them, but I tend to think of them the same way I do hats and mittens -- you take them off when you need to cook or clean or eat or light a fire, or what have you.</p> <p>I don't get too tripped up by color/pattern, only because I'm so consistent (boring?) in my choices. Black, olive, navy, charcoal, a bit of red and burgundy... there's very little "clash" left in my wardrobe, mostly I have to work to add a "pop" and not just become a blob of dark neutrals, especially in the winter. With maximalism trending, I'm even entertaining the idea of wearing my striped tops underneath my plaid tops, something that usually makes my eyes hurt just thinking about it! :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846870 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 13:48:02 +0000 Christina F. 1846870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now that it's early fall I use a few key items for layering. I always have to have my arms covered to survive at&nbsp; work, even if it's too warm outside to wear - either a cardigan or a light kimono works. Something I can pack in my bag.</p> <p>The other option is a light denim jacket or green utility jacket - it's often cool enough to wear these in my office, and they look good over dresses. </p> <p>Sometimes, when I'm wearing long sleeves outside with no topper, I use a plaid wrap that lives at my desk. It doesn't always match what I'm wearing but it keeps me from freezing. Ditto a Patagonia sweater vest with my organization's logo on it.</p> <p>Scarves are another option, which I don't turn to enough, for some reason. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846847 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 11:07:39 +0000 Traci 1846847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with Firecracker! &nbsp;I always laugh when I see capsule wardrobes where they call it 2 or 3 outfits when they add a scarf or jacket. &nbsp;For me that's one outfit, worn all in one day, while I take layers on and off all day long to adjust to the temp.</p> <p>Another suggestion for layering is making sure you have a fairly tight color palette. &nbsp;When my wardrobe is harmonious layering is more simple. &nbsp;Multiple layers can look kind of ragamuffin if the colors don't blend together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846795 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 04:49:44 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1846795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I often have to switch back and forth between layered and unlayered, especially at work, where I freeze with the A/C on but feel comfortable when it's not blowing on me. So I like to wear an outfit that I can wear with a jacket or without. I wear the jacket and then remove it if I get warm. And I add a scarf, too, usually with a necklace as well, so if I take off the scarf and/or the jacket, I still look put together. </p> <p>Oh, and on days when I know I need two layers on my arms to be comfortable, I used to think: t-shirt plus cardigan. Now I've accumulated some thin long-sleeved undershirts (Uniqlo, on Angie's recommendations), and wear them under blouses or tops or dresses--things that I would have layered <i>over</i> in the past. </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846790 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 04:31:56 +0000 Brooklyn 1846790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a similar approach to gryffin. It's early Spring where I am. Quite warm in the middle of the day but still quite chilly in the mornings and evenings when I go to and from work.<br />My standard uniform is cotton cami or singlet with short sleeved or sleeveless top layered over (usually a knit at this time of year), then thin cardigan layered over that, then a jacket layered over that.<br />If I go out at lunch time or go for a meeting during the day, when it is warmer, I leave behind the cardigan and wear only the jacket. At work, I tend to do the opposite - wear only the cardigan and ditch the jacket (it feels weird to me to sit at a computer in a structured jacket) or ditch both the jacket and cardigan if I am warm enough.<br />I like hip length cardigans with no buttons and soft lapels (subtle waterfall versions are ideal) because they layer really nicely under jackets. I like it when you can see the soft lapel part of the cardigan under the more structured lapels of the jacket (it looks a bit like a scarf under the jacket). I also quite like it when the cardigan is a little longer than the jacket and you can see a layer peeking out from under the jacket.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846722 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 23:33:01 +0000 Traci 1846722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some of my favorite layering pieces are thin, merino or cashmere cardigans, lightweight, packable down jackets, and silk camisoles. &nbsp;I buy my cardigans short enough that they can layer under the down jacket. &nbsp;I've even been known to wear silk tank-cardigan-jacket-trench coat.</p> <p>I keep an eye out for shorter jackets to layer with dresses. Wool tights can carry me through all but the coldest Wisconsin days. </p> <p>A good hat and a scarf can really warm up an outfit, and they're small enough you can throw them in a bag if you get overheated.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846699 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 21:48:17 +0000 binkle 1846699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thinnest/lightest next to my skin, then heavier (and easily removable) as I work outwards. If I am going monotonal (say all blue), I like to vary textures/materials so it looks more deliberate. Thin jersey vs textural knit vs heavier tweed just for example. I think this even helps when wearing coordinating colors, plus for me that is part of the fun of fashion. Like for work, a silky or satiny blouse, a merino knit sweater, a blazer in a more substantial fabric. Having a bit of each underlayer showing helps too - some collar or cuff/sleeve or shirttail/bottom of tee (unless your base layer is for practicality only, like a camisole for coverage on a thermal layer for warmth. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846698 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 21:43:41 +0000 gryffin 1846698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura - I also run cold. The key for me is thin layers. First camisole. Then a sleeveless cotton sweater like the JCRew Jackie shell, a substantial decorative cami like Arianne- jacquard. The next is tricky, finding the right proportions. A very thin cropped low v neck cardigan - merino or cashmere, or very thin embellished cotton crew neck that can be worn buttoned, blazer, cocoon coat. That's how I layer. The right under layer sweaters are HEWI's. I've found<br /> My new crew neck cardigan. I'm still looking for the cropped v neck </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846691 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 21:04:00 +0000 Greyscale 1846691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I almost always layer. I run hot, so I rarely leave a pullover on all day. But our weather is always chilly at night. </p> <p>My all-black wardrobe makes it easy to coordinate. The key considerations for me: does the under layer stand on its own or will I feel boring with just that? But also, it can't be too distinctive or it will fight against the top layers. So, I try to keep my wardrobe stocked with short sleeve tees that are just a little less basic: a thicker fabric or a dolman cut, say. I also rely a lot on sleeveless buttoned shirts. (I should say I'm happy wearing just a tee or tank but that's not everyone's style). </p> <p>Then for the top layer, the easiest for me are cardigans. I have some draped long cardigans, some cropped, some lighter weight, some almost coat warmth. For my climate, I prefer loose cardigans that stand away from my body. The silhouette adds interest to the outfit. I like to play around with lengths, like a tunic length shirt under a cropped cardigan. Asymmetry works well too. </p> <p>For me the fabrics and textures need to work together. For some reason I can't bring myself to wear a bulky cotton cardigan over a thin merino shell for instance. </p> <p>I love J Crew's crazy layered styling from the Jenna Lyons days. It's not what I usually wear but I want to incorporate more of that look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846648 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 19:02:49 +0000 River Raine 1846648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I know these feels. Layering is super weird!</p> <p>• Wear neutral bottoms, coordinate your tops and topper with each other or choose colorful under pieces and a neutral topper. That way the outfit will work no matter which layer you wear.&nbsp;<br />• Camisoles are PERFECT for under tees or button up shirts.&nbsp;<br />• Shells (like the ones you could wear with a suit jacket; most are sleeveless) are really great for layering a topper over. And if you're hot, take the topper off and you still look put together.<br />• Use a button-up as a topper, rather than a heavier jacket or blazer<br />• Watch the materials you layer with. If you layer with a sweater/jumper, you're going to hold in more heat, and probably get hotter faster than if you put two lighter pieces on.&nbsp;<br />• Choose short-sleeved pieces under a long-sleeved topper. I tend to run hot, even in winter, so if all of my pieces are long-sleeved, I will be sweltering. But short sleeves or sleeveless lets my topper (usually a cardigan in the summer to combat A/C) do most of the work. Most of my wardrobe is hot-weathered bc I can layer.</p> <p>Hope this helps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846640 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 18:24:06 +0000 JAileen 1846640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We have 30 degree temperature swings every day. I make sure the first layer works for the forecast high for the day. Then I add another layer or two. It was chilly this morning so I wore a charcoal long sleeve tee, which is part of my winter uniform, and olive jeans. I added a light jacket to walk the dogs. I have to run some errands later and depending on how much it's warmed up, I might not even need a jacket. If it were cooler, I would add a scarf when I go out, or wear nicer shoes, along with a nice jacket. I might wear a poncho this afternoon. It's finally not hot, thank goodness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846639 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 18:15:25 +0000 Anonymous 1846639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always decide on the first layer (or top).&nbsp; I prefer sleeveless tops because they are so easy and comfortable to layer.&nbsp; Based on the ensemble as a whole (top and bottom) and I select a topper.&nbsp; The topper can be a blazer, cardigan, or sports jacket.&nbsp; </p> <p>Oh, and I do stick to a defined color palette so that everything coordinates seamlessly.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846637 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 18:04:28 +0000 The Cat 1846637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think my advice would be much the same as you have received from Joy and Sisi.</p> <p>If in doubt, I don't wear a high-neck pullover in early fall or late spring. Instead, I wear a light short-sleeved pullover or a shell top, tank top or T-shirt. I add a cardigan (long or shorter) or a blazer and often a scarf/shawl. The cardigan/blazer and the scarf/shawl can easily be removed if I feel hot.</p> <p>I don't buy my toppers with specific outfits in mind. However, I stick to a certain colour palette and prefer clothes with clean lines, so I always know that most of my clothes will go together.</p> <p>I prefer my outfits to be in maximum three main colours (additional colours may be included in a print), and I want at least one of them to be a neutral. Example: Blue skirt + purple shell top + offwhite cardigan, blue&amp;offwhite scarf + purple shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846636 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 18:03:18 +0000 cindysmith 1846636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always try and make sure the inner layer is fitted (not tight, just fitted), so that it doesn't make any lumps of fabric under the jacket or cardigan. I personally prefer lightweight, loose/oversized cardigans. I generally keep a pretty tight color palette, so I can almost grab garments with my eyes closed and have them work together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846635 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 18:01:08 +0000 DizzyLizzy 1846635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm no pro but for transitional weather from summer to winter I have learnt to just add a cardigan/topper plus a scarf. Both are easily peeled off if the day warms up. </p> <p>I also have a few lightweight merino jumpers that I wear for cooler spring/fall temperatures that can be layered with scarf and jacket. I used to do the same as you - jump straight into jumpers and swelter as the day warmed up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846602 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 15:01:58 +0000 Anonymous 1846602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm layered up today &nbsp;It's breezy and sunny, but only about 14C out so a little unpredictable. I am wearing a semi-sheer silky peasant-y blouse with a snug stretchy cami underneath, and a suiting-fabric lined long sleeveless trench (otherwise known as a gilet here on the forum) over top. Full-length jeans and open-back booties . &nbsp;I'll throw a scarf into my bag too &nbsp;- just in case it's chillier than I expect or if I have to walk any kind of distance from my car today. &nbsp;</p> <p>I can take off the vest when I'm working inside at my desk today, but will keep it on when I go out for a couple of meetings and a coffee date later today. &nbsp;Scarves really come in handy at this time of year - and Angie has posted a lot of cute ones lately. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846601 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 15:00:56 +0000 texstyle 1846601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not a pro at layering and don't get much chance to layer as it's so warm here but I do like layers and jackets so I have some to work with. I am ultra casual most of the time so my layers are simple fleece, utility jackets, knit blazer or knit moto and that sort. I use both color and silhouette to guide me. A shorter jacket (for me) seems to work best with a more streamlined top under it, sleeveless or more fitted sleeves. A more substantial cardi or utility jacket seems to accommodate more volume under it such as a long sleeve button down or a blousy tunic style.</p> <p>Colors are something that seem to unique to each of us but I find that I usually go for a darker jacket like navy blue, burgundy or deep olive and the&nbsp; tops are in a wider range depending on which bottoms I'm wearing. I'm still trying to figure out the best contrast level for myself so it's a work in progress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846597 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 14:55:06 +0000 Sisi 1846597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I understand you so well ! Our transitional weather (Spring and Autumn) can be crazy. After years of struggling, I finally arrived to&nbsp;this formula:&nbsp;&nbsp;lightweight top (cotton t-shirt&nbsp;or short/sleeve shirt)&nbsp;+ warm but lightweight cardigan /jacket +&nbsp;medium-weight pants + &nbsp;tights + closed shoes. If it turns warm I remove cardigan and tights. I sometimes take along a second&nbsp;pair of shoes (warmer or lighter, according to the expected temperatures). Always a scarf at hand. In my office closet I keep tees, woolen cardigans, warm socks. Of course I understand that &nbsp;it is difficult to adjust your outfit when you are out and about !&nbsp;That said, there is always&nbsp;the occasional day when I freeze or boil, no matter how "wisely" I have dressed in the morning!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846595 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 14:49:21 +0000 Anonymous 1846595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The easiest way that I've found is to start with a column of a neutral or color. Jeans work well as bottoms for temperature changes. I like sleeveless tops best for layering..shells or tanks. Then you are not as likely to get over heated. If you start with a column of a neutral, you can usually wear any topper with it. Sometimes you can pull in a scarf, a bag, belt or footwear in a color in or near to that of the topper, or a third color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846594 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 14:46:39 +0000 bridgie 1846594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I mainly buy toppers just because I like them.&nbsp; Because I don't really know how do&nbsp; otherwise.</p> <p>I am glad to see your post and will be anxious to read the replies also. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-teach-me-how-to-layer#post-1846590 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 14:40:43 +0000 Laura1975 1846590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Every year I have the same problem. It gets cold so I switch immediately from blouses and t-shirts to jumpers. With our changeable weather it's not really as clear cut as that. If I wear a t-shirt I run the risk of being cold later, if I wear a jumper (sweater?) I will boil later. The forecast is not always a reliable guide as public transport, office temperatures and activity levels vary.</p> <p>However I've never really got the hang of layering. How do you do it? Do you plan the underlayer and find a coordinated topper or start with a topper and work down? When do you add vests/ camisoles/other layers and accessories? Are your toppers bought with specific outfits in mind or just because you like them? </p> <p>Other layered up people make it look so easy. Any tips gratefully appreciated! </p>