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Layering - are you a pro, yes or no?

Sal

Veteran

I am not - I struggle to get jackets to work with tops, and scarves to sit nicely with jackets......I like layered looks but can feel awkward and messy.....

I feel best in a dress with no layering - hopefully creating interest with pattern or shoes.

I can manage a blazer and a tee- but add in a collar under the blazer and then necklines compete and I am confused again. Obviously in winter I do layer- but I often can’t get the coat to work with the skirt...,

I am not a pro,

How about you? Do you prefer layered looks or not? Are you a pro?

Dressing

56 replies

Latest reply was from Cee

nemosmom

Veteran

I wouldn't necessarily call myself a PRO, but I definitely gravitate toward and feel comfortable in layers. Last week we had a couple of unusually nice days (61F/16C; 45F/7C) and I piled on the layers. Short-sleeved white tee, button up print shirt, thin circle hem cardigan, field jacket, and scarf on top; jeans and hi-top sneakers on bottom. There were no competing collars - my only collared piece was the button-up shirt - maybe that's key? In looking at my own layered looks using collared jackets, I see that I will wear a pullover between a collared shirt and the jacket (button-up shirt then thin pullover sweater then a moto or blazer). The pullover in that case "holds down" the collar of the shirt. Otherwise, I have a collarless pullover (like a tee or a sweater) then jacket then a scarf, but no extra collars.

Helena

Veteran

I am a functional layer-er, but not one the layer just for the look particularly. The more streamlined, the more comfortable, to me.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

You have to wear layers in the climate I live in,l m not sure that this makes me a pro,enthusiastic amateur maybe.l do think it’s difficult to always get the right topper to go with an outfit and necklines can be tricky.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm a layering pro, and happy to help when you need assistance, Sal.

That said, I prefer dresses ON THEIR OWN, or with a denim jacket or long coat. Sometimes a moto.

Anonymous

I think I do a decent job, and enjoy layering . Especially with accessories. Shirt collars are my only nemesis, so I avoid them.

jussie

Veteran

I’m a learner :). I’m fairly new to the concept. Yeah necklines can be an issue. This autumn I’m planning to layer a bit more, to avoid bringing out my puffers for as long as possible. I’ve made a mental note of which lightweight pullovers go well under which light jackets. Here’s my layered outfit from the other day. Sorry for the bad lighting.
The pink sweater has a long sleeved thermal underneath it. So all in all it was pretty warm.
I find having as many of my tops and sweaters in a crew neck is helpful in reducing “neckline fights”.

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Nebraskim

Veteran

I am totally a layering pro; I learned the skill by necessity because of our variable climate here in Nebraska and the fact I am always cold. I on my own developed what is now called a capsule wardrobe -- making sure that most of the items in my wardrobe go with other things and across seasons. I have very few "one off" items that only go with themselves. They tend to be statement pieces but even then, I try to integrate them into the whole. Angie's post from last week on oversized, fluid three-piece intrigued me as I am seeing more of this look and am experimenting with it.

rachylou

Veteran

I don’t know. I guess I’m a layerer. For the warmth. I will wear sweaters over sweaters. But I don’t know that I’m good at it. I also don’t know that I enjoy the fuss of getting in and out of them. I rarely do decorative scarves.

Anonymous

Nope. Not a pro.

Ginger

Veteran

I think I'm pretty good at it, in winter. But it's taken a long time, mostly to find the right pieces that will play with each other nicely, stay where they need to when worn, and fit well. And I only use a couple specific formulas that work for me.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I guess I’m in layers right now, with my bodysuit sleeves sticking from under my “owl” dress (thanks, La Ped, for the moniker). But really, I’m much more of a utilitarian layerer, with long johns and undershirts and tights all tucked away under my clothes.

Sara L.

Veteran

I'm not a pro and I prefer outfits where I don't have to layer. I'll occasionally wear a blazer over a dress or blouse and I like scarfs but that's my limit. Even with blazers I'm never sure the length is quite right.

KMM

I layer in a functional way. Long sleeved black or navy tees under short sleeved knit dresses in the winter is one of my favorite strategies to make them wearable in colder weather. Or a long cardigan over a long lightweight tunic and ponte pants. I try to keep things non-maximal and streamlined.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I’m ok with it in winter. I layer a lot in the cooler months but for the opposite reason to most people here - I run hot and need to be able to de-layer on a cool day. Also during winter overnight temps are cold but daytime temps can be quite mild (18-21 C), so it’s nice to be able to get rid of a layer as the day progresses. I usually do top, fine cardigan or pullover then jacket or coat. Maybe a scarf. I try to carry a bag that’s big enough to accommodate my scarf and/or knitwear if I warm up or the day warms up. I avoid collared shirts but do sometimes experience the neckline fight that Jussie speaks of. Most of my tops are high necked but some of my jumpers have a slight scoop or boat neck. Annoying! That is something I have to be more careful about when purchasing.

I do find getting the layers right more challenging in transitional weather (mid to late Autumn, early Spring) because it can be surprisingly warm here at those times of year.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fixed my typo from "laying pro" to "layering pro"....

GOOD GRIEF. Embarrassing. Need more tea....

*slaps forehead*

Mainelady

Veteran

I live in Maine and from November-April I live in layers. I don’t know if that makes me a pro, but I do have a lot of experience. Most of the layers next to my skin are fitted or slim fitting, which makes adding jackets, sweaters and vests much easier. I often add a scarf and find that I can get it to work nicely with the other layers, depending upon how it tie it.

The Cat

Veteran

I love dressing in layers--that's very "me."

Joy

Veteran

I like and need to wear layers, but am no pro at it. It takes lots of try ons and experiments to avoid even basic mistakes. For example I put on a long sleeved floral top under an olive 3/4 sleeve jacket on Saturday. It made the outfit fussy as I kept having to adjust sleeves.
Anyone experiencing menopause symptoms will need to wear layers, no matter what the weather.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I prefer to dress without layers but wear them when needed.

Style Fan

Veteran

I have a lot of experience with layers. It is a necessity when you live where I live. I also love layers. I feel better with the third piece. I can figure out what necklines look best with what toppers and usually add some jewellery.

Bonnie

Veteran

I have the same problems you do with layering. I can do tees under toppers but shirts and scarves are impossible. Not a pro!!!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I think of myself as a finger painter compared to the actual artists with brushes and techniques. But I am often cold so am often in layers.

Nitsirk

Hi! Angie’s typo - tee hee! Loved it. I like the look of layers and live in Canada so they are certainly functional - nevertheless, I used to shy away from them completely for fear of adding bulk and volume to my frame. Gradually I have increased my confidence in adding layers for an optimal outcome visually as well as for function of body temperature regulation. I can now see how layers can work positively for me from a visual standpoint. I am not an expert and have to give my layers a fair amount of thought and hit and miss try ons in order to get it “right”. So, no expert but improving in skill level through practice over time. Lengths, collars, and necklines do still trip me up.

Sal

Veteran

I missed Angie's typo...what a shame!!

I knew Angie was a pro of course - and I know Canadians and those in the colder climates also have a need to learn how to keep warm.

And I can see on the forum that many of you are excellent with layering for interest's sake too rather than functional layering ( I agree with the distinction).

There are a few of us on the simpler end though - TG, Sterling, SaraL ..... some of it is our own preference as well.

I may come back for some help!!

Alicewonderland

Veteran

I enjoy the look but I’m not quite a pro. Most of my clothes are pretty basic so if I want to make an interesting outfit I have to layer. It’s a bit trial and error.

Kate

Veteran

I like layering a lot (in winter) and do a pretty good job of it.

Gretchen

Veteran

Not a pro, but definitely do it often. I’m working right now on being creative with patterns and accessories when layering.

Jane

Veteran

Pro potential on my top half but can’t get used to layers beyond my waist, as I end up feeling too bulky. I would love to crack the lower half layers. I drool in Cos at the potential layering.

Style Fan

Veteran

Deborah from Australia who dresses in black layers is a real pro. Her style is very different from mine but I love to look at her outfits. She is a layering artist.

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