On being a layering minimalist

Something in Thistle's recent post hit home ( waving!) . Not liking more than 2 layers. With tops I often don't even like a cami unless I have to. Two layers is about the most I ever tolerate, and usually not long sleeves .

I think this explains why I collect a large range of weights of tops, from polar warmth to summer cotton.

But, keeping to the closet organizing theme of recent posts, I don't want to be inundated and have lots that are only worn a few times a year.

This is driving me toward more versatility and a focused palette and the system of a dark neutral, light neutral, and a juicy color or 2-in the weights I like.

I also prefer a really well-fitting, soft undergarment type underlayer to layering" real clothes"". So that's an area to keep upgrading and refreshing rather than targeting clothes for layering. under. I do have a high tolerance for tights or footless something's under trousers.

I expect the looser fits make this more of an issue, too. If a type of top fits as an underlayer, it is increasingly less likely to look good to me on its own. That is okay for some tank tops for neckline coverage, or for some weekend layering longsleeve T's, but not as translatable to workwear.

Does anybody else relate to this, especially after the polar vortex winter?

11 years ago

Anonymous

Layering can definitely be annoying. I don't mind having more than two layers showing, but hate when one of them is very visible without adding much to the outfit. I'm getting sick of things I have to wear camisoles under for that reason, although they're unavoidable for me to a certain extent. And I agree that it can be hard to find something that works well both on its own and under things. I've also got a whole bunch of layering tops in different weights because I feel like I never know when one might be exactly what I need.

So your plan definitely makes sense to me! I especially like the idea of getting "invisible" under-layers you really like.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Totally agree! More than 2 layers, unless its a tee + trim sweater + coat, makes me twitchy.

carter

Oh yes. I am not a fan of layers, except for modesty (particularly for work). I will wear a cami under a deep V or a button front shirt, or I'll layer a cardi over a sleeveless top, but other layering just feels too resrictive. It also takes way too much time and effort to reposition things in the ladies' room;-)

cinnamon fern

This absolutely makes sense to me.

Unfrumped, are you a heat-tech wearer? To me black or white heat-tech tees pretty much fill all my underlayer needs, but feel like nothing at all.

Suz

(website)

I agree. Once in a while I manage to add another layer comfortably, but the stars have to be perfectly aligned. I am excepting coats from this, of course -- in my climate, they are a necessity three seasons a year and go on over top of whatever other layers I am wearing. So shirt/ topper/ coat is fine. But cami, shirt, sweater, /topper/ coat is far too fussy and annoying to me.

unfrumped

cf, no, and that is on point. I want to explore some more options like that for warmth primarily, and the best fit/ style for what I wear ( don't show, etc), and have a simpler system.

rabbit

One aspect of this for me is the layering that happens right at the waist with pants and belts. Is the shirt tucked or semi-tucked, or over everything. Is the cami tucked or worn over a low profile belt to help flatten it and help the outer shirt lie smoothly untucked. Especially with looser pants and jeans this makes the whole experience of wearing 'comfortable' oversized jeans a lot less so, unless the top really just hangs where it should and needs no tweaking and is one layer. It also drives me away from button up woven shirts.

Aziraphale

I have trouble with layers, too. That's why I have to be OK with small issues like bra strap peekage with boat necks. I could wear a tank underneath to cover the bra straps, but I don't like the feel of a tank unless it's on its own (so, basically, only in casual setting in the dead heat of summer). I won't wear camisoles, either, which means no sheer blouses for me. It's totally a feel thing, because a sheer blouse layered over a spaghetti strap cami looks very pretty.

I'm OK wearing a white collared shirt under a sweater vest or shell, though -- I'm not sure why. I'm also OK wearing a topper -- either a cardigan or blazer --over my tee shirt. And of course in winter I will put an overcoat overtop of the topper, but I don't count outerwear as a layer.

So yes, in general, two layers is my limit. I cope with this by not living somewhere that is affected by the polar vortex.

Rabbit you are so right! I have worn my tanks" out" to provide another layer of camo for a belt which I often need even after waistband alterations!
One aspect of certain trends like the pants fits you mentioned are the whole array of new adjustments needed. Makes it hard to have " universal fit" items.

Lisa

I am a big layering person and often sport 3 layers daily (tank or thermal, knit or shirt, blazer/jacket/sweater/cardigan). Actually it's 4 layers if you want to add outerwear. But I am on team always cold.

Laurie

Active Member

I love the look of layering. Some many of my pins involve that look. Problem is, I don't like the bulk on my own body. Plus, I live in a year-round warm climate. Still.. it always just looks so pulled together somehow.

Susie

I hear you! I've come to accept that my most worn silhouette is a top (usually a sweater or knit) and pants. I will wear a light layering tank or tee with a topper but I wouldn't wear a button down, sweater and jacket together. And I rarely wear the layering knits on their own so I guess I have a bunch of items that are only worn as a layer. And I do have tanks, short sleeves and long sleeve but I limit the number of colors so the number isn't overwhelming.

daisy5

I feel the same way too. I wear at most 2 layers, even in the polar vortex winter we've been having. I have sweaters and tops off all different thickness because of this. I don't even layer long sleeve under a sweater in the winter. I wear a tank mostly and occassionally a short sleeve tee under my sweater. My sweaters are more fitted so a long sleeve feels too bulky underneath. I wear my long down coat over that and I'm good to go!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I am not a big fan of over 2 layers, although 3 is ok for outdoors of course. And you're right that that affects sizing - anything I'm going to wear underneath another layer needs to be closer to the body than something I'd wear by itself.

Susie, I agree about colors and that it has helped me to narrow down in that regard. I used to be pretty scattered into warm and cool colors and just whatever struck me, which led to the need for tanks and layering tee's and so forth in a rainbow of colors. True, they don't take up too much room, but everything adds up.
daisy5, that's what I've done too. I have an EF sweater that is super-thick and cozy and I realized I'd rather wear it on a cold day than 2 thinner layers combined. Or I could warm it up further with a Cuddle-dud or something. And then I'm thinking, so what if I wear that once a week or so in the winter? I like how it looks, as well as feels, better than wearing 3 layers of something, and n fact that's the only way to get a good CPW on such an item.

texstyle

I'm a minimalist when it comes to layering too. Part by necessity (it's usually quite warm here) but also because of the way it feels. Can't stand feeling weird bumps, creases or tight material - comfort has become my number one mantra for fashion.

Lyn D.

Our weather can vary a lot in just one day, but I prefer to change rather than wear a layer over a short sleeved top, especially if I am just spending the day around the house.

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