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Trying to layer stuff

MTBGirl

Veteran

So I've been trying to do the layer a button shirt under a knit top. It's actually what drew me to this site awhile ago. I first layered a silky gray button knit under a gray vneck sweater. Not too much contrast and no issues with too much crisp.So I tried it again later with a more of a contrast. Then I started "cheating" a bit with a cold water creek sleeveless buttondown. So I can't do the sleeves layering thing, but I think I'm gaining an appreciation for the look. I've always liked it on others, and in pictures especially, but what's wrong with me? I can't take the bulk, the wrinkles, the fuss. Am I pairing the wrong items together or is it just me? In my last picture I had to have warmth as it was 20 degrees or so for the high temp so I added the vest. All suggestions welcome please!

ETA I had a very high happiness factor in #3 but it doesn't seem to show. And I have found that after trying to reorganize my closet all I own are open cardigans! Yikes!

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20 replies

Latest reply was from MTBGirl

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I think these look great, even if they didn't turn out to be as comfortable as you had hoped. And #2 seems to be more in line with what I think Angie was suggesting. Her suggestions were with pullovers rather than cardigans. I think looser-fitting pullovers make the combination more comfortable to wear.
Your hair is great, and I love your glasses on you--both are great, chic accessories for your style!

p.s. Was this the blog post you had in mind?

MTBGirl

Veteran

No, I hadn't seen that post before but just read it with interest. I always thought I was just weird in that I have such technical issues with layering but maybe it has something to do with what you're used to, what feels too "scruchy" vs. clean effect, etc. The post that drew me in was "How to layer shirts under knitwear".

trekkiegirl

Veteran

I understand, I can't layer a pullover with a button shirt unless everything just feels right. Mild sensory issues lol
If you like the look though, try with a more fitted shirt and slightly looser pullover, that can eliminate some of the scrunch feeling. If all you have are open front cardigans now,I think it comes down to the fit of the shirt. For what it's worth, 3 looks the best to me too, so maybe it's something about that particular button shirt you're very comfortable with?

Ann in New England

I like all of these.this layering is something I struggle with, too. Even with open cardis (of which I also have many), I never know what to do with the collar of the button down.

I love the way you've accessorized all of these outfits, by the way. Also something I'm striving to do better.

Anonymous

I like all of the outfits you came up with, and think you look fab in all of them. I've been needing to wear layers more now that I'm older and feel the cold more than I did in my past. Your pics have given me inspiration on how I can create my own looks. Good job! Oh, and I really like your hair.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I love button-down shirts, and I know they can be fussy under pullovers and cardigans. Chambray button-downs and ones of soft fabrication (not a stiff 100% cotton) work best for me.

kkards

Veteran

i think you've done a great job. i especially like the last outfit with the vest layered over the sweater.
i've also struggled with layering, and find myself going back to the post that firecracker linked to.....as for layering with sleeveless tops, actually i don't think that's cheating, and my BR was showing that at holiday time.

Jeweled

Veteran

Donna, you look fun and polished in these layered outfits! I especially like the addition of the scarf in #3, and the layered collars (one print, one solid color) in #4.

Dee

Veteran

All of these look great to me - nice dressy casual looks. This is a look I always like on others but always feel too fussy when I've tried it. The sleeves never sit right and the collar slides around and by the end of the day, I am over it. I agree with Karie though that softer and thinner button downs work better. Since they have less structure on their own, they tend to meld with the sweater better into a single piece, from a sensory perspective.

Anonymous

Donna, I like all these on you, but like #2 best of all. You want to be sure that the sweater is roomy. You might try a flannel shirt under a sweatshirt.
This winter I have used this type of layering a lot, even liking a buttondown layered under a turtleneck.

Beth Ann

Veteran

These look great, Donna. You have a great eye for color, and the proportions, proportions are good in all of them (love the semituck in #1, too).

Many people struggle with the way the layers "move." I think softer fabrics and more fluids fabrics help with some of that. I also suggest you try fold back your cuffs over the sweater and scrunching sometimes -- I don't do it always, but I often like the look!

rachylou

Veteran

It's a great look, one that I personally find hard to do - esp. with a pull-over jumper and stiff shirt. I get very lumpy. I think it's a body shape issue; the stiffer shirt just doesn't follow my shape. Silky button downs are the way I have to go.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nicely done all round. I like #3 best too - and your high happiness factor DOES show.

carter

Veteran

Sleeveless button downs are the only way I can stand layering. I start to feel like I'm in a straight jacket, and I. Have. To. Get. Free. Now! I think you've done a great job with layering.

Anonymous

I'm another who can't quite get the hang of it, and have decided I don't care enough to keep trying. I feel all messy and twisty and who needs extra bulk/layers/fabric anywhere anyways? That said, you've nailed it here - I agree. I also agree with others who have suggested that it's really about layering a shirt under a fluid knit pullover rather than a cardi - but regardless , your outfits looks really great. Is that a library I see in the background???

annabelle

Veteran

I hear your struggle. My best pairing includes a rayon sleeveless collared pullover (no buttons) under lightweight and boxy knit layer, either a cropped cashmere sweater or a heavier cotton like a French terry weight. A plus is to have no bands at the wrists or the waist. I personally like a little wider neckline like a ballet neckline and not a crew neckline on the sweater. And all this I learned just in the last few months with lots of trials. You can do it!

AM

Veteran

The brighter green and the blue (3 and 4) (with the gray and white) really gives your coloring more life. More so then just white and grays. Nice to see this collection of outfits. Perhaps it is the energy of the green that is making you happy? Just speculation here...

MTBGirl

Veteran

Thank you all for the great tips and suggestions! I don't have a lot of button downs or pullovers but the ones I do could get more wear if I could feel more comfortable doing this. I've also found that I like layering patterned shirts to let only a little of it show. And at work it is usually either too hot or too cold so it's nice to have the option of removing or adding layers and feeling like my outfit still looks nice. I think pic #1 was my first ever semi tuck! And I would usually pair with black shoes and belt but upon being inspired by some of your pics went with the cognac/brown and like it so much better and it's opening to way more options! It's also the first time I didn't wear the purple pants with any other purple. I've always felt like I had to match it. So this was nice.

Tr3kkie9rl - actually the shirt in #2 and 3 are both the same sleeveless top. Probably only the second and third time I've worn it and I've had it a few years. I can see it's gonna get worn alot more now!

KKards - what is a BR?

Joy - I'll try that flannel shirt idea. How did you work your collar when you layered with the turtleneck?

Carter - Yes! Exactly! That's what I would always feel like! : )

Lisa - Yes it's "library". I work at an architectural firm and that's our Resource Library.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm late to this party but I wanted to welcome you and say that you look fantastic in all these versions. You have such a vibrant smile and I love your specs and hair.

I layer shirts underneath pullovers quite often. Usually for warmth but also for the hint of pattern they provide (if a patterned shirt).

I find it works best/ feels least "fussy" if:

The shirt is on the loose/boxy side and I wear it UNtucked. (I often layer a cami underneath the shirt in that case for warmth.)
The pullover is also on the boxy/ loose side.

It is still do-able if the pullover is fluid (vs. boxy) but in that case it is better to use a silky shirt instead of a crisp cotton or thick flannel. I have a couple of silk button downs or stretch silk button downs and these collapse against the body so that they don't feel "stiff."

BR stands for Banana Republic; we often abbreviate store names around here. Here's a list of common acronyms.

MTBGirl

Veteran

Suz I can't thank you enough for that list link! I felt really smart about figuring out RATE that one day LOL!