You know that first crisp morning when your breath fogs the air, and hot drinks start to sound better than an iced latte? That’s your cue: it’s layering season.
Autumn layering is equal parts practical and playful – an opportunity for comfort to meet creativity. It’s a chance to remix your wardrobe and restyle your pre-loved favourites with cosy accessories.
Here’s how to master layering clothes for autumn without losing your shape, your comfort, or your cool.
1. The golden rule is balance
Layering for autumn is all about balance: volume, texture, and proportion working together instead of competing for attention.
Start with the basics: if your bottom half is slouchy (think joggers or wide-leg trousers), keep your top half more fitted. If you’re wearing an oversized jumper, balance it with something more streamlined underneath, like a turtleneck, a cropped tee, or a sleek shirt peeking out at the hem.
Texture is your best friend here. Think soft knits against crisp cotton, or a slinky slip dress under a chunky cardigan. Mixing materials adds depth and dimension to even the simplest outfit.
Reliked tip: For layering, think in threes – a base, a mid-layer, and an outer layer.
Here are some easy examples to get you started:
- A slim black roll-neck and oversized striped shirt paired with a cropped leather jacket.
- A midi dress, a knit vest, and a trench coat.
- A longline tee, a blazer, and a puffer gilet.
2. Base layers that feel like second skin
The best layered looks start with the right foundation. Your base should be breathable, comfy, and easy to move in, giving your look structure, without making your outfit too bulky. Invest in quality staples that feel good enough to wear on their own but are also strong enough to layer under anything.
As base layers, we especially love cotton long-sleeve tops, fitted ribbed tops, and thin turtlenecks; all lightweight enough to layer and smart enough.
3. Mid-layers that do the heavy lifting
This is where your outfit starts to take shape and where the fun really begins. Cardigans, blazers, waistcoats, shackets, denim overshirts – mid-layers give you the opportunity to add personality, warmth, and structure while experimenting with your style.
A great mid-layer pulls everything together without overpowering your base or outer layers. They’re the in-between heroes: the pieces you can wear alone on milder days or stack up when the temperature drops.
Play with prints and patterns
Autumn doesn’t have to mean fading into a sea of beige and black, even if we do love a neutral moment. Prints are your shortcut to making autumn layers feel fresh and intentional.
Try a classic check blazer over a plain white tee for instant polish, or add a striped knit vest under a solid trench for a subtle pattern mix. Animal print cardis, heritage tweeds, or even bold geometric knits bring energy to an otherwise muted palette.
Colour can be a confidence boost
When the skies turn grey, colour becomes your secret weapon. Jewel tones like emerald, plum, and rust look rich against denim or camel outerwear.
You don’t need to go full rainbow; even a single bright mid-layer can lift your whole outfit.
- A forest-green knit under a beige trench.
- A cobalt blazer over an all-black base.
- A burnt orange gilet breaking up soft greys.
These tones not only warm up your look but also transition beautifully between seasons, which means more wear and less waste.
The best thing about mid-layers? You can find absolute gems second-hand. Think vintage wool cardis, timeless tailored blazers, or one-off statement pieces that nobody else will have. Preloved pieces tend to have more character – the kind of detail and texture fast fashion can’t replicate.
4. Outer Layers That Make the Look
If mid-layers are the fun part, outer layers are the pieces that pull your look together and keep you cosy. Autumn outerwear is all about versatility and vibe. You want something that looks just as good draped over your shoulders at brunch as it does buttoned up for your commute.
A trench coat is timeless for a reason. They’re sleek, sophisticated, and perfect for layering over basically anything. Equally, wool coats are another autumn staple, whether you go for tailored or oversized.
You can add instant edge to your look with a biker jacket or an oversized leather blazer. Layer one over a fine-knit roll-neck or a printed midi dress. For a modern twist, try chocolate brown or deep burgundy instead of classic black leather.
Denim jackets are perfect for transitioning into a new season: light enough for early autumn, but still roomy enough to layer a hoodie underneath.
5. Accessorise with Intention
Accessories are the unsung heroes of autumn layering fashion. They tie your look together, add personality, and make your outfit feel styled rather than thrown together. Think of them as the final layer that makes everything click.
Autumn is the perfect season to get creative with accessories because they’re multi-functional: scarves keep you warm, hats save you from bad-hair days, and jewellery brings sparkle to all that wool and denim. Patterned scarves are an easy way to inject print or colour into neutral layers. A tartan against a camel coat? Iconic.
Don’t underestimate the power of a good belt. Cinch a blazer, trench, or oversized cardigan to give shape back to your autumn layers. Go sleek with black leather, or make it fun with a bold buckle or textured finish.
The best part of autumn layering is that there are no strict rules – play with proportions, textures, and colours until you find combinations that feel authentically you.
See our collection of pre-loved coats, blazers, and knits to kickstart your layered looks.
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