Whether you're braving a frosty morning on the commute to work or adding dimension and a bit of something ‘extra’ to your outfit, layering clothes is both an art and a skill. It’s more than just throwing on some extra clothes; layered clothing allows you to express your style while adapting to changing weather.
Learn how to layer clothes, whether you're dressing for form, function, or both.
Why layering clothes is a style game-changer
Layering isn’t just for staying warm in the cooler months; it’s a great way to get the most out of your wardrobe. Here’s why it matters:
- Function meets fashion: Layering allows you to adjust to shifting temperatures while staying stylish, especially in the transitional months! You can easily take off a jacket or add a scarf depending on the weather.
- Visual interest: Think texture, length, colour, and silhouette. Layering lets you play with them all without having to wait for tomorrow’s outfit.
- Maximise your closet: Who says you should only wear your favourite summer dress in the hottest months? With layering, you can learn to love your staple favourites in any season with the addition of tights, base layers, and jumpers.
How to layer clothes: the golden rules
Master the basic principles of layering, and you'll be able to adapt your outfits like a stylist in no time.
1. Start with a base layer
Think lightweight tees, tanks, or thin turtlenecks. These sit closest to the skin and serve as your outfit’s foundation.
Top tip: Stick to block colours for this layer if you’re going to add in bolder colours and prints on top. We love plain black or white base layers to keep you toasty, without distracting too much from your look.
2. Add a mid-layer
This is where the functionality of warmth and the expression of style meet. Think sweatshirts, knitwear, cardigans, or button-down shirts. Keep it cool with a neutral layer, or start to introduce colour, patterns, prints, and texture.
3. Finish with an outer layer
Coats, jackets, blazers, or trench coats have the power to finish off any outfit. In transitional or warmer weather, you might skip this step, but it’s the ultimate style moment in those colder months.
Top tip: Add a belt to coats to define your waist, and let the hems of your layers peek out underneath.
4. Go from thin to thick rule
Layer lighter fabrics closest to your skin and thicker items further out. This creates balance and avoids your outfit feeling bulky and overbearing.
5. Play with colour and texture
Layering is your chance to mix different textures like denim, wool, leather, and cotton. It’s also a chance to experiment with mixing and matching different prints, adding an animal print shirt into your outfit or a polka dot scarf.
Top tip: Stick to a complementary colour palette for cohesion. Denim on denim? No problem – just opt for a different shade to keep your outfit flowing.
Style guide for women
Jumpers, jackets, cardigans, tights – there are endless options for women when it comes to layering clothes together. Here are some easy combinations to try:
- Dresses over turtlenecks: Wear your favourite summer slip dress over a fitted long-sleeved turtleneck jumper for a chic, seasonal update.
- Smart workwear layers: A blouse under a blazer with a trench coat on top makes for the perfect, polished and professional look.
- Weekend casual: Pair comfortable leggings with an oversized tee and a cropped denim jacket or longline cardigan for style on the go.
- Skirts and chunky knits: Experiment with hem lengths. We love midi skirts with oversized jumpers for a winning combo.
Want to make a statement with your look? Try a bold-coloured outer layer to help your personality shine through.
Sharp style strategy for men
For men, layering clothes is all about creating clean, intentional combinations while keeping warm enough through the seasons.
- Layer a tee under an open shirt: For a cool, collected look, add a jacket on top.
- Sweater with a collared shirt: A great option for the office or smart events, you can add a coat in the cooler months.
- Hoodie under a jacket: A classic combo that’s perfect for combining contrasting textures like fleece and leather.
- Monochrome looks: Layer various tones of the same colour for a refined finish.
Top tip: Having well-fitted base and mid-layers makes all the difference and prevents you from looking bulky. Tailoring matters, even in casual wear.
Quick guide to seasonal layering
Autumn and winter
- Embrace thicker fabrics like wool, corduroy, and knitwear.
- Add thermal base layers and puffer jackets.
- Use scarves, gloves, and hats as functional style accents.
Spring and summer
- Go light with linens, breathable cottons, and airy layers.
- Try open button-downs over vests, or wear a kimono over a tank.
- Stick to lighter colours and flowy silhouettes.
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