How To Layer Clothing and Look Fashionable

by Milana · 40 comments

There are many ways to layer clothing; some of them are great ways of making your outfit different and personal and some of them can make you look messy and bulky.

The color and fabric are some of the main points to consider when layering clothing. Avoid using too many layers – 3 things on top is enough. You risk looking bulky if you overdo it.

When it comes to the colors, neutral colors are very good for layering as they have low saturation and are therefore not bright and intense, which gives you a harmonious layering look, while pure, brilliant colors will become central making the softer colors fade.

Layering rules and ideas

  • Layer a cardigan over a fitted top: If you’re going for a polished and professional look layer a cardigan over a fitted top. I’m not a fan of matching cardigan and shell look – it’s very dated and can be a bit boring. I’d rather drop the ‘matching’ and go for two different colors.
  • Mix different fabrics: For a personal and stylish look mix different fabrics – put a sequined cardigan or shrug over a T-shirt, a short military inspired blazer over a simple top or a waistcoat/vest over a white shirt.
  • Over the knee socks: Layering is not only for the upper part of your body. Layer the bottom half with tights and leggings worn under a skirt with knee-high boots and over the knee socks peeping out of the boots for a warm, fashionable look.
  • Long sleeve shirt under a short leather jacket: Wearing tight sitting, long sleeved shirts under T-shirt is not the way to go, if you’re no longer a teenager. But wearing a tight regular long sleeve shirt under a short leather jacket with 3/4 sleeves and a scarf is going to make you look very stylish and chic.
  • Scarves are an essential item when wanting to achieve the layered look! Here’s how to wear a scarf.

Here are three looks showing how you can style a dress, jeans and a skirt.

Layering with a dress

DressThe classic grey shift dress and a classic cardigan look great and modern when paired up with sequined silver flats and a white scarf along with some cool rouch leggings and a wide studded belt. Mixing classical items with modern items always creates stylish outfits!

Layering with pants

PantsI love using waistcoats when I want to layer the clothes. It is a great look for many different occasions and leaves you with many different choices. Choose a waistcoat with sequins or some other details to avoid looking old fashioned. Tuck the jeans into the boots for a feminine and fashionable look. Wearing a long necklace under a scarf is a nice detail.

Layering with a skirt

SkirtUsing the neutral colours, layering becomes personal and feminine and using different shapes and lengths makes it layery and not bulky. As a personal touch wear over the knee socks inside your boots and let them show just a little.

Do you like to layer your outfits?

What do you think of these outfits? Which one would you wear? P.S. Join us on Facebook for lots of great fashion and style discussions and tips by clicking on the link below!

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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }

Moselle November 8, 2009 at 11:37 pm

Love the Laying with the Dress, always the hardest to pull off when the weather gets cold.

Itchycat.blogspot.com

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Milana November 9, 2009 at 3:36 pm

Yes, that’s when boots, socks and tights come in handy! Thanks for the comment!

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nasir November 9, 2009 at 10:51 am

Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions.
http://twurl.nl/76im7l

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Milana November 9, 2009 at 3:36 pm

Well said :)

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Michelle November 9, 2009 at 6:18 pm

thanks for sharing on this, it give me some idea of my clothing.

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Milana November 9, 2009 at 8:12 pm

Thank you, Michelle. I’m glad to hear that!

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Grace November 11, 2009 at 12:54 am

If there is one thing I love most it’s layers! It makes you look not boring but fun and girlie. Anyway, I’m totally loving the “layering with a dress”, “layering with a skirt”, oh oh, and “layering with pants” so yeah basically everything. LOL! I love it here because it gives great ways to always look yourself (or a totally new you) yet classy, elegant, and gorgeous for work. :)

Can’t wait for the next post! I always look forward to them.

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Milana November 11, 2009 at 2:45 am

Ohh thank you so much! I’m so happy you like the looks! And I hope you like the next post! :)

Thanks for your comment, Grace! :)

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Vinda December 16, 2009 at 4:38 pm

hi. a fashion blogger here.
thank you for such a great article. i find this really helpful and inspiring.
i’m following you using the google friend connect from blogger’s feature :)

love your site! ♥

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Milana December 18, 2009 at 1:07 pm

Thank you so much – I checked your blog out. Great style and great pictures!!

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Lucinda January 13, 2010 at 6:31 pm

I love waistcoats, I got one in the sale for £5.

I like layering plain tops and wearing a scarf and accesorizing (ah, can’t spell) outfits looks lovley sometimes, although I tend to only acessorize evening outfits.

Thanks for the post!

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Ib April 1, 2010 at 8:46 pm

I love layering, it helped me survive the winter this year…lol

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Robyn April 19, 2010 at 10:52 pm

Good post! The ability to layer well is indispensable in the colder months and can really separate the wheat from the chaff, style-wise. It’s an art form and you preach it well!

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Brookelyn August 30, 2010 at 5:59 am

I think your tips for layering were spot on. I especially love the dress tips!

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Milana August 30, 2010 at 1:41 pm

Thank you :)

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Rahul December 23, 2012 at 12:11 pm

Posted on The manual is AWESOME and expersses lifes most important teachings, a must have for ALL .I’m joining the revolution. Keep up the excellent creative work, you will inspire thousands of women to unleash their sexy, powerful, rebellious, compassionate inner super hero.VIVA THE REVOLUTION!!!

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Awen November 19, 2010 at 6:24 pm

Hi Liked your post on layering and love your website. Just linked to it from a blog I’ve just written, see http://www.havanaboutique.co.uk/layer-up-for-winter-with-noa-noa/. Hope this is ok? Also now following you on Twitter, I’m on AwenatYSB if you’d like to follow, Thanks Awen.

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abercrombie polos February 24, 2011 at 11:37 am

Long sleeve button up shirt with undershirt and maybe the cuffs flipped back to make it slightly less formal. NICE jeans are ok, slacks are a bit much for a comedy show. And semi-formal black dress shoes.

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Madison June 26, 2012 at 1:37 am

I get all of the best fashion and makeup tips from the infamous Krystal Sweetwater books. (Rich Girls Don’t Wear Polyester) and 101 Beauty Makeup and Fashion Tips.
This site is great too.

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Kristian October 4, 2012 at 8:06 pm

Good advice!

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Julie March 22, 2013 at 8:05 pm

I love these layering ideas. Especially the one with the vest! Cleavitz.com is another great layering accessory that I developed a couple of years ago. Check them out…lots of different styles, colors and fabrics.

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