There’s a lot to love about layering! It’s one of the fastest and least expensive ways to take your outfit from good to great. And layers don’t just make your outfit look better – they’re also functional, especially at this time of year in fall and winter weather. If your look feels like it’s missing something visually, try adding a layer – that usually does the trick. And if layering doesn’t happen to be one of your strengths, no sweat. Use the 9 outfit ideas below to help you put together layers of clothes to both look and feel good this season.
1. oxford shirt + sweater + wool coat + trousers + ankle boots + belt
boots | pants | coat | watch | belt | shirt | sweater | glasses
Layering is an art form just as much as it is a practical application! On the functional side of things, think thin to thick when it comes to stacking your layers on top of each other. Your base layers should usually be your thinnest, working outward to your thickest pieces as your outer layers. This helps to regulate your body temperature. It also prevents adding too much unnecessary bulk from thick fabric styles stacked on top of each other.
Lightweight pieces could include a cotton Oxford shirt, a t-shirt, a thin turtleneck, etc. These styles help to add warmth, as well as depth and visual interest, thanks to the contrast a pop of white gives your look. Then, add a sweater as your mid-layer, followed by a thick outer layer, like a wool coat. Even though this is a pretty classic, neutral look, the layers and different textures of your pieces give your outfit dimension and interest for chic office attire!
Style tip: If you need to add a little bit more shape to your outfit, don’t forget about belts. This is an easy styling hack to instantly flatter your figure when you’re working with a number of layers.
2. wool coat + cardigan + turtleneck + jeans + ankle boots
boots | jeans | coat | sweater | turtleneck | bag | earrings
While you might be layering with cotton tanks and tees in warmer weather to wick moisture away, your winter wardrobe calls for something a little more substantial to conserve body heat! A thin turtleneck will keep you cozy when layered underneath your favorite sweaters this winter. You can play around with different shades for your base layer, but a crisp white always looks nice and adds great contrast to your darker pieces worn on top.
For your annual trip to an outdoor Christmas market, style the look above by layering a Fair Isle cardigan over your white turtleneck, jeans, and coat. Then, for your accessories, add texture with the help of leather ankle boots and a suede tote bag.
3. t-shirt + sweater + blazer + jeans + loafers + socks
loafers | socks | jeans | bag | t-shirt | sweater | blazer | earrings
If you live in a warmer climate or are dressing to work inside a heated office, you can go a little lighter still with your base layer. Think a classic white t-shirt – the top of the tee’s collar poking out from underneath your sweater adds just the right amount of bright contrast and dimension. Paired with a polished blazer, you have a winning formula for your next casual Friday look.
Want to add a bit of personality with your layers? Go for a patterned piece or a fun pair of socks! Leopard print complements the rest of the neutral colors in this outfit while also keeping your feet nice and warm while you’re styling a pair of flats this fall or winter.
4. t-shirt + vest + mini skirt + trench coat + mary jane heels + tights
shoes | tights | bag | skirt | trench coat | shirt | vest | earrings
Here’s another layered look to inspire your outfits during transitional weather! When you’re not quite sure how to go about starting a layered look, a white t-shirt is always a great place to begin. It’s a piece that gives us all a little bit of comfort, and its styling flexibility is equivalent to an artist brushing a canvas with that first layer of imprimatura.
On top, consider vests for your second layer! They don’t add much warmth to your look, which is ideal for in-between temperatures. But even though they don’t add heat to your look, they do add plenty of style by providing dimension and depth to your white t-shirt. Paired with a classic trench coat, you have the perfect recipe for a fall or spring outfit idea.
5. cocoon coat + cardigan + t-shirt + black jeans + ankle boots
boots | jeans | bag | shirt | sweater | coat | sunglasses
When you’re not really in the mood to reach for a statement piece, a layered look is the perfect alternative to make your go-to pieces feel more interesting. In cool weather, you can warm up your lighter jackets by layering a few pieces underneath them. A white t-shirt and cardigan instantly elevate the look of your cocoon coat and black jeans for a casual chic look for your weekend.
6. oxford shirt + sweater + neck scarf + jeans + boat shoes
shoes | bag | jeans | earrings | scarf | shirt | sweater
Trying to decide what to layer over your favorite Oxford shirt? For a preppy, polished look, consider a v-neck sweater. The v-neck lets a little more of your Oxford’s buttons and collars poke through, and the v-neckline is also flattering – it helps to open up the area around your neck and chest by drawing the eye in a vertical line instead of a horizontal one. Then, add a neck scarf for your next layer for the perfect Parisian chic vibe! If you’re dressing for a casual Saturday brunch, add jeans, boat shoes, and a suede bag to finish the look.
7. blazer + denim shirt + t-shirt + jeans + ankle boots
boots | jeans | bag | t-shirt | denim shirt | blazer | watch
Love the look of denim on denim but want to avoid the matchy-matchy look of a full Canadian Tuxedo? Layers are your fix-it for that particular styling problem! By incorporating other colors, textures, etc., you help to break up the denim-on-denim look just enough to still get the look you’re going for, but without that tonal look of only denim. Think a white t-shirt underneath your denim shirt with a few buttons left open, layered underneath a plaid blazer that adds both pattern and texture.
8. t-shirt + sweater + wool coat + baseball cap + sweater pants + sneakers + socks
shoes | socks | pants | coat | shirt | sweater | baseball cap
Elevate your school drop-off or weekend errands look by reaching for your favorite warm, comfy layers this fall and winter. A pair of soft pants and a sweater are the perfect go-tos, but they look even better when you add in a white t-shirt and a wool coat to the mix. Then, let your accessories work a little bit! Try adding a pop of green or burgundy to this all-gray monochromatic base, and then reach for your favorite pair of white sneakers as the cherry on top.
9. oxford shirt + sweater dress + coat + tights + knee-high boots
boots | tights | sweater dress | coat | bag | earrings | shirt
You might primarily think of layering your tops, but dresses are a great way to mix things up, too! Underneath your favorite sweater dress this season, try adding an Oxford shirt. The white collar can peek out underneath the neckline, and you can roll the cuffs of the sleeves over the dress to add dimension at your wrists, too.
On top, add a warm coat to keep cozy during the coldest months of the year. Then layer sheer tights underneath your knee-high boots for a flattering look that also keeps you toasty warm! And if you need a little extra insulation, try a pair of fleece-lined tights that give the appearance of a sheer look – they’re a super smart hack for staying warm without sacrificing the sheer look that you love.
Lots to Love About Layers
There’s so much to love about layered looks! Whether you’re getting creative with light, airy pieces in the summer or going for a warm, cozy vibe with thicker pieces during this time of year, layers can help make any outfit look more put-together, polished, and fashionable. And the best part is, you don’t even need to spend any money to elevate your style!
Are your fashion dreams all about chic winter looks at the moment? Up Next: Dressing for December: Christmas Outfit Inspo for Every Event on Your Calendar
