Maybe it’s the abundance of menswear-inspired items mixed with ladylike elements, but fall makes us think of double agents.
It’s a season of layers, when clothing serving double and triple duty. Everything is ripe with potential, the ability to surprise and enhance.
A sequined top can add a wink of boy-meets-girl to a casual, military-inspired jacket, but the transition might be too jarring if you layer one directly over the other. So add a fluffy layer to buffer the two, maybe an oversized shawl- or faux fur-collared sweater vest. The trio makes a sandwich of the extremes and ends up looking bold, fresh and cozy. Or you can substitute a graphic T-shirt for the sequins and end up with something relaxed, yet striking.
In layering, proportion and comfort are important. If you’ve got three long-sleeved shirts and a cardigan on under a jacket, you better be spending a lot of time outdoors or in a meat locker.
Tank tops, short sleeves, vests and even bandeau tops can be great solutions for getting the look of layers without the bulk and weight.
And it can be a hassle, but once you have piled on a couple of options, take a look to see if any of the layers disappear. That should cue you in about what to take off.
Because layering can make you look top-heavy, consider trim, sleek pants and skirts for balance. If your bottom layer does have volume, make sure the length isn’t too long, and it’s always a good idea to cinch the waist.
Layers don’t have to be bulky to be effective. You can toss a plaid, button-up shirt dress over a slinkier monochromatic dress for a look that lets the color peek out at the bodice and the hem. You should spend some time experimenting. Blend daytime and nighttime elements, but make sure it doesn’t look overt. It’s not as much fun if it looks forced.
And it should go without saying, but the look should make sense. A sequin top and jeans doesn’t make for an office-friendly look any more than a satin high-gloss skirt and a plain white T-shirt says “I’m off for an evening out.”
But add a blazer or a tuxedo vest to the latter and a neutral cardigan in gray or camel to the day look — and now we’ve got something interesting and appropriate.
Fall wreaks havoc on your laundry pile, but it’s the greatest season for equalizing fashion. When it’s cold, bulk looks good, so it’s easier to camouflage figure flaws. Patterned tights make it a lot easier to show some leg.
The beauty is that it doesn’t take a fortune to achieve these looks. Start by shopping your own closet and then consider what components might be missing. Maybe you just need a few basics to spice up your entire wardrobe: sweater vest, cardigan, shirt dress, graphic T-shirt, medium-width belt.
A word of caution about layers: When you’re mixing numerous elements, only one or two things should stand out, such as one of your collars and maybe your belt — or perhaps, your T-shirt and your shoes. If everything is bold and busy, you’re mixing up a recipe for fashion disaster.
Ultimately, layers should look comfortable, not haphazard. It’s the smooth ease of casual, cozy and cool that makes these looks so enviable.
