Styling Secrets: Layering
Hi friends!
In today’s styling secrets we’re going to talk about layering! Layering is the easiest way to look chic, put together, and super stylish. This is because of the rule of the “third piece” which I’ve discussed in previous posts. Adding a third piece such as a jacket, cardigan, undershirt, etc to an outfit elevates it by adding dimension and making the outfit look more thoughtful and creative, especially if the base and tones are really simple. These principles can be used year-round, even in the summer. My biggest tip is to balance proportions, color coordinate, and just have fun with it!
Here are a few outfits showing exactly what I mean:
Business Casual:
In this outfit, I wanted to mix patterns for a cool contrasting look, but to not make it over the top, I stuck to the same color scheme. My plaid trousers and my plaid half sleeve sweater are from Zara. I liked that both of these were plaid in different ways, so they still compliment each other. I added this blocked cardigan from Nordstrom Rack as my third piece, not only for warmth but also to add dimension to the outfit. My blue flats are also from Zara, which added color, and I added some fun earrings with blue accents from TJ Maxx to tie it together.
Spring/Summer Outfits:
Dresses are a staple in the spring/summer, but there are only so many times you can wear just that one dress! To add some versatility, add a cardigan to your dress to change up the look. Here, I paired my yellow midi dress from Alter’d State with the same grey cardigan from Nordstrom Rack. This works because of the similar lengths of the dress and cardigan, matching proportions. I would advise against a short cardigan and a long dress, because the proportions don’t make sense. To dress down the look, I added these chunky sneakers from Steve Madden and silver hoops from Amazon to make the look more cool and effortless.
Athletic:
A staple to any wardrobe is a bomber jacket. Adding a bomber to a seemingly “bummy” outfit, like leggings and a sweatshirt, instantly elevates it to athletic chic. In this outfit, I wanted to play with color and tone. My yellow leggings from Gym Shark are the statement piece of this outfit, so I kept the rest of the outfit more neutral colors. I added a white hoodie from Forever 21 and paired it with my white chunky sneakers from Steve Madden. I added a nude-colored bomber from Nordstrom Rack to elevate the look by not choosing a something basic, like black, while still keeping it in a warmer/neutral tonal family. I added my silver hoops from Amazon to top off this sporty look!
Going out:
In this outfit, I wanted a more elegant look. Pairing a turtle neck underneath tops creates a sleek, put-together look for almost anything! My main focus for this outfit was a printed, flowy top from Forever 21. Pairing it with this black turtle neck from Forever 21 helps keep the proportions in check with flowy and tight. In order to not overdue the pattern, I added these faux leather pants from Nordstrom Rack that tied together with the black turtle neck, but still added a chic flare. I added these nude flats for a contrast in color and to match the tonal family of the shirt. Lastly, I added gold layered necklaces to accentuate the cut of the patterned top and added gold hoops from Amazon for a jewelry heavy look.
And with that, I hope you got some inspiration on how to elevate your outfits by just layering one more piece on!
Until next time,
Gurbani
“I don’t do fashion, I am fashion”
