I got a request from my Sister today to do a post on layering. I happily jumped at the opportunity to show my love of layering! I am ALWAYS freezing….Like always! This is why I love layering so much, especially being a Midwestern girl. It’s freezing here half the year! I’ve had a few people mention to me, “how do you layer without looking frumpy?” Or “how do you layer without showing the lumps and bumps of the shirt underneath?” Well ladies, I have a secret tip I am going to share with you all later on in the post, so stay tuned!
Pattern mixing layers! This is one of my favorite things to do. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns ladies. Be unique, be different, and have fun with your wardrobe! This is one of my most frequently visited looks. I love anything buffalo check, and love using it as a layering piece. I styled over a long sleeve stripe top and paired with my J Crew vest. My husband spoiled me with this vest for my birthday, and it’s my most worn piece of clothing! Look below for another quick option instead of a vest.
Leather jackets are hot hot hot right now! They make an amazing layering piece over pretty much anything.
Plaid is a super great starting piece for layering. You can do so many different things with it! I use the plaid as my base layer and then go crazy from there. Whether it’s just a cardigan over it, or like I did above, and pair with a sweater and jacket. If you don’t own a olive green jacket, then you need to go get one asap! They go with everything and are super on trend right now. I scored mine at Plato’s Closet for $14, but I literally see them for sale everywhere. Marshalls or TJ Max is a great place to look for one. Okay, look closely if you can, do you see any lumps under my sweater? I have a boyfriend fit button up on under it. Here is where I share my secret with you. Look below……..
Yep, that’s a tank top over my button up to smooth out all the lumps and buttons of my shirt. Literally the greatest thing ever!!!! I do this trick a lot when I’m layering. It really does the trick. All you need is a tighter fitting tank and you’re good to go. I used a v neck tank in my picture above since my sweater is v neck. What do you think? Try it and let me know how it works for you! 🙂
Let’s talk chambray! I love layering with chambray button ups. They work with almost anything. Here I have it paired with a textured sweater. I love love textured sweaters with button ups! They give just the right amount of style to your outfit. I have several diffent colors in this sweater from Old Navy. It’s a great classic item to have in your closet! Again, no lumps with this look because I’m sporting my tank top between my layers!
Chambray for the win again! I love layering it under my ponchos as well. It gives a little more pop and flair to a plain top.
I started this look with my go to chambray button up. I paired with a patterned top for some fun, and added my awesome mustard vest. Patterns look great over chambray, so you should definitely step out of the box (if you’re in it) and try something new! Also, this vest I got at the end of winter last year on clearance for $15 off Mindy Maes Market. It was a super exciting find!
I love adding some different pieces to my closet that are versatile and fun! I got this cute jacket for $10 at Style Encore resale store which is local to me. Pretty much my favorite store of all time!!! You will see me talk about it a lot in my posts, because I buy a big majority of my clothes there. The cream top in this picture is also from there. I think it’s important to add a few pieces to your closet that are really different but can go with several things. I paired this jacket with a sweater peplum (great option for shorter gals). And a basic cream blouse as another option. This is my dressier version of layering. Perfect for Church!
Don’t be afraid to wear short sleeve over long sleeve. It’s a great option for pattern mixing and to add a little more flair to a plain top. This sweater is one of my favorite pieces! I got it at Plato’s Closet for $16 (this was a $70 sweater still new with tags from Evereve.)
Last but not least, is layering dresses for fall/winter. I still like to have the option of wearing dresses in the colder months, and this is the perfect way. Layer with a cute duster cardigan and boots, and you are ready to go! Dusters are huge this year, and I really like them. Probably not the best option for my shorter gals….they might hit the floor on you. But an option that will work for the shorter ladies is a classic cardigan or even a pull over sweater that matches the colors of your dress. Again, don’t be afraid to try something different. If you want to rock that dress in the winter, throw on a sweater, boots and you are ready to go! The long sleeve cream duster in this picture is from Wal-Mart. They also had several different colors, all for $14.
Layering is so much fun, and there really isn’t a right or a wrong way of doing it. It’s whatever best fits your style, but don’t be afraid to switch it up and add in a fun piece or pattern! If you have any feedback or questions for me then comment below! Stay warm friends! Xo
4 thoughts on “Layers on Layers”
Great tips!! I want all your clothes!! Is Style Encore an online shop? I’d be worried buying from online thrift or resale sites for myself — what if things don’t fit??
Hi Wendy! Thank you for the comment. No, Style Encore is a second hand store in Madison geared towards women and business style brands. Very nice high end brands all in one place. I love it!
This post was so helpful! I have never thought of layering different patterns. I always assumed it was a fashion no-no. But now I know how cute it can look! Thank you!
I’m so glad it was helpful for you! I love mixing patterns, and I’m sure you will see it more and more throughout my blog! Thanks for taking time to read and leave feeback!