The Art of Layering: 30 Days to Gorgeous Mom Style

I have a secret. I was not born knowing how to layer. (I was, however, born knowing how to accessorize and apply liquid liner, but that’s a different story). Learning to layer, for me, has been largely a result of practice and a little trial and error. Using J. Crew, Anthropologie and top fashion sites as my study guides, I have mastered a few tricks that can take ordinary separates and turn them into super-stylish outfits, layering separates and accessories. Here, the secrets of layering, revealed.

1. Start with 5 Simple Basics

Many of the chic-est layering looks start with the same basic pieces. Here, a few of the key layering essentials:

A. The White Shirt

Layer this under or over a dress, or under a sweater, vest or jacket, this is the foundation to so many looks.

Styling tip: When slipping a sweater over a button down, add a snug cami or tank in between to minimize puffiness and create a more streamlined look.

A simple white shirt that buttons up to the top, like the Icon Shirt by Rochelle Behrens, is a layering essential.

B. The Vest

A black vest is at once trendy and classic. The most timeless style is the black sweater vest, or try a trendier puffer vest, a fur or shearling vest or a tweedy vest. Either way, they can be layered over dresses and under jackets to add extra interest and style.

A sweater vest, like the Theory Kralla, starting at $96 on Amazon, is a versatile layering piece.

The Jacket

A sleek classic style like this tweed blazer can top everything from a dress to a sweater, and will look great for years.

Catherine by Catherine Malandrino “Dalton” jacket, $81, Amazon is chic and neutral.

D. The Coat
A simple topper in a pretty hue upgrades everything you wear it with.

BB Dakota “Liezel” coat, $84, Amazon, adds an unexpected touch of soft color.

E. The Scarf

A patterned scarf adds color, texture and style.

Modern Minute classic tartan scarf, $14.90, is a classic accent piece.

2. Mix Them Up

Using these items and your existing wardrobe, you can trying layering to create multiple combinations. Here are just a few examples of the ways you can incorporate these five pieces into your wardrobe.

Styling Tip: Look on Pinterest and in favorite catalogs and magazines for outfit ideas, and try to reproduce them with pieces you have. Chances are, you already have variations on many of these pieces – you are just not wearing them all together. Another note: Proportion matters. Petites cannot layer multiple heavy or long layers without looking overwhelmed. Keep pieces tailored rather than oversized for maximum flattery.

Use the 5 layering essentials to create multiple unique looks when combined with items (jeans, a solid color dress) you already own. Add accessories to make these classic looks stand out.

3. Layer Your Accessories

Truly stylish women have learned to bring their own unique flair to everything they wear, and one of the easiest ways to do this is with accessories. As promised yesterday when we talked about updating your accessories, here, some hints on how to wear them.

A. Pick the Right Necklace for the Top

As a rule, short necklines (scoop, crew, round, button-down buttoned up to neck) call for short necklaces, while long necklines (jacket opening, button-down left unbuttoned at top, v-necks) work best with longer necklaces. A turtleneck is the exception, because it always looks best with a long necklace.

B. Find Balance

Choose statement earrings or a statement necklace – never both. As a general rule, a statement necklace calls for small, subtle earrings and no other jewelry. Statement earrings mean you should skip the necklace and add a bracelet instead. If you choose to wear a cocktail ring, wear it on the non-bracelet hand, unless that hand already has your wedding ring on it.

C. Layer Your Jewelry

One of the most stylish ways to wear your jewelry is to pile it on, but there is an art to layering. A single delicate necklace can fill in the space of a neckline, or layer a few for more impact. A good rule is to make each subsequent necklace about 4-6 inches longer than the other. For example, layer your 16″ chain with a 20″ and a 24″, or go ultra long with a 36″ necklace. Another key to layering is to find one unifying element – usually, the metal or a color. Then mix up the shapes, colors, textures, etc. to make the look interesting. When stacking bracelets, choose a couple of dainty ones and one statement piece, and throw a watch in the mix.

Inspired? Try these layering tricks with the clothes and accessories you already have in your closet, then keep a running shopping list of anything you’re missing. Keep it on your phone, and you’ll have it with you the next time you go shopping!