Lessons In Layering: This Season’s Must-Try Styling Tricks
From turtlenecks worn under shirts to everyday basics elevated with knitwear and lace – here’s the lowdown on how to layer like a fashion pro
Winter signals a shift not only in the weather but our wardrobes, too – one that calls for cozy knits and thermal layers. Done properly, wrapping up for the cold can be a masterclass in multifunctional dressing, where layering separates can seamlessly take you from dawn to dusk, indoors to outdoors, and negate the need for bulky outerwear when you want to feel polished. So, what do you need to curate your closet for the season ahead? Here’s how to master the art of layering now…
Opt for an oversized coat
The key to minimizing bulk when layering is to opt for looser silhouettes on top. Since a coat is the very last addition to an outfit, it makes sense to choose one roomy enough to wear over chunky knits, leather jackets and blazers. Ticking every box, Stella McCartney’s beautifully tailored overcoat comes in an enveloping double-breasted shape that easily accommodates all the above and is a great way to elevate knitwear and denim. Wear yours with Jil Sander’s cashmere sweater (adding The Elder Statesman’s cashmere turtleneck underneath on especially chilly days), Slvrlake’s ‘Tess’ jeans from our NET SUSTAIN edit, and finish with either embellished flats or sneakers.
Reconsider your basics
To navigate chilly commutes and crisp winter weekends in the city, it’s time to double down on the hard-working staples that will see us through shifting temperatures in style. This season, the easiest way to make those core pieces feel fresh is all in the styling: think business-like shirts either layered over a turtleneck, which will instantly take your look from the boardroom to a casual brunch, or simple tees long enough to peek out beneath knitwear. We love Loewe’s asymmetric T-shirt paired with &Daughter’s ‘Balla’ sweater, Khaite’s high-rise straight-leg jeans and Nour Hammour’s leather jacket. It’s giving a minimalist, New York-commuter aesthetic – especially when teamed with sunglasses (either to shield tired eyes or protect against the winter sun) and Toteme’s sleek leather ankle boots.
Soften tailoring with knitwear and lace
Just as the ’90s wardrobes of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (soon to be portrayed by actor Sarah Pidgeon in Ryan Murphy’s anthology series American Love Story) and Kate Moss continue to populate the mood boards of the style set, so too does the ascendance of another of the decade’s biggest trends: the lingerie slip dress. You might be wondering what this slinky style has to do with fall layering – but tastemakers are proving it’s one of the savviest ways to elevate everyday staples. Wear Stella McCartney’s ‘Iconic’ satin slip over wide-leg pants – Matteau’s crisp white pair is perfect – then layer a boxy tee or sweater on top (a cropped shape will allow the lace hem of the dress to take center stage). Another trick from the ’90s is to tie a cashmere knit around your shoulders or waist, which looks especially chic with sculptural tailoring – the softness of the fabric creates an elegant contrast.
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