Lessons In Layering: This Season’s Must-Try Styling Tricks
From turtlenecks under shirts to skirts and dresses over pants – here’s the lowdown on how to layer like a fashion pro
Fall signals a shift in our wardrobes, as well as the weather – one that calls for an extra layer or two. Done properly, wrapping up for cooler days 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…
Long sleeves, short sleeves
If you’re not already layering your cotton basics, then consider this your cue to start, because the ultimate ’90s styling trick is back – and it’s never been cooler. The key to nailing the look is to ensure you opt for lightweight, close-fitting layers in two different sleeve lengths, such as Flore Flore’s ‘Max’ and ‘Jill Baby’ tees in organic cotton-jersey from our NET SUSTAIN edit. Since the combination feels quite casual, keep things polished by styling with tailored pants (we love Róhe’s tapered ‘Daria’ style) and a pair of black leather loafers or slingbacks.
FLORE FLOREJill Baby organic cotton-jersey T-shirrt€95.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmallmedium - low stocklarge - out of stockx large - out of stock
FLORE FLOREMax organic cotton-jersey T-shirt
SHAYZar 18-karat gold diamond pinky ring
RÓHEDaria pleated virgin wool tapered pants€545.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size32 - out of stock34 - out of stock3638 - low stock40 - low stock42 - low stock44
Use your knit as an accessory
As we begin to navigate chilly morning commutes, 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 core pieces such as tailoring feel fresh is by tying knitwear around your shoulders or waist instead of actually wearing it. We love Guest In Residence’s ‘Grizzly’ sweater draped over the top of Studio Nicholson’s ‘Campion’ blazer – the crinkled finish of the fabric creates a tactile contrast, while the multicolored stripes add a welcome pop of color. Complete your outfit with a trusty white tee and a pair of tailored pants for the office.
GUEST IN RESIDENCEGrizzly cropped striped brushed cashmere polo sweater
STUDIO NICHOLSONCampion belted crinkled-shell trench coat
AGOLDELong Line Adine organic cotton-jersey T-shirt
NILI LOTANSloane croc-effect leather belt€440.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size65 - out of stock70 - out of stock7580 - low stock85 - low stock90 - low stock95
Add a checked shirt
If you don’t already have a checked shirt in your wardrobe, consider this your cue to invest because it’s proving to be the ultimate layering piece this season. Matteau’s version is made from impossibly soft cotton-flannel with fuzzy blue and gray checks, and looks effortlessly chic worn as a middle layer between a tank or camisole, such as Dôen’s lace-trimmed style and Chloé's double-breasted coat. Wear all three on weekends with Citizens of Humanity’s ‘Nora’ jeans and Alaïa’s ‘Criss Cross’ ballet flats for the chicest take.
MATTEAUChecked cotton-flannel shirt
DÔENNalia lace-trimmed organic cotton T-shirt€210.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex smallsmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklargex large
CHLOÉDouble-breasted wool coat
BY PARIAHStack set of three 14-karat gold, navy sapphire and diamond rings
Try skirts and dresses over pants
Speaking of fashion throwbacks, the Y2K trend for layering skirts and dresses over pants has suddenly become chic among tastemakers. The combination of the two paired with a top or jacket creates a beautiful tiered effect and allows you to play with color and texture in a fresh way. Make it work for work by slipping Deiji Studios’ ‘One Frill’ skirt over Isabel Marant’s straight-leg ‘Lydia’ pants, teaming them with Loulou de Saison’s ‘Miles’ polo sweater and Dries Van Noten’s embroidered cummerbund.
LOULOU DE SAISONMiles cashmere polo sweater
DRIES VAN NOTENEmbellished cotton-twill belt
NILI LOTANJennifer ribbed cotton-jersey tank€195.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - low stockmediumlarge - low stock
DEIJI STUDIOSOne Frill organic cotton-poplin knee-length skirt€155.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx small - out of stockx smallsmallmedium - out of stocklarge - low stockx large - out of stock
Wear a turtleneck under everything
With the ’90s wardrobes of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Kate Moss and Cindy Crawford ever present on the vision boards of the style set, so too is the ultimate ’90s styling trick: layering a turtleneck under, well, anything really – but particularly crisp shirts and oversized tailoring. The trick to nailing this look is to invest in super-fine, quality fabrics that won’t look too bulky under shirting or blazers. Wear Loewe’s sleeveless version tucked into jeans or pants and build from there, adding Jamie Haller’s ‘The Essential’ shirt in blue cotton-poplin and Saint Laurent’s Prince of Wales checked wool blazer for a chic workweek look.
LOEWELogo-embroidered ribbed-knit turtleneck top
SAINT LAURENTDouble-breasted Prince of Wales checked wool blazer€3,200.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - low stock36 - low stock38 - low stock40 - low stock42 - out of stock
JAMIE HALLERThe Essential drop-tail cotton-poplin shirt
CHLOÉModern Talisman embellished leather belt
RELATED READING
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown