Lessons In Layering: This Season’s Must-Try Styling Tricks
From turtlenecks worn under shirts to tailoring elevated with knitwear and color-blocked separates – 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…
Throw a checked shirt into the mix
If you haven’t already got 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 a funnel-neck jacket. Wear all three on weekends with Khaite’s wide-leg ‘Karo’ jeans and ‘Valerie’ ankle boots for the coolest take. Alternatively, take cues from fashion editor Marta Oldrini and tie it around your waist for the coolest take.
MATTEAUChecked cotton-flannel shirt
DÔENKira lace-trimmed silk-satin cami€350.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx small - out of stockx small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stockx large - out of stockxx large
SAINT LAURENTCotton-twill jacket
BY PARIAHStack set of three 14-karat gold, navy sapphire and diamond rings
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 – such as the smooth stretch-jersey used to make Nili Lotan’s ‘Keria’ version – that won’t look too bulky under shirting or blazers. Wear it tucked into pants or a midi skirt and build from there, adding Bottega Veneta’s pink pinstriped shirt and Balenciaga’s trench coat for a chic workweek look.
NILI LOTANKeria stretch-jersey turtleneck top
BOTTEGA VENETALogo-embroidered pinstriped crepon shirt
SOPHIE BUHAIXL Reversible gold-tone sterling silver earrings
DRIES VAN NOTENPleated wool and cotton-blend midi skirt
Soften tailoring with knitwear
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 all in the styling: think knitwear tied over the shoulders of a blazer or layered over shirts with the collar and cuffs peaking out underneath. We love Willy Chavarria’s yellow V-neck sweater either styled underneath or draped over the top of Saint Laurent’s double-breasted blazer – the softness of the fabric creates an elegant contrast, while mustard-yellow hue adds a welcome pop of color. Complete your outfit with a trusty white tee and a pair of tailored pants for the office.
WILLY CHAVARRIAChavarria logo-embroidered rib-trimmed wool sweater€720.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx smallx small - out of stocksmallmediumlarge - low stockx large - out of stock
SAINT LAURENTWool double-breasted blazer
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
Mix up your color combinations
The beauty of fall layering is that it allows you to play with color in a way that feels both intentional and completely effortless. Whether you’re dressing for the office or an interview, separates in bold, primary hues like MFPEN’s cornflower-blue shirt and Auralee’s half-zip sweater are guaranteed to make a good impression, especially when paired with Khaite’s ‘Loxley’ pencil skirt, in gray wool, silk and cashmere blend, and Jude’s optic white leather ‘Blade’ pumps. The combination works well with indigo denim and silk skirts, too.
AURALEEWool half-zip sweater
MFPENThe Womens Generous cotton shirt
ARMAEmy leather jacket€495.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size32 - out of stock34 - out of stock36 - out of stock38 - out of stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock
CELINE EYEWEARTriomphe cat-eye acetate sunglasses
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