Layering Is Back And More Popular Than Ever, So Here’s How To Master Styling Multiple Garments From Your Very Own Wardrobe

asauriet - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
asauriet - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only, not the actual person

Is anyone else struggling to make it through this extra chilly winter?

Temperatures are low, and the ground is covered in ice in some areas. We’ve got to do whatever we can to keep warm, but for some of us who like to stay as fashionable as possible, it can be hard to bundle up and look cute at the same time.

Now is the time of year to embrace layering different clothes and winter accessories like scarves and sweaters. However, layering can be a pain in the behind if you don’t know how to layer your clothes in a way that compliments your body and looks cute.

Here are a few tips for mastering the art of layering your clothes so you can stay warm this winter and feel confident in your outfits.

Analyze your body shape

One of the biggest mistakes people make when layering is that they don’t know how to do it in a way that complements their body shape. If you want to create a more slimming silhouette, you should look for pieces that don’t widen your figure but create more of a vertical line.

Plus, you don’t want to layer too much around your best assets, whether that’s your legs, bottom, waist, etc.

Keep things proportional

Going off the first tip, you need to layer in a way that evens out. The goal isn’t to throw as much bulky stuff on as possible and see where it gets you. You want to even things out to create a nice silhouette. 

asauriet – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person

If you’re wider in your upper body, wear looser fitting garments up top and tighter garments on your bottom. If you want to wear wide-leg pants, wear a fitted top to create an inverted triangle. Keeping the inverted triangle image as you dress will help remind you how to make your look more cohesive.

Keep the base neutral

With layering, you don’t want to overwhelm your outfit with too many patterns, fabrics, and colors. One of the best ways to avoid this is by keeping your first layer of clothes, your top and pants, a neutral color. Then, let your coats, jackets, sweaters, etc., have all the fun with more color or patterns.

If you want to be a little more spontaneous and creative by mixing different patterns, try to ensure the pieces have the same base color palette to avoid a major fashion faux pas.

Use a step-by-step guide

Once you have the basics and acquired some great winter pieces you want to layer, here’s your step-by-step guide to creating a great layered look.

  1. Pick a neutral-colored lightweight top to start with and keep it fairly plain.
  2. Add an additional layer via a cardigan or sweater, and make it a more exciting color.
  3. Put on outer layers like a coat or jacket. If you plan on wearing printed or brightly colored accessories, consider making these another neutral color.
  4. Add scarves, winter hats, and jewelry. Avoid putting on too many accessories at once.
  5. Check yourself out in the mirror and admire the results! If you’re feeling a little too overwhelmed with your look, consider removing an accessory or layer. That’s the nice thing about layering: unlike cooking, once you add something, you can take it away if you want.

Hopefully, this basic guide to layering helps you plan some fabulous looks this winter. Have fun!

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