Experiment with layers

Welcome to day 13  of the “New Year New You” Challenge, which I am hosting with Ceri from Fabafterfifty.co.uk. (although you don’t have to be over 50 to join in!), and tomorrow’s challenge is to “Experiment with layers”.

We are posting each challenge the evening before so that you have time to prepare your outfit/ your challenge ahead of time.

New Year New You Challenge 2021 : Experiment with layers

If the thought of layering fills you with dread and seems too complicated to handle, I’ve put together a few tips and tricks to show you the magic of layering.

Although it’s tempting to just throw on a coat or jacket, there are a few more interesting ways to experiment with layering and create looks that are both cozy and stylish.

Smart layering will keep you warm without adding bulk, and a few general tips to experiment with layers are :

• Start from the thinnest and tightest layers to wear the bulkiest ones last, and limit layers to a maximum of 3 to avoid looking like the “Michelin Man”.
• Choose figure-hugging forms that won’t bulk you up, and choose clothes with sleek, structured lines.
• Make full use of the power of thermals, which will keep you as warm as toast without adding unnecessary volume.
• Stick to one or two colour families (or prints), combined with neutrals to make layering easier and keep your look classy.
• Have fun mixing textures. While I would stick to one or two colours and prints, layering works well when you combine different textures, and you can easily combine three different fabrics. For example, try a silk (or thermal) cami under a denim shirt or a wool jumper and add a wool or brocade coat.
• Don’t forget you can layer outerwear too, just remember to keep the first layer thin and fitted: for example layer a slim-fitting wool cardigan under your blazer or layer a lightweight sleeveless vest under your coat.

8 ways to experiment with layers.

Here are 8 ways to experiment with layers and put some stylish looks together.

1 Layer a thermal top over or under another top

Thermal tops are your best friend in the Winter as they keep you warm as toast without adding too much bulk. They’re also an easy grab-and-wear item that you can layer under or over another top.

Alp n Rock‘s lightweight thermal tops are perfect for layering under or over another top, such as a t-shirt or tank top, and they also look amazing on their own with leather leggings and slim-cut jeans.

If you don’t want a thermal top, there is a wide range of thermal underwear available from brands, such as Marks & Spencers.

2  Layer a skirt or dress over pants

Layer a skirt or a dress over pants for a change of style. Stick to skinny leggings or pants to keep the look chic and sleek and not bulky and lumpy!

These trousers from Alp N Rock are skinny and slim fitting with vegan leather quilted panels at the front thigh and side legs. They look great with a thermal top or sweater, but could also add an unusual twist to a dress or skirt outfit without adding unnecessary volume.

3 Repurpose a dress as a top

Layer a skirt over a dress (of the same length or shorter).

You can repurpose a dress as a top with this simple trick: just layer one of your dresses with a skirt that is either shorter or the same length.

These padded skirts from Alp N Rock can be as dramatic or laid-back as you’d like, depending on your choice of accessories. Add high heels, delicate jewelry and slim fitting leggings for an elegant look, or go funky with colorful layers and legwear.

4 Repurpose a dress as a skirt

A very easy way to restyle a dress is to wear it with a sweater over the top and repurpose it as a skirt.

This works with almost any dress and is an easy way to add a layer of warmth and create a new look with an existing piece.

5 Repurpose a dress as a jacket/duster

If you have a dress that buttons down the front, then it is very easy to restyle as a jacket/ duster/ lightweight coat, as I have done with the dress below.

I layered this look, starting with a lightweight cami with lace trim, under a simple black sweater over jeans then a repurposed dress as a duster.

To add extra warmth, I added a long coat over the repurposed dress! Dresses are one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe as they can be worn as tops, skirts, jackets/dusters and of course, as dresses!

6 Layer a turtleneck under a wider neck sweater, shirt, dress or jacket.

A heavier weight turtleneck, such as the Simone sweater above, is perfect for layering over a lighter weight top or over a dress.

Lighter weight turtlenecks are layering “all-stars”, providing plenty of keep-warm coverage without a ton of bulk and can be layered under matching cardigans or under pullover sweaters, as well as under open shirts, dresses and jackets. 

Bold and timeless, the Katarina is an iconic turtleneck sweater made for keeping out the chill and looking good doing it. 

Nothing looks cozier than layering a turtleneck top underneath a second sweater, and it’s a really fun way to experiment with print mixing and colors. When it comes to winter warmth, two jumpers really are better than one!

7 Wear a slim fitting jacket or vest under your coat

A slim fitting vest or jacket will keep you warm outside without adding extra bulk and can add a final twist to your look.

If you chose a colorful or patterned sweater, opt for neutral colors for the jacket, such as olive greeen, rust, camel, burgundy, navy or black.

If you are looking for a heavier coat as outerwear, then the Pischa jacket may be just what you need.

The Pischa is an exclusive piece debuting for FW20. It is crafted from sustainable bluesign® fabrics, filled with cruelty-free eco down, trimmed with carefully formulated faux fur, and adorned with vegan leather buckles. It’s both stylish and cozy!

8 Add a Scarf

Adding a scarf to your look is another great way to add warmth and at the same time, add a pop of colour or print to personalise your look.

You could add a thick blanket scarf or even a poncho (see this post).

Here are my picks for layering pieces. Just click on the image to shop the post.

Lastly, just have some fun with it, and play around with different layered looks, prints and textures until you find a combination that works for you.

“ I think there’s something charming about incorporating summer clothes into winter, like pairing a summery skirt with a massive sweater. I’m also really into layering during the winter!”

Debby Ryan, Author.

The aim of this challenge is to experiment and have fun with your wardrobe, by wearing what you already own to put together new outfits.

It’s about putting together what you own in new ways and shaking you out of your style rut. So, just have some fun with it! 

I hope you enjoyed these tips for how to experiment with layers and please have a look at more of our style tips.