How I layer
Saturday, March 12, 2011I have a love for layering. I started doing this because my office's temperature runs hot and cold like a girl on PMS. That and also playing with accessories is fun. There is no right or wrong, but I thought I would share what tends to go on in my head:
Accessorize
- I almost always wear a cardigan or jacket, unbuttoned. It's the easiest way to layer and wear different colors/textures.
- Belts and sashes are my best friend. Sometimes I even double up. It helps break up the top from the bottom half.
- Simple necklines (crewneck, v-neck, etc) look great with necklaces or scarves. I pretty much feel naked without something around my neck.
- Statement necklaces look great under or over collared shirts.
- I treat necklaces, belts, sashes, and scarves interchangeably. Scarves can work as belts, sashes can work as scarves. I've even used long necklaces as belts.
Keep proportions in mind
- If my top half consists of multiple layers, I like to keep the bottom half simpler (or vice versa).
- If I'm wearing long sleeves on top, I'm more inclined to show off the legs and wear heels. In reverse, a strapless top with pants.
- Vary the lengths. Ie: a longer tee underneath a blazer, a cardigan over a tucked-in shirt, a cropped jacket over a top, shirt sleeves rolled up over a jacket.
Do you agree or disagree with any? What other layering tips do you have to share?
19 comments
you are the queen of layering! i'm not very good at it :(
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, Cee. I love layering too but I don't know how to do it properly. I am going to keep these tips in mind. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou are a layering queen. So glad you did this post, because I stick to my same old one or two ways of layering. Saving this for inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI love these tips! And I have yet to try the whole statement necklace OVER a shirt - I think it's genius though!
ReplyDeleteI really love how you make sashes into necklaces and scarves into belts - is there are rule on the type of scarf/sash? The ones I have just don't seem to work interchangeably for me - or I just haven't figured it out yet.
I agree completely with these tips! I feel like this is what I try to go by, but even with this advice, my layering sometimes gets a little too 'kid playing dress up in mom's closet. I'm working on it, though :)
ReplyDeleteYou are my layering inspiration!! I don't know you do it but this post is so helpful:D
ReplyDeleteWhat a very cohesive post! I like the mini slices of your outfits. ^,^ I really like your advice that if there is a layering piece on top, keep the bottom simple.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Cee! I love the way you layer, but always found myself lacking innovative ideas on this topic. So this post is very helpful for me. I can't help laughing at my nerdy thoughts when I read "I treat necklaces, belts, sashes, and scarves interchangeably." First image that came into my mind was a girl wearing a belt on her neck. Am I hopeless? lol.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! You are my layering Yoda master =) I'll be leaving for a trip for 4 weeks so sorry if I won't be commenting for a while. Till then, I know you'll keep on layering and brightening up other gals' days. xoxo L
ReplyDeleteOOOH the secrets of Cee - I love it! Thanks so much for educating dummies like me :)
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm doing a Cee-inspired OOTD on Tuesday! I hope you like it.
Very helpful information Cee - Thanks so much for sharing!!
ReplyDelete@Leena - Everyone has their personal style and something they're good at. You Leena, are the queen of blazers. I envy that :)
ReplyDelete@PetiteLittleGirl, @Kristen, @Really Petite, @Lisa, @Callandra - I debated for the longest time about whether I should write a post like this. I wasn't sure if I was just spouting common sense, but I'm glad you found it somewhat helpful :)
@curls-and-pearls - With silk square scarves, you can fold it in half diagonally and then sort of roll it up to use as a belt. I also like to use sashes that are about 1" wide as belts too. Keep playing around with them and I'm sure you'll get the hang of it :)
@Tara - I feel like a kid playing dress up too! When I start feeling that way, I realize I'm probably over accessorizing, so I'll start taking items off.
@Banhannas - Thanks Hanna!
@Vicky - Haha! The same thought crossed my mind, so I gave some examples. I think it's the engineers in us, we take things literally :)
@SewPetiteGal - Looking forward to your outfit!
great advice! love your blog, following you now =)
ReplyDeletehttp://ilovemochi.blogspot.com/
I always love how well you layer! Thanks for sharing this with us :)
ReplyDeletesigh. my comment got eat up again. :(
ReplyDeleteThe gist of my previous wordy comment was that I love how you layer and will be bookmarking this page for reference. I really needed this post! :) I suck at layering...
Great tips, Cee! You are the best at layering. I love how you are able to use sashes and scarves in such interesting ways. I really need to take notes! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm still learning how to layer effectively, so this is very helpful. Thanks for sharing Cee! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great post - I sometimes find it difficult to accessorize and this post has given me some great ideas. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteenterkelly.blogspot.com
Layering is essential especially if you work in a BPO company. It gives you a choice as well to mix and match your clothes. Aside from that, you are also able to look fab even if you are cold.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear from you. Constructive criticisms welcome!