7 Ways to Wear Layers

In today’s edition of the world-famous (in my world anyway) How to Wear Series, I have for you a round-up of some of my favorite layered looks from the past few months! My layering used to be limited to cardigans over tank tops.

And I wore cardigans over tank tops like it was my job. In fact, I was the CEO of CardiTank, LLC. No I wasn’t. That’s not a real thing. It was actually TT&C, Inc., and I was COO.

Anywho, recently, I’ve been pushing myself to try more interesting combinations. As the weather is cooling down, there’s no better time to talk about piling on the clothes! Let’s do it!

1. Chambray + Cardigan

A nice mix of casual and preppy, but you can make it less preppy with a fun print like leopard. Leave the cardigan open or button it up (or somewhere in between).

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2. Long-sleeve shirt + Dress

This works in almost any season. Just make sure the shirt doesn’t make any funny bulges under the dress. This is also a good chance to play with complementary prints.

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3. Tights + Dress + Chunky Sweater

A dress becomes a skirt when you cover up the top half. It’ll be our little secret.

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4. Leggings + Tunic Sweater + Vest

Any ol’ vest will do…sweater, puffer, or even fur. Just be sure you don’t make yourself overly bulky.

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5. Oxford + Sweatshirt

This is one of my favorite combos, in case you can’t tell. A little collar and cuff make a sweatshirt look like real clothes instead of pajamas.

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6. 3/4 Sleeve Shirt + Rolled up Cardigan + Belt

You didn’t think I was going to leave out cardigans altogether, did you? For something a little different, let the bottom layer peek out on all edges, and top with a belt.

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7. Leggings + Dress + Boyfriend Cardigan

Winterize a summery tank dress by layering over and under.

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Ta da!

So there you have it…that was a lot of layers. Kind of like those Pillsbury biscuits that are so amazing. Damn, now I want a biscuit. Well just one last thing (and it’s not breakfast food, sorry): A few items you can grab to make sure you’re ready to get your layer on this winter.
Layering Essentials
1. Chambray: Madewell, $69.50  //  2. Cardigan: Madewell, $85  //  3. Plaid shirt: J. Crew, $88
4. Turtleneck: Calvin Klein, $39  //  5. Belt: J. Crew, $19.99  //  6. Leggings: Target, $5
7. Sweatshirt: Zoe Karssen, $80  //  8. Vest: J. Crew, $138 //  9. Dress: Jigsaw London, $98
Add your favorite pair of jeans and you’d probably have about 4 million outfit combinations. Give or take. Here are a few:
  • 1 + 2 + 6
  • 3 + 6 + 2 + 5
  • 3 + 7 + jeans
  • 3 + 9 + 5
  • 4 + 9 + 8
  • 1 + 8 + jeans
  • 9 + 2 + 5

(You didn’t know we’d be doing math today, did you?! Any other good combos you would try?)

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Baby, It’s Not Cold Outside

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My feet are buried in leaves, but I really was wearing shoes, see?…

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There they are!

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20121204-144550.jpgRemember how I told you I have a big head? There’s your proof in the last picture: it’s clearly bigger than the sun.

So here it is December, and most of the country was way above average temperatures the past couple days. Americans are all about their freedom, and apparently the weather thinks it’s free to be 70 degrees at the time of year when everyone is singing “Let it Snow” and “Winter Wonderland.” But hey, I’m not complaining (except about having to shave my legs). I took the opportunity to put on my favorite breezy skirt and go do some studying at Starbucks. My first exam is on Saturday and it’s very tempting to stay cooped up in the house for a week. But if I spend too much time at home, ironically I begin to look like a homeless person. So. Real clothes and fresh air it is!

Sweater: J. Crew Factory

Vest: Express, old (similar)

Skirt: Pitaya, old (similar for $16!)

Shoes: Urban Outfitters, old (similar)

Bracelet: Stephan & Co.