Layering is one of those styling tricks that always gets hyped up. It’s often presented as a sort of “secret weapon”, especially in transitioning seasons, the perfect method to make the most out of your wardrobe and keep you comfy and stylish at the same time. But, as we all know, if something sounds too good to be true, then it most probably is. Nobody tells you about the underwater stones, those little details that can transform what was supposed to be a well-layered outfit into something that looks more like a walking laundry pile. Here are five unspoken sides of layering that you should know before it’s too late.
Too Many Layers Can Swallow You Whole
You’ve probably seen runway models pulling off five or even six layers and still looking chic, but a fashion show is not real life. When you put together a layered look, it’s easy to get carried away – especially when the temperatures drop – and think that if anything, you can just take a jacket off. However, if you stack too many pieces, they will drown your frame and make you look bulkier than you actually are. A good rule of thumb is to stick to a maximum of three layers: a base layer, such as a fitted top or t-shirt, a mid-layer, like an Irish knit sweater or cardigan, and an outer layer, usually a coat, blazer, or jacket.
The Wrong Fabrics Will Ruin Your Outfit (and Skin)
Have you ever noticed that layering sometimes feels like you’re wrapped in what seems to be a greenhouse? That’s because you’re using synthetic fabrics, and when you stack polyester on top of acrylic on top of nylon, you’re trapping heat and sweat against your skin. This combo will not only not look good, but also cause breakouts on your back and chest even if you’ve never struggled with them before. Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk, and merino wool, on the other hand, allow air to circulate, preventing you from overheating. We’ve already mentioned Irish knit sweaters as the perfect mid-layer, and since they’re made of 100% merino wool, they’re an excellent choice for keeping your skin happy. You can find them at https://www.shamrockgift.com/womens-clothing, and if you wear them with a thin t-shirt underneath, your outfits will never cause you (or your health) any problems. Plus, these knit sweaters have a gorgeous, traditional design, so they will always be the focal point of any layered look.
Layering Needs Structure, Not Just Fabrics
If you simply throw on multiple pieces together, it won’t automatically make an outfit look better. Sure, the right fabrics can help, but if you don’t pay attention to the shape and structure of your clothing, it will only end in looking messy, just like Joey wearing all of Chandler’s clothes in that one episode of Friends. What you actually need is contrast, balancing fitted pieces with looser ones. For example, if you’re wearing an oversized sweater, balance it with a slim-fit turtleneck underneath, and if you’re layering a wrap dress over a top, make sure one of the layers has some structure, like a belt or a cardigan.
Not All Colours Can Be Mixed Together
Mixing different colours together sounds fun in theory, but if you’ve never learned to match the shades, it can quickly turn into a chaotic mess. Layering only highlights your bad colour choices, and even if a certain hue looks fine in a single piece, it immediately becomes overwhelming when stacked. This doesn’t mean that you should only stick to black, white, and beige to play it safe, but you need to find the perfect balance and keep at least one of your layers neutral as a grounding element. For instance, if you’re wearing a sweater in a bold colour, keep your blazer or cardigan in a more neutral tone so that it won’t clash with the rest of your outfit.
Accessories Are Way More Important Than You Think
Have you ever heard that “Accessories can make or break an outfit”? Well, when it comes to layered looks, accessories become more important than ever. It’s easy to forget about them when you’re focused on mixing and matching your clothes perfectly, but if you’re adding a chunky scarf, a knit hat, and an oversized bag on top of a layered outfit, consider it as good as ruined. Instead, make your accessories match the vibe: if your layers are heavy, keep your accessories sleek and minimal, but if your outfit is relatively simple, then you can play around with statement jewellery and oversized pieces to balance the look.
*This is a collaborative post
