It all started with a few models walking the runway at Marni and other couture lines wearing clothes that (gasp!) were not skintight nor bondage dress-like. Instead, the style was layered and even slightly boxy.
Fashion being fashion (as in the “powers that be” love to confound us), the layered look was utterly sophisticated and totally confusing. I mean, how does the average woman interpret this style without looking like the Michelin tire man? Layers look lovely when you are a willowy,, thin model, but can translate as tragic on the other 99 percent of the population.
PinLayers work on models, but what about the rest of us? Image credit: InStyle
Your first instinct when wearing the layered look is to grab a crisp white blouse and wear it under your favorite cashmere sweater. While your instincts are spot on (blouse plus sweater equals layers), you may end up looking like a parochial schoolgirl.
PinA blouse and sweater can turn “schoolgirl” on a dime. Image credit: Pinterest
RULE #1: Stay untucked!
Keep your layered look modern by letting your blouse remain untucked. This works great in theory, but you can’t untuck with any old sweater. A sweater with a ribbed waist will create a weird, poofy shirttail. To pull off this nonchalant elegance, you need a sweater that is either cropped or slightly oversized at the waist, so that the blouse is never tight against the body.
PinA sweater-with-blouse combo that floats away from the waist? Perfect! Image credit: Pinterest Daily News Fashion
Did you hear me use the word “cropped” as a fashion option for those older than 25? The layered look was created so that everyone can embrace the proportion play of a cropped sweater.
PinA cropped sweater becomes an option for every age when you layer. Image credit: Pinterest HotPatterns
RULE #2: Strike a balance.
Wearing a blouse untucked means the bottom half of your look should be slim. No floaty skirts or wide-legged trousers. Instead, wear a slim pant or pencil skirt so that you don’t look overwhelmed by layers and fabric. Skinny jeans or a to-the-ankle trouser balance the layered look you sport on top.
PinSkinny on the bottom balances layers on the top. Image credit: Pinterest, Damsel in Dior
RULE #3: Tame the tugging.
If you hate the thought of wearing two shirts at once (the tugging, the bulk, the horror!), don’t fret! We have options. Invest in a tunic-style blouse that gives you several extra inches to spare. This one, from Ann Taylor, is perfect for antituggers.
PinA longer, tunic-style blouse makes layering easy. Image credit: Ann Taylor
RULE #4: Embrace the all-in-one.
And the ultimate cheat sheet for the layered look? The sweater-and-blouse combo that we are seeing all over. Retailers are offering options that look layered, but have the ease of one piece.
PinThis appears to be a layered look, but it is an all-in-one piece that makes layering easy-peasy. At Ann Taylor, $89
Like cake, Farrah Fawcett hair and now fashion, layers are the ultimate in sweet, sassy and on-trend style. Follow a few tips and be a part of the layered love.
Examples of How to Shop the look:
PinCashmere poncho, $165; white blouse, $76, at The French Shoppe.PinA cropped sweater that floats away from the waist works for layering. This piece has an open back; try layering with a long tee for interest. Cropped sweater, $78, at Philanthropy.PinWho says the shirt has to be white? Add a fun, plaid shirt to your layering mix. Plaid top, $41.99, and sweater, $ 71.99, at Blush BoutiqueStyleBlueprint gives you fashion 4-1-1 so you can stay on-trend. Click here for more fashion how-tos.
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