How to Dress in Layers
If you want to update your wardrobe in an easy and stylish way, try dressing in layers. You can layer with different colors, textures and lengths to change the look of your clothes and wear them in new ways. Layering is also a great way to help your summer clothes gain new life in the cooler months. Take a lesson from some of the top fashion stylists to get an idea how to put items together. Then try mixing and matching your favorite pieces and enjoy wearing your original creations.
Instructions
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Invest in basic neutral pieces you can wear multiple ways. Look for stretchy-shirts or tank tops in black, brown, gray and white to serve as an underlayer you can use to build upon. Buy some leggings that are smooth, ribbed and even embellished to make some of your favorite summer items work for fall and winter. Stock up on cardigans of different textures and lengths that can carry you through all four seasons. Add a few patterned scarves to your wardrobe to add more interest.
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Wear a black stretchy t-shirt or turtleneck underneath a summer dress. Add black tights and boots to make it ready for cooler weather. Or, pair the same dress with leggings and a cardigan. Emphasize your waist by using a thick leather belt. Let ballet flats and a scarf wound around your neck provide the perfect finishing touches.
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Use layering to update last season's pieces and make them look fresh. Try a long skinny top underneath a short swingy sweater. The bottom layer will balance out the fuller part. You can also play with proportions by wearing a boxy top over a fitted longer tank. Add a long striped or cable knit cardigan to elongate your figure.
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Experiment to see what works with your body type. If you are tall and thin, you will be able to carry off thicker layers, such as chunky knit sweaters, wide-leg pants and heavy wool skirts. But if you are on the heavier side or very petite, you should stick to thin, smooth layers that play up your assets, such as a small waist or thin arms and legs. Try on different looks to see what suits you best.
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Invest in a nice quality trench coat. This is an easy layer to wear over anything and it is appropriate year-round. You can throw it on over pants, jeans, skirts or even sweat pants for an easy way to look pulled together without any effort.
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Use layers to your advantage to look well-dressed. Add a vest over a blouse or turtleneck, then put on a blazer and wind a scarf around your neck for a sophisticated, well-styled effect. Pair a short sweater dress over skinny jeans with a sleeveless cardigan over it and booties to look pulled together and current. Or, balance slouchy wide-leg pants with a thin fitted top and add a shrug or cropped short-sleeve sweater to get an oufit that will work for almost any occasion.
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Visit fashion websites to see examples of stylish layering. Websites like Bluefly.com and Shopintuition.com can give you some ideas how to make layers look modern and fashionable.
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Tips & Warnings
Work with one layer at a time. Make sure you have each piece set and looking good before you put on the next one.
Look at your outfit carefully in the mirror to be sure you don't have too many layers on. If you are getting lost in all of the folds of fabric, try removing a layer or two until you, not just your clothing, shines through.
