What is layering all about?
Layering is about wearing multiple layers of clothing on top of each other so that each piece is shown to its best advantage. Different lengths are combined and layered on top of each other to create a very special look that puts your clothing in a completely new light. For example, a sweater is worn over a summer dress and, in the cold season, tights and a coat . The summer dress loses its original functionality and shines in a completely new context.
The layering do's & don'ts for all figure types
The functional advantages of the “onion look” for the transitional and cooler seasons are obvious, but there are a few styling rules to follow so that the outfit is a real eye-catcher.
DOS
- Combine different items of clothing with each other: coats , jackets , shirts , blouses , dresses , skirts , pants and tops of all kinds . (Almost) everything is allowed.
- Make sure to combine different lengths that contrast as well as possible.
- Choose items of clothing with different structures because they bring variety and excitement to the outfit. Mix delicate materials like silk with coarser fabrics like denim, leather or knit . Playing with transparency is also exciting. Feel free to combine transparent, light and opaque fabrics.
- Play with different colors . The more colorful, the bolder the look. Tone-on-tone layering, on the other hand, makes your look appear more elegant.
- You should combine strong colors or eye-catching patterns with calm colors such as black, dark blue, gray, brown, beige, camel or cream.
- Match wide pieces with narrow ones . The rule is either wide at the top and narrow at the bottom or narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. Usually leggings , tights or tighter-fitting jeans in combination with other layering tops are the safest option.
Don't
- To avoid undermining your silhouette, don't choose too many layers . 3-4 are optimal, very slim and tall women can also wear 5 layers, but please no more.
- Too much fabric volume overwhelms the look and adds bulk. Always make sure to start with thinner and tighter layers that you can then combine with a final, thicker layer (e.g. a long cardigan , cardigan or coat )
- Too many patterns and colors quickly make the look restless and unintentionally strange. It's best to choose two to three colors that go well together and are repeated in the outfit. This looks harmonious and elegant at the same time.
- Do not combine several eye-catching items. One eye-catching item of clothing, stylishly combined with basics, is sufficient.
- Don't distract from your outfit with too many accessories . A simple, small handbag and classic, understated jewelry is the best choice. Less is more!
Extra layering tips for women with curves
Even though the layering style flatters every figure type, please be particularly careful not to choose fabrics that are too voluminous. Additional skirts or pants that hide your firmer thighs are fine, but make sure to stay narrow at the top and tuck the top into the waistband of your skirt or pants, preferably a high-cut one. If you prefer to wear wide at the top, then look for figure-hugging trousers .
Extra layering tips for shorter women
The middle of your body should be kept as narrow as possible when layering so that your figure doesn't get “lost” despite many layers. A belt that is worn visibly under the oversized layer is always a good choice for this. But avoid pieces that are too wide and if so, then only in contrast to very tight, figure-hugging pieces . High shoes are of course always recommended but absolutely not a must.
