How To Layer (And How Not To)

Tina, here.

Uh-oh. I'm starting to see weird dressing behaviors. We've had our first nip in the air in Nashville. And I love it. But it makes people do weird things like combine t-shirts in uncomfortable ways. It's like seeing cows and horses in the same pasture - just seems wrong.

How To Layer

A long sleeve t-shirt under a short sleeve t-shirt seems like it would be ok. But it isn't. It's wrong. And weird. And you have to trust me on this. You don't marry condiments, different breeds of farm animals, or different sleeve length t-shirts.

Layering in the fall is a brilliant way to dress. But it's not a free for all. Follow these tips and you'll look stylish while managing the vast range of temps in a 24-hour period.

How To Layer This Fall

1. Start with a sleeveless top, and carry a jacket with you as long as the temps are still going up during the daylight hours (but it's cooler in the evenings).

How To Layer

You'll get hot mid-day as long as the temps go up, so start with a sleeveless top as your base layer.

How To Layer With Jackets

Grab a jacket as you head out the door, because you know you'll need it til the sun gets you good and warm by mid-day. Then you can just wear it over your shoulders, and  throw it over your arm later. To shop some great fall jackets, check out my 12 Modern Must-Haves in the huge September issue of the Style Vault

2. Replace sleeveless and short sleeves with long sleeve tops as the temps start to dip a bit even during the daytime hours.

How To Layer This Fall

Slowly but surely I start to replace my sleeveless and short sleeve tees with long sleeve ones.

3. Switch to heavier sweaters and jackets as temps start climbing below the 70's during the daytime.

How To Layer

In early fall, even though I may have switched to long sleeve tops, I may still be layering with lighter weight layers on top, like this linen-blend open sweater.

How To Layer

I'll put away my cotton and linen wraps and sweaters when the temps are consistently below the 70's. And I bring out my heavier cashmere-blend sweaters.

How To Layer For Fall

I have been known to wear cashmere sweaters over tank tops. Sometimes you just don't know what the weather is gonna do. So do a little of this (a tank) with a little of that (cashmere).

4. Grab yourself a cape this fall - such a stylish layering piece.

By the way, our fab stylist Amy will be wearing one next week when you get a peek at her fall must-haves!

How To Layer With A Cape

I'm a cape girl. This incredibly soft cape in my favorite neutral tones is from K. McCarthy, one of the retailers featured in the September Style Vault and this month is giving members a 20% discount off my favorite fall knit sweater.

How To Layer: Capes

Make sure to keep the volume down on wraps or capes or ponchos you may buy this fall. They can get bulky if you get the wrong one. I also have the BEST cashmere poncho featured in the August Style Vault, which is still available to purchase.

 5. Keep wearing that trusty denim jacket.

How To Layer: Denim Jackets

It's just the perfect fall piece, really. The denim jacket. Buy mine inside the September Style Vault.

6. You also need a pashmina.

I switch from my cotton and linen ones to wool and cashmere this time of year.

How To Layer With A Pashmina

Sometimes this is all I need - maybe a t-shirt and pants with a pashmina - and it looks so put-together. But you've got to know how to wear one. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions.

How To Wear A Pashmina

Step 1. This is the most important step. Start with one end longer than the other.

How To Wear A Pashmina

Step 2. Bring the longer end across your body and up and over the opposite shoulder. That longer end now has enough of a tail over your shoulder to weight it down so it won't keep falling forward.

How To Wear A Pashmina

Step 3. Pull down some of the fabric at your neck to open you up a bit, and so you don't look like a pashmina is strangling you.

How To Wear A Pashmina

Ta-da.

I just updated the September Style Vault with my favorite pashmina/stole/wrap of the season. You can buy it from inside when you join! Perfect for airplanes, restaurants and as a cocktail topper. In many colors. Very luxe.  Find out more about the Style Vault. 

I’m addicted to the vault!  I can’t get dressed without you!

~ another happy Style Vault insider

For our monthly membership, click here. But the annual is so much more convenient - never worry about updating your cc!
If you’re in Nashville, check out our amazing Nashville Wardrobe Consulting services. With us as your guide, you can access our in-store discounts and we’ll get you looking like your most stylish self. All fall long.

Thanks for reading and all the best,

Tina

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Photos by Krissy Leigh Creative
https://www.flickr.com/photos/krissyleighphotography/

 

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