Some might call layering clothes an art. But whether you have a natural talent for it or not, one thing is certain: The best layered outfits always start with good basics.
“I love layering because it allows us to dive into our closet favorites and think of new ways to play with beloved pieces, creating personality and depth to our looks,” stylist Sarah Slutsky Tooley tells Bazaar. “It makes outfits more versatile, allows us to extend the lifeline of our clothes, and helps us master the tricky, 40 degree chilly morning, and still be comfortable as the day hits its sunny high.”
Slutsky Tooley has a few personal tips to get the most out of your beloved wardrobe pieces. “Don’t be afraid to layer category sisters,” she says. “I love a denim jacket layered with a leather jacket, showing a range of textures and scale. The trick is making sure the proportions are complementary.” She also recommends layering a black and white T-shirt under an oversize sweater so that you have options to peel away. “It has an effortless cool about it—very the Row.”
Another styling hack for transitioning your wardrobe involves mixing more seasonal items together. “I also love stretching my breezy summer dresses into fall by pairing them with a great boot and a chunky sweater or boyfriend blazer,” she says. “I love integrating a fall textile, like suede or bouclé, with a linen dress—giving a little dress new life.”
As we combed through the most recent street-style looks from Fashion Month, a myriad of outfit formulas went straight to our Saved folder for inspiration. Use our guide below as your personal master class on layering, featuring eight outfit ideas that demonstrate how to layer clothes like a pro this fall.
1. Wear a Slip Dress Over Satin Pants
Lace-trimmed items were everywhere on the streets during New York and London fashion week. An easy way to give your slinky slip new life is by wearing it over a silky pair of trouser pants—the modern way to do the boudoir trend. This pairing will look equally as chic with a blazer over top for a polished twist on slip dressing—plus, don’t forget your trending cord pendant necklace and suede accessories.
Schutz Julie Kitten Heel Mules
2. Mix Cotton Classics with Expert Tailoring
Transitional dressing can be easy when you know how to layer well. Take that favorite poplin skirt from summer straight into the fall with the help of a tailored crisp button-up shirt and collarless blazer—one of our favorite jacket trends of the season. When mixed with leather boots (and a belt on top), it creates a more dimensional effect.
Aligne Daphne Collarless Jacket
Alex Mill Jo Striped Shirt
Reformation Lucy Stretch Organic Cotton Skirt
Frame The Double Wrap Belt
3. Slip a Trench Coat Over a Blazer
Doubling up on outerwear, as Slutsky Tooley suggests, is a no-brainer during the cooler months, but sometimes the idea needs a little finesse. A good rule of thumb here is to make sure the outermost layer is oversized (such as a roomy trench coat), while the jacket underneath is a bit slimmer and tighter, like a double-breasted blazer. Classic accessories add a touch of elegance.
Róhe Oversized Trench Coat
Banana Republic High-Rise Modern Pant
Everlane Gallery Square-Toe Flat
Toteme T-Lock Nylon & Leather Satchel
4. Layer Up on Knitwear Instead of a Scarf
While this may seem like the easiest tip, it’s certainly worth mentioning. For days when the weather is a bit more unpredictable—where it can start brisk, but warm up by the afternoon—add a sweater over your shoulders that can double as a scarf. Why settle for one cozy knit when you can have two? Style the look with a fringed wrap skirt and simple pumps for the office.
Almina Concept Wool V Neck Sweater
Almina Concept Oversized Wool Cashmere Sweater
Isabel Marant Galla Cotton-Linen Midi-Skirt
Tory Burch Double T-Buckle Pointed Pump
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DeMellier The Midi Hudson
5. Style a Button-Up Under a Cape Jacket
A white button-up shirt is one of the most essential wardrobe pieces one can own, and it can be crucial when trying new silhouettes, such as the cape jacket. It’s a shape that might seem a little daunting at first, but when you layer a white shirt underneath, it makes it all the more approachable. Make sure to work within similar color palettes (like these buttery-tones), then add a brown suede sneaker for extra flair.
Marina Moscone Basque Jape
Theory Classic Fitted Shirt
Cos Pleated Wide-Leg Trousers
Dries Van Noten Tan Suede Sneakers
Freja New York Mini Chrystie Bag
6. Add a Pop of Color With a Mock-Neck Top
Break up neutrals with a pop of color. A fitted mock-neck top in a bold hue is the easiest way to do this. When wearing an all-black, gray, or navy outfit, we recommend incorporating one of these bright red layers into the mix. It instantly gives any look, whether that be suiting or even a fall dress, that little extra pop necessary, taking it to a street style-approved level.
Massimo Dutti Wool Double-Breasted Blazer
Naked Wardrobe Mock Neck Top
Favorite Daughter The Fancy Juni Belt
Andrea Gomez Amelia Leather Ballet Flat
7. Use a Ribbed Turtleneck Under a Button-Down and Blazer
Cold-weather dressing is nothing without a trusty turtleneck. Every closet needs a thin ribbed version for great layering combinations, providing warmth and stylish possibilities. Take inspiration from an outfit that incorporates this and many other wardrobe staples for a perfect trifecta: a button-up shirt, blazer, and menswear-inspired blazer—playing with the idea of American sportswear. The western-forward accessories accentuate the polished Americana-inspired look.
Madewell Cardigan Blazer in Plaid
Uniqlo Merino Ribbed Turtleneck
Polo Ralph Lauren Poplin Button-Front Shirt
Favorite Daughter The Favorite Pants
Partlow Julia Leather Western Boots
8. Mix Necklines with a Sporty Finishing Touch
Playing with varying necklines is one technique that Slutsky Tooley stands behind, as does the street-style set. Here, we see just how chic layering different types of neckline can be. By adding a white crewneck T-shirt underneath a V-neck sweater, you get a little extra texture and contrast. Adding a sporty nylon jacket on top gives it a finishing element that feels in-line with the jacket trends we saw on the fall runways.
St. Agni Stand Collar Flight Jacket
Naadam Classic Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
Paloma Wool Dain Snap Detail Trousers
