HOW TO layer your clothes - 10 rules to live by

Rule 1

Do wear thinner clothes close to your skin.  Wear thicker, looser and chunkier pieces on the top layer.  For example, wear a cotton T-shirt as the the layer closest to your body.  A light cardigan over this and then a heavier jacket for the the topmost layer.  

Rule 2

Limit your layers.  Three layers is probably ample or you'll end up looking too bulky. 

Rule 3

The foundation of your outfit should have a nice silhouette ie. well fitted (but not too tight around the chest and hips) and drawn in at the waist.

Rule 4

Wear structured pieces on top. Choose a top layer with a waistline, a cinched or empire waist, a belted waist, a blouse with well-placed darts, a fitted blazer, or a cropped jacket or cardigan. 

Rule 5

The layered look is about adding color, warmth and texture not bulk. Avoid excessive layering around problem areas as it can make you look bigger than you really are. 

Rule 6

One of the reasons why we want to layer clothes is to show off the contrast between different colors, cuts and textures, so don't be dull and a single color or texture for all your layers.

Rule 7

Other items that serve as layers are scarves, belts, jewellery and hats. These pieces work as enhancers to your overall look.   If layering your bottom half use leggings or jeggings as your base and skirts, boots and over the knee socks as the top layers

Rule 8

If you choose to wear several layers on top, keep the bottom half of your outfit long and lean. Try skinny-cut, tapered and boot cut pants, leggings or tights.

Rule 9

Use light and dark colors to your advantage. Since dark colors are slimming, wear darker colors in the areas you want to de emphasize. And no, that doesn't mean wear all black or charcoal gray! Look at your body with a loving but critical eye, and use whites and colors to emphasize your best features.

Rule 10

Finally, while experimenting with layering, avoid wearing two garments of the same style.  For example if you are layering a ruffled shirt with a jumper, avoid using a jumper which also has ruffles. Wearing a plain jumper over the ruffles will make your shirt stand out and that's exactly what you want to achieve!  Mixing fabrics of different weights and textures can also be very effective. 

Images courtesy of net a porter