As summer drifts away and the cool autumn breeze appears, transitioning to your fall wardrobe is likely at the top of your mind. Fall is a unique time when temperatures can be a bit sporadic. This is where fall layers come into play.
Layering lets you showcase your style while staying warm as the weather cools down and days grow shorter. In this article, we’ll provide the best layering tips and outfit inspiration for the season to help you prepare your fall wardrobe.
Layering Essentials: Building Your Fall Wardrobe
In fall, versatility is vital for clothing pieces. When building your fall wardrobe, you will want to consider choosing pieces that can be worn independently or in layers. Every fashionista needs a few key layering pieces as the foundation of their autumn capsule wardrobe. These staple pieces include:
Stocking up on these versatile basics for fall allows you to play around with countless combinations. Be sure to choose various fabrics when compiling your wardrobe for optimal layering. Wool, cashmere, denim, leather, velvet, flannel, and cotton are great places to start when shopping for fall basics.
Layering Techniques: Mastering the Art
Now that you better understand the pieces of the layering puzzle, let’s discuss the art of falling layers. Mastering the art of layering can take time and experimentation with your personal style. However, we’re going to share several layering techniques and provide tips to guide your fashion decisions.
The classic layering technique uses familiar pieces to create balanced, comfortable, and stylish outfits. In classic layering, you typically have a base layer, such as a long-sleeve shirt, a mid-layer cardigan, and an outer layer, such as a denim jacket paired with leggings and boots or loafers.
Reverse layering is similar to classic layering because it typically consists of three layers or so. Still, with this method, start by choosing your outer layer and work in reverse. So, let’s say you want to wear a trench coat. You may choose to wear a chunky knit sweater vest underneath it for extra warmth and then layer a lightweight ribbed long-sleeve shirt under your vest.
Another option is asymmetrical layering, which creates visual interest by layering unconventionally with off-centered details, different textures, high contrast, and uneven hemlines. Balancing proportions is extremely important when layering clothing to create visual appeal.
Textures and patterns are also critical to styling when utilizing fall layers. Be mindful of what textures you layer on top of each other to create the most visual interest possible. Try to vary the textures and patterns, but stick to the basic fashion trends to avoid clashing or overcomplicating your outfits.
Layering for Different Occasions
Luckily, layering works well for many occasions, including work, casual weekends, dates, and more. In this section, we’ll share appropriate layering pieces for each occasion as outfit inspiration.
For time at the office, a pair of high-waisted pleated trousers and a lightweight cashmere sweater make an excellent base layer combo. Next, you could add a stunning v-neck vest to the outfit. Finally, for an outer layer, go for a belted coat and throw on some pumps and dainty jewelry to finish the ensemble for a layered look.
On the weekend, you may opt for a dark wash denim dress with a white long-sleeve top underneath. To complete the look, throw on some colorful jewelry, add a small handbag, and layer a heavy jacket on top. Some cute ankle boots would make the perfect shoes for your casual weekend attire.
For a night out with your significant other, incorporating layering could mean wearing tights or stockings under a plaid mini skirt with a slouchy sweater on top. Then, add some texture by wearing a brown or black leather jacket and completing the outfit with a scarf and booties.
Layering for Various Climates
Depending on where you live, fall might bring mild temperatures or close-to-freezing weather. The beauty of layering is you can customize it to whatever climate you are in to avoid being overdressed or underdressed for the cooler weather.
Autumn weather can be unpredictable. That’s why layering comes in handy! When transitioning between summer and fall, temperatures may fluctuate throughout the day, from chilly mornings to mild afternoons and cool nights.
For fluctuating weather, we suggest layering lightweight pieces on top of one another to create an easy way to stay comfortable. Wearing a basic cotton t-shirt or long-sleeve as a base layer works well for most climates. Knit cardigans are a popular middle layer as they provide some warmth and insulation for chillier times. A jean jacket is a great outerwear option for those days when the temperature can’t make up its mind.
Fall Accessories: The Finishing Touch
Let’s not forget the role of accessories in layered outfits for the fall. Accessories can elevate any outfit idea and create an entirely different appearance. Some of the best trendy accessories for fall include:
When choosing accessories, keep a few things in mind. First, consider contrast and the colors of your accessories. Contrasting colors or unique patterns can up the visual intrigue.
Next, remember not to overdo it. A couple of fun accessories are plenty to elevate your style. There’s no need to wear a ton of different accessories to avoid overwhelming the eye.
Lastly, consider the texture and size of your accessories to make your outfits more interesting. Pairing dainty and statement pieces together can create a balanced look during the fall.
Layer Up Like a Pro with Porterist
When it comes to fall fashion, layering reigns supreme. Experiment with different layering styles to find what suits your taste this autumn, and don’t forget the tips we shared in this article when building your fall wardrobe.
Porterist’s fall collection is the perfect place to find all of the fall basics you need. From neutral dresses and chunky sweaters to unique vests and insulated puffer coats, we’ve got you covered. Our collection of spectacular clothing pieces is made from high-quality and sustainable materials. With Porterist, you can feel good about the clothing you invest in and turn heads with stylish pieces that can be mixed and matched for optimal layering.
Shop Porterist today and prepare for the turn of the season!