Since the temperature has dropped and stayed consistently below 45 degrees I've found myself unable to do anything but layer. So, today's post will be like a 'part 2' to my first layering post! (Check out Part 1 here.)
But, before I begin, I just want to thank each and every one of you who read my last post and commented, emailed, or reached out to me in some way. You ladies sure know how to make a gal feel good! Your words were so encouraging and honestly meant the world to me. That post was a small leap of faith, especially since I usually don't share a whole lot about my personal life on here. This blog has always been pretty much a strict personal style blog, so I have mostly tried to keep everything else out of it. But, I'm happy that I took the chance to open up a little bit more to all of you.
So, a million times thank you for being so amazing!!
And now on to layering…
Anyone can put a bunch of different layers on and call it a day. But, honing your layering skills can lead to some really interesting and chic combinations. Here's what I've found that works for me. Hopefully it gives you an idea or two as well! :)
1. Choose a main piece to be "The Star" of your look. This is actually a great way to build an outfit-- start with a piece that catches your eye and build the rest of your look from there. What piece do you want to have the focus on? -- Green pants? A bright red top? A floral skirt? Leopard print shoes? Decide on the "main feature" of your look and build the rest of your outfit with layers that compliment that piece.
2. Choose the right proportions and fit. Before I began layering like nobody's business I didn't fully understand the importance of this rule. But, it's probably the most important layering advice that I could give. (I like to think that this is why I own 3+ black jackets-- they're all so different!!) For example: when you are layering a jacket over a blouse and leaving the blouse untucked, the jacket always has to be shorter than the blouse--to help "break up" the look. In addition, jackets should always fit properly, otherwise they look sloppy. And finally (but not really-because there is SO much proportion advice I would love to share!), oversized sweaters should be worn with sleek layers underneath (skinny jeans, tank tops, fitted tops) to keep you from looking like a giant blob.
3. Include fun details in your layers to make the look more interesting. A little patterned button-up (especially gingham, plaid, and polka dot) peeking through your layers is always a win in my book! The same goes for using vivid colors that "pop" out of your layers. --Because a layered look often times has many points of interest, it almost give you a bit more leeway to play with fun patterns, colors, and textures and get away with things you may not have tried otherwise!
4. Turn out your cuffs. If you're wearing a button up under a sweater or a jacket, fold the cuffs over where the sleeves hit your wrist. This little trick shows off the detail of your bottom layer and really adds to the prep factor of an outfit.
5. Wear a completer piece --something that will finish off your look or help tie your look together. Blazers are great completer pieces; not only can they make a casual look more professional, but they help keep you warm, too. (Always a plus in my book!) Accessories, especially statement jewelry and scarves, are also fabulous completer pieces--they're like the whipped cream on top of a delicious mug of hot chocolate!
Plaid button-up (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Color block sweater (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Black blazer (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here, here)
Green ankle pants (Exact here; Similar here, here, cute color block ankle pants here)//
Leopard print ankle boots (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Watch c/o Wristology Watches (Exact here)//
Stella & Dot Renegade bracelet c/o Erika Lehman//
Necklace c/o Our World Boutique (Exact here, in navy blue)
Pink plaid button-up (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Khaki sweater (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
White skinny jeans (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Riding boots (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Pave link necklace & bracelet set c/o ILYCouture (Exact here)//
Alex Tortoise watch c/o Wristology Watches (Exact here)
Stella & Dot Renegade bracelet c/o Erika Lehman//
Necklace via Etsy
"Wave to the Princess" dress c/o Flourish Boutique (Exact here)//
Leopard-print scarf (Exact gifted; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Purple cardi (Exact old, via GAP Outlet; Similar here, here, here)//
Black open toe booties (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
Necklace ℅ Accessory Mercado (Exact here)
Black cami (Exact here)//
White skinny jeans (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Chevron sweater c/o Flourish Boutique (Exact here)//
Grey scarf (Similar here, here)
Riding boots (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Watch c/o Wristology Watches (Exact here)//
Stella & Dot Renegade bracelet c/o Erika Lehman//
Tortoise bracelet c/o Sira & Mara (Exact here)//
Necklace via Etsy
TJMAXX striped sweater (Exact not available online; Similar here, here, here)
White skinny jeans (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Black riding boots (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Striped blazer (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here)//
Necklace via eBay
Top C/O Sugar Love Boutique (Exact here)//
The Limited Skinny Pants (Exact old; Similar here, here here, here)//
Green blazer (Exact old, via H&M; Similar here, here, here)//
Tall black boots (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
Skinny black watch (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)//
Necklace c/o Our World Boutique (Exact here, in navy blue)
"Stripe Hype" dress c/o Flourish Boutique (Exact here)//
Aztec Open Sweater c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Black riding boots (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Necklace via Etsy
Grey button-up (Exact old; Similar here, here)//
Multi-color pencil skirt (Exact here;Similar here, here)//
Yellow cardigan (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Navy round-toe pumps (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)//
Necklace ℅ T+J Designs (Exact here)