Falling for Layers

Fall is for layers, am I right!?

If you’re anything like me, you have a collection of sweaters and jackets for the changing seasons (if you live in a 4-season climate, otherwise, I’m jealous). If you’re even more like me, you have too many. But that’s a matter of opinion! Fall being a transitional season is the perfect opportunity to indulge in a little layering. I myself find it important for the following reasons:

1) I avoid wearing a heavier jacket/coat until it’s absolutely necessary. I am not a bear, and do not have the option of hibernating, so the opportunity, and winter, will come.

2) I own too many clothes, so the more I wear at a time, the more I can argue that I need them all to my husband…this makes perfect sense to me.

3) It’s one of the easiest ways to step up your look!

Ok, so they’re not all real reasons, but I hope I have made my point. Layering is awesome. Below, I’m sharing some of my favourite tips and tricks, as well as a discount code for some awesome accessories. Yay, more shopping!

Why Layer?

I have been really happy with the uber-mild November we have been having in Toronto. I’ve even had a chance to go tights-less this month (obviously captured that magnificent day on Instagram), which in these parts is basically unheard of. Regardless, the temperatures have allowed me to really indulge in fall, and fall fashion. It’s been nice to not have to go straight to the parka and winter!

So I have indulged in layering. It seems like a simple concept, but for some reason can be difficult to master. Sometimes it’s hard to find one, (just one) top to go perfectly with that bottom, be it pants, a skirt, or leggings. So why on earth should you struggle to find 2, 3 or 4 pieces that all work harmoniously!? Well my friend, for fashion of course! Why else?

Layering is actually easy, it just seems overwhelming. It is also one of the simplest ways to take your look from ordinary to fashionista, while keeping cozy and comfortable of course.

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Details & Dimension

I love wearing leggings. A shiny/liquid pair can really step-up your look. Leggings can look sloppy and athletic, a bit of shine goes a long way towards making your look a little less casual. My number one rule of course is that your privates remain private. Come on, the point of leggings is not to show everyone all the details of your ‘business’ down there, it’s to get away with an elastic waist without being in sweat pants, right!? Haha! Comfort is one reason I love them!

In this case, I really love the sheer-quality of this green tank-top. I like to mix materials (cotton, wool, silk) to add texture and dimension. A tank, or spaghetti strap top is a good place to start, especially if you have a few that are a little longer and work with leggings. This top is asymmetrically cut, to be longer at the back, so I wore it backwards! Why not? Shh, no one will know…except for all of you guys now! This layer can add interest, be it with the bottom sticking out, or the straps around your neckline. Layers make it interesting!

[Tweet “When layering, mix materials: cotton, wool, silk. An easy way to add texture and dimension.”]

Now, for something with some warmth I added a simple sweater on top. The length isn’t all that important since my backwards-top has taken care of rule #1! I chose it as it’s long-sleeved and on this windy day I knew I would need it (have you seen my crazy hair in these photos)? It’s also simple, and allows me to inject some colour with accessories.

And for the final layer, a big woolly sweater! With enough warmth underneath I didn’t need a jacket. These sweaters can be challenging to wear under a jacket as they are bulky and warm on their own (so then you’re sweltering, that’s bad layering). I find the best way to wear sweaters like these is on their own, keeping warm layers under, not over!

Final Touches

Lastly, on this sunny day, I also grabbed my awesome new wood (yes, made of wood) sunnies. How cool is that!? Beautifully made by GOWood (even the case it came in is pretty), who offers free shipping for my fellow Canadian friends. Hooray! They’ve also given me an exclusive discount to share with everyone so you can get yourself a pair at 15% OFF. Just enter STRUCKBLOG15 when you order, and if you also want a cool wooden phone case, it will work for that too! I couldn’t help myself, it’s too cute. (This promotion has ENDED but make sure to check out their annual Christmas contest for some free goodies).

The final touch is obviously the accessories, can’t live without them. I love adding colour with a scarf or purse, and it can simplify the process if you’re keeping your outfit simple. Add colour with accessories so you don’t have to worry too much about coordinating colours as well. Now that I think about it, I’ve even layered my vintage purse by adding a broach on top for some bling! Accessories, like a scarf, sunglasses and a purse are definitely the final touch you’ll need to complete the layering look.

So, be not afraid my friends, it’s easy to add a little laying into your life. Just remember mix materials to add interest to any outfit, cover up what needs to be (ha), add some colour with accessories and voila! Fashionable and cozy. Stay warm fashionistas!

Wearing:
Sunglasses and phone case from GOWood, find the shades here, and the phone case here.
Forever 21 wool sweater, find similar here, and here.
H&M shiny/liquid leggings, find similar here, and here.
Booties, check out a closer look and similar styles: “A Bootie-ful Fall”.

Anna

Disclosure: I received the wooden accessories from GOWood in exchange for inclusion in this post, all of the photos, opinions and silly comments are my own of course.