MEN’S FASHION & STYLE GUIDE
The 7 Laws To Abide By When Layering Clothes
Layering is simply a way of combining your clothing so that it functions properly and is aesthetically pleasing.
What is outfit layering? Simply put, it is basically the number of clothing pieces one wears while styling an outfit.
Layering is a common trend in the men’s fashion industry and a lot of people are jumping onto this trend. Some do so based on necessity (such as layering clothes for cold weather), while for some others it’s strictly based on their style preference (basically, as an expression of their personal style and fashion consciousness).
The question remains – do you know the basic rules to abide by when layering? Do you really know what outfits to mix and match and the exclusions?
If you are still struggling with the topic of “layering”, then this article is for you. If you are new to this concept, consider this your Layering Basics – an introductory guide.
In this article, we’ll be listing with explicit explanations the 7 rules to abide by when LAYERING different outfit styles. By all means, feel free to return to this article for any questions you may have when trying to pull off a well-layered look for a range of occasions.
THE 7 LAWS TO ABIDE BY WHEN ‘’LAYERING’’
1: LAYER YOUR CORPORATE OR FORMAL OUTFITS IN A STYLISH WAY
When it comes to styling corporate outfits such as suits, monochrome layering is the classic choice and looks elegant and stylish. If you wish to introduce a different colour for your base layer (e.g. your dress shirt), use plain or light colours of white or pale hues. This includes powder blue, light blue, baby pink, and lilac shirts e.g. Black Suit & White Shirt, Navy Blue Suit with Light Blue shirt, Brown Suit and Light Pink shirt, Gray Suit and Lilac shirt, etc.
For your vest (in the case of a three-piece suit), you have three options. You can either use exact same fabric for both jacket and vest, use the same colour for both or use colours and fabrics that complement each other. This way you maintain the high formality of your corporate outfit by sticking to colours and fabrics that work well together without being too outlandish, flamboyant, or brightly coloured.
2: LAYER YOUR CASUAL & SMART CASUAL OUTFITS WITH A STYLISH MEN’S CASUAL JACKET
Pulling off the layered look for a casual ensemble is about nailing the divide between smart and casual, and adding a nice jacket as an extra layer of clothing. A casual jacket is one of the best menswear pieces for layering a casual or smart casual look. All you need to do is wear a stylish chinos or jeans, pair it with a solid colour t-shirt and layer it with any of the stylish jacket options such as the bomber jacket, denim, leather, trucker etc.
Don’t forget to spruce up your look by wearing the right accessories, such as a classy man bag, a statement wristwatch, and a few casual bracelets (such as beaded bracelets) and feel free to sprinkle a dash of sprezzatura effect to your outfit look.
3: TUCK-IN – WHEN IN DOUBT!!
Whenever you are layering for any type of event, be it casual or business, you should consider tucking in the inner layer of clothing.
I have seen so many people looking shabby by leaving their inner layer clothing tucked out when they should be tucked in. I would just say, when in doubt – tuck in the first layer of clothing underneath.
The style maestros amongst us could pull off a stylish layered look even when the inner layer of clothing is tucked out. They do this consciously, stylishly, and with all sense of understanding of the risk involved and adding elements to the ensemble that will mitigate such risk. Well, they are masters at it!
4: DRESS UP YOUR SUIT LOOK BY LAYERING WITH OVERCOATS FOR COLD WEATHER
Men’s overcoats can be layered with a range of other clothing items such as a turtleneck for a minimal layer option, and when you want multiple layers, it can be an addition to a complete three-piece suit. Basically, layering with an overcoat can be adapted as a style option for a wide range of occasions, both semi-formal, business casual, and sometimes smart-casual looks.
In our previous article, we talked about how you can style your wears with vintage coats, you can read more about that here.
5: DRESS UP YOUR CASUAL LOOK BY LAYERING YOUR UNDERSHIRT OR PLAIN WHITE T-SHIRT WITH A VEST OR CARDIGAN
The best base layer for cold weather is a close-fitting undershirt or a plain white t-shirt. Undershirts are usually considered inner layers as they lie against the skin and can be completely hidden.
If you choose to style your layered outfit using an undershirt or a plain white t-shirt, you should consider using V-neck undershirts (or t-shirts). Then, pair them appropriately with a nice low-neck-cut sweater, vest, hoodie, or cardigan. These pieces are available in a variety of styles and patterns which gives you a number of outfit layering options. The denim or chino look with a white undershirt/t-shirt and a cardigan over it is one of the most styled layerings by men.
6: LAYER WITH CREW NECK OR V-NECK SWEATERS FOR AN EFFORTLESSLY STYLISH LOOK
This trend is prevalent as we see it these days. The V-neck typically looks dressier than its crewneck counterparts, so when worn over a dress shirt, you should tuck in the shirt and may add a knit tie if required (this is optional). For crewnecks, they can be worn over collared shirts – tucked or untucked. Also, make sure the sweater is not too baggy or oversized and not too tight either. It should just be the right fit to accommodate the inner layer.
Read: 7 Different Types Of T-Shirt Necklines You Should Know
7: ADD AN EXTRA TOUCH OF ELEGANCE BY LAYERING WITH A STYLISH SCARF
This final point is more like a sure way to further elevate your layered look. Scarves will instantly spruce up any look whether formal or casual with great ease. A business or formal look can be maintained by layering a scarf over a pair of chino or dress trousers, a dress shirt and a blazer, sports coat or suit jacket. For a casual look, you can go for a denim jacket, a casual shirt, jeans, or plaid trousers with a scarf.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The beauty of this topic is the fact that layering can differentiate you from looking like an average Joe to looking like a classy well-dressed gentleman.
For most people, there is typically one visible layer of clothing which includes their shirts and trousers. Sometimes they could dress it up using a menswear jacket and add other essential clothing accessories to spruce up the look.
By simply putting on an outer ensemble, and of course, by following the rules stated above you can master the art of layering.
Thank you so much for stopping by and for reading till the end. Until next time, continue to do well, live well, and dress really well. Stay Classy, always!
READ NEXT: 5 Tips On How To Look Better In Suits
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