The Art of Layering-Ayo Style!

Posted in: Blog, Creative Ideas, Seminars/Classes, Style Corner by Ms. Ayo Fashola on September 24, 2011 2:39 pm

I refuse to believe I cannot look stylish and stay warm. I’ve heard from a few Chicagoans that when it’s cold,  looking stylish is the last thing I’ll think about.

This may very well indeed be true, but for a northern transplant from the south, I have to say I’m feeling pretty cold right now. While I’ll cross that bridge when its 20 below zero, I plan to become more experimental and have lots of fun with layers. Layering is never something I considered much living in Dallas. A light jacket and a sweater is enough to get me through the Christmas holidays, but by the time its necessary to pull out a wool coat, the first signs of spring begin to appear. Ahhh, not so much in Chicago. Toward the end of September feels like a Dallas November morning. I refuse to wear fleece jackets or pullovers as an every day attire. I can see doing that if I’m making a quick dash to the grocery store, but since I’m an entrepreneur and I have the potential of meeting prospective clients at any and every turn, here are a few looks I’m experimenting with until It’s necessary to add  heavier and bulky layers.

As a 30 something, its important to me that while I stay warm, I also express a touch of sophistication. I find learning how to do this to be both challenging and fun. Since I don’t have an unlimited budget, its essential that I stretch my current pieces out for maximum effect.

 

Layering is also the perfect way to dress when you are unsure of what the weather is going to do. If it is colder than expected you can add another layer. if it is warmer than expected just remove one layer. Layering is also a very flattering way to dress as long as you get it right. Layers help to create a smooth outline and skim over any lumps and bumps.

 

Think about lengths, arms and necklines and how they will work together. It usually works best if you layer shorter layers over longer ones. Short sleeves worn over long sleeves and low necklines over high necklines all give a really interesting layered look.

 

Think carefully about how the colours, textures and thickness of fabrics will work together. Lots of different textures will make an interesting outfit, layering in the same colour will have a really subtle effect and lots of similar colours worn together will often look great for example different shades of grey.

 

Adding layers can adapt a piece of summer clothing for the autumn or winter. Think about wearing a summer dress over a long sleeved top or adding a long cardigan. Usually thin layers work best as they can be layered with out creating too much bulk although on the coldest of winter days, you may get away with layering thick knits.

One of the best things about layering is that it can be used to create lots of different outfits with the same clothes. One top or dress can be transformed in so many ways depending on what you choose to layer it with. It also is a great way to create interest in a outfit. Different colours and fabrics can be layered over each other to create all sorts of interesting effects. A wardrobe that is built around layering pieces is a very versatile wardrobe that can easily be combined in different ways according to the weather of occasion

I hope you’ve been inspired by my style ideas. Have fun this fall season.  What ideas do you have that I had not considered?

To find out how to create a signature style without spending a fortune, click here 

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