Layering is an art that all fashionistas aim to perfect and excel in. It’s not just simply about piling one piece of clothing after another. Layering is all about mixing textures, playing with silhouettes, combining colors and harmonizing trends together in order to create a multidimensional visually interesting and appealing look.
Typically associated with the colder months of the year, layering has now spilled over to the warmer months. Style soldiers don’t just layer in the fall or winter, summer layering is a legitimate fashion movement too. Layering takes some skill and fashion savvy and when you’ve done it as expertly as these street style looks have, you can undoubtedly call yourself a true blue fashionista.
I’ve handpicked 13 of the best street style looks that show layering mastery. Jot down some notes, and apply your fashion learnings to your own style.
All white is a quintessential summer outfit. An unbuttoned silk shirt in a burnt orange hue gives these white separates a punch of color. It also adds an element of undone casual glamour.
Refresh your fall layering by wearing a pair of sheer tights underneath your super skinny jeans, it’ll be a nice and alluring sartorial surprise. Keeping the blazer fully buttoned also creates a stronger color statement when combined with blue and red.
Use summer closet items to keep your fall outfits interesting. A pair of leather shorts and white sneakers looks unexpected yet totally apropos with a chunky knit, a cozy scarf, and a luxe camel overcoat.
A sliver of your denim shirt underneath a warm cable knit sweater is grandpa chic meets urban styling. The cuffed jeans and red clutch are much needed details that sweeten up this look.
Leopard + stripes + buffalo check print equals a print on print layering extravaganza. This look manages to meld all those prints together without having it clash, the key here is choosing it in more neutral color palettes that are easy to mix and match.
When it gets way too cold that one coat can’t handle it, layer two on! There’s no fashion rule that says you can’t anyway. Putting on a nude coat over a buttoned bold colored one is a great style fix for those extra chilly days, it’s fashion without sacrificing comfort at its finest.
Leopard print is so chic, timeless, and versatile that most fashion pundits consider it a neutral print. A leopard print topper, like this one, is an excellent way to upgrade an all black ensemble. The leather moto jacket peeking out hints at texture layering.
A boxy leather shell top and a white classic button-down isn’t the typical match, but when layered together it’s a match made in fashion heaven. This closet pairing works brilliantly because of the texture as well as genre contrast, the traditional vs. modern and the tough leather vs. the relaxed white cotton/linen.
A clever styling trick to keep warm and snug is layering two scarves together. It’s also a great way to introduce more prints into your everyday attire. Just make sure that the prints you choose for your scarf will harmonize and complement each other, almost like they were meant to be worn together.
Get into the sport trend by opting for a varsity jacket to wear under your coat. Ditch your layering staples, i.e. your fave denim and leather moto jacket, for a day and take the athletic trend out for a spin.
Summer layering can be a bit tricky. This street style look, however, makes it looks effortless and easy. The sheer panel at the top makes it still look breezy and light, even with the leather jacket on. The flannel layered underneath just adds that extra print detail. The top handle bag and neon-laced sneaks are surprising accessories that work brilliantly in completing the look.
A T-shirt in a similar hue as the sweater is an ingenious layering tip that you can easily copy and personalize. The monochromatic layering maintains the ease of this look.
Leave it to Olivia Palermo to introduce and successfully pull off luxurious layering like this. A emerald green fur vest and a tweed coat with leather sleeves? Yes, please. She ups the ante of her jeans and sneaker combo further with her exotic croc skin frame bag.
Inspired yet? I know I am. Get to your closet stat, and start experimenting with layering different pieces, textures, and colors. Have fun ladies!
All Images from WhoWhatWear