By Gretta Monahan
It’s finally chilly enough to need more than just one shirt or sweater. Layers are among the coziest ways to stay toasty and adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day, as well as change up our look as we go from office to lunch to after-work events. So now’s a great time to brush up on the tricks to great-looking layering that doesn’t add unwanted bulk.
In choosing pieces that fit best and flatter, follow these general rules:
• If your frame is petite or curvy, stay with fitted tops and sweaters that are slim knits. This helps show off your shape without adding unnecessary padding.
• Be wary of cuts that exaggerate areas you’d rather not call attention to. If you’re heavy in the waistline, stay away from boxy tops. And if you tend to be heavy in the hips and thigh area, stay away from layering on tops and sweaters that are too long.
• Full bustlines do best with flat-front cardigans, and steer clear of double-breasted looks and wide collars on coats and sweaters.
• If you’re very slim and tall with a small bust, go ahead and layer on knits that are chunky and oversized.
And now for the fun part: some inspirational styling combos I love that are modern, unexpected and expressive.
• Layering looks for work to post-work play can be the most versatile and are great to experiment with. I love adding an extra layer of warmth between a button-front shirt and a jacket with a funnel-neck knit. (A sleeveless top or, again, a thin-knit top will avoid bulking up.)
• To take an office-appropriate outfit to sassy date-night status, start with a thin black turtleneck, top it with a sophisticated button-down, and finish with a cotton knit in a pretty, standout color. This looks especially great with a trim-fitting pant or skirt. On weekends, toss a camisole on over a long- or short-sleeve T-shirt (use a skinny shirt to keep from adding bulk); the funky combo looks fab with a long skirt and a flash of leggings peeking out. Top it off with anything from a cool moto jacket to a medium-to-light-weight cable knit. For even more whimsy, pick a cami in a fun print. The whole ensemble can take you anywhere from painting lessons and play dates to road trips in warm, versatile style.
