Technically, there are hundreds of ways you can layer. You could conceivably throw on three of your warmest tops and rock a pair of thick pants under a warm(-ish) maxi skirt. While it might not be your best look, you'd definitely be cozy.
But layering isn't just about warmth anymore. This season, we're using layering to give our outfits dimension and edge. To help, we've put together a cheat sheet of five outfits that highlight the best ways you can wear a bunch of different pieces on top of each other this fall. With the looks ahead, the art of layering should feel like you're choosing your own adventure.
Click through, then take our tips and get creative.
Utilize Sheer
Try swapping your go-to long-sleeved black top for something sheer, instead — sheer tops and dresses are the easiest (and coolest) way to play around with layering. Pop a bomber jacket on top and push up the sleeves to your elbows to reveal the sheer sleeves underneath. Another way to play around with layering sheer pieces is by throwing a baggy short-sleeve tee on top of a sheer long sleeve.
JNCO Solid State Jeans, $69.90, available at JNCO; Universal Standard Thames Fog Dress, $80, available at Universal Standard; Who What Wear x Target Bomber Jacket, $39.99, available at Target; Opening Ceremony Cici Stretch-velvet Platform Sneaker, Cosmic Pink, $225, available at Bergdorf Goodman; Sorelle Helena Earrings Large, $175, available at Sorelle.
Double Up Your Coats
Wearing two coats is a genius way to add warmth and dimension to your outfit. While this example may be a bit warm for transitional weather, you can try a lighter windbreaker or denim jacket, instead of a puffer.
Bass Wynn Mule, $100, available at Urban Outfitters; Mango Herringbone Pattern Wool Coat, $249, available at Mango; Topshop Satin Puffer Jacket, $130, available at Topshop; Eve Denim Charlotte Culotte, $295, available at ShopSuperStreet; Pixie Market Top, available at Pixie Market.
Embrace The Hoodie
Hoodies are our new favorite sweater. They're super-cozy and they look radder than your crewneck sweaters and sweatshirts combined. Try wearing a hoodie with a pop of color and don't feel shy about layering bomber jackets, long rain coats, wool coats, or even roomy T-shirts on top.
Eloquii Baseball Jacket, starts at $49 for a monthly subscription, available at Gwynnie Bee; Eloquii Kady Fit Windowpane Pant, $89.90, available at Eloquii; MISBHV Hard Core Huge Hoodie, $267.19, available at MISBHV; Frye Gemma High, $228, available at Frye; Bao Bao Issey Miyake Lucent Basic Crossbody Bag, $355, available at MatchesFashion.
Go For Short Sleeves Over Long Sleeves
Short sleeves over long sleeves isn't just reserved for sheer pieces. This retro layering trick is back in a big way. To start, try layering with a fitted turtleneck and a T-shirt on top. If you're really daring, go for a baggy long sleeve with an equally baggy tee over it.
H&M Wide Leg Pants, $49.99, available at H&M; Urban Outfitters Vintage Miami Vice Shirt, available at Urban Outfitters; Justine Clenquet Gwen Hoops, $44.84, available at Justine Clenquet; Zara Leather Ankle Boots, $119, available at Zara; T by Alexander Wang Ribbed Wool Turtleneck Sweater, $195, available at Net-A-Porter.
Use Your Dresses As Tops
You probably know this trick, but as the temperatures drop, we're turning our dresses and tunics into tops as quickly as possible. Throw on a pair of jeans or trousers for an awesome way to avoid wearing tights. Sometimes, we're just not in the mood for them, but that doesn't mean you should forego your fave dresses.
Lane Bryant Striped Tie-waist Tunic, $59.95, available at Lane Bryant; Rachel Roy Curvy Ripped Jeans, $99, available at Macy's; Helmut Lang Flat Mules, $507.95, available at Farfetch; Le Specs The Last Lolita, $119, available at Le Specs; Kenzo Matte PVC Kenzo Tiger Bag, $116, available at Shop Super Street.
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