Wardrobe wisdom: Layering

Two models with curly hair, dressed in layered sweaters and scarves, run dynamically against a minimalistic backdrop.

Wardrobe wisdom: Layering4 ways to get the most out of your clothes

Sick of your clothes? Instead of buying something new, try these layering trends to create new shapes and outfits. The best part? It’s free, avoids textile waste and the usage of environmental resources that come with producing new garments.

By Nayeun Kim

14 September 2024 · 3 min read

Transitioning into a new season is the universe’s way of calling for a refresh and reset. It’s also a chance to show off a new outfit or even (if you dare) experiment with a new style. But before you jump at buying a brand new wardrobe — and potentially break the bank — consider this: layering.

Unless you’ve been on a digital detox in the Arctic this year, chances are you’ve noticed layering trends just about everywhere. Ultimate cool girl Zoë Kravitz brought back the ’90s-inspired slip dress over t-shirt trend, while the Sandy Liang girls grew out of their bows for suited-up, corporate-friendly layering. The layering OGs, Olsen twins, passed down their knowledge for The Row’s SS25 collection — and solidified the skirt-over-pants trend as the official look of the season in the process. Tees over hoodies, tops on tops, and double (triple) up on scarves, new ways to create versatile outfit combinations are popping up at every corner. And why not? It’s fun, creative…and who doesn’t want to build different looks to suit exactly their taste?

But in case you’re the ‘need to see it to believe it’ type, check out the four layered outfits below that highlight this ingenious method of maximising the number of looks. This is real maths, people!

Not enough tank tops

Can this wardrobe staple get any better? Possibly rivalling the plain white t-shirt as a universal favourite, it’s safe to assume a solid variation of tank tops are floating around in different shades and styles — spaghetti strap, racerback, muscle tank, low neck, high neck, relaxed — in the drawer, which makes this one perfect layering piece. No need to throw away that white tank top that accidentally ended up in colour wash either — when the singlets are doubled up, tripled up, or more, each layered look will feel brand new.

Smart staples, smart layering

Respect the scarf

Yes, layering knitwear (sweaters specifically) has long been a thing or a necessity if living in Northern Europe. But have you tried wearing multiple scarves at once? No sir, sometimes, a single scarf simply does not cut it. When weighing the options between looking chic or cocooning yourself, why not just wear two? Keep the cold out with the first, and with the other, drape it over your shoulder Parisian style. Have 3? Go full Rick Owens mode.

Building new silhouettes

Fashion wizardry autumn?

Did brat summer make you feel seen? Do you charge at full speed and live in the extremes? Well, welcome to extreme layering. No messing around, we’re multiplying every component. It’s saying ‘see ya’ to less-is-more, and utilising your wardrobe to the fullest — we mean it, you might need to pull out every single piece you own. Long sleeve under a t-shirt, over a button-up shirt, secured with a bustier, and a skirt-belt to match, that sits over your trousers [catch breath] — the possibilities are endless, making the unexpected happen, and frankly, having fun dressing up again. Abracadabra, the looks are multiplying.

For extreme layering

Let’s get ~weird~ on denim on denim

We love you Britney and JT and love to see it, but let’s be honest — that famous denim x 2 image scared us off attempting a denim-on-denim look ourselves. But can you call yourself a true style enthusiast if you don’t give it another go? Our advice is don’t stop at a couple of denim pieces, it’ll only end up looking matchy-matchy. To avoid faux pas, add multiple denim pieces to elevate the outfit. Hot tip: try the skirt-over-trousers trend to add asymmetry — that’s what this off-tilt layering look is all about!