How to layer clothes and look sleek

Photos: Claire Pepper
Not sure whether it’s menopause or the unseasonably warm weather (what are we calling it? The False Spring from the South?) but I’m totally into layering, right now. Going for elegant, longer layers here with the two-coat approach. Obviously this is the next step up from the denim jacket and overcoat combo – and I’m stopping now before I get carried away and go full-on Balenciaga. Style tip: keep it sleek by choosing lightweight base layers. The item underneath the old Burberry trench is actually more of a coatigan, or a lightweight spring coat. It comes in an unlined, double-faced, woven, navy wool fabric (a gift from Hobbs, currently 20% off at John Lewis, HERE), is easy to throw on and off and could be great with a boiler suit…
With layering, the aim is to look effortless. But that takes a little effort – as I found during a clothes-wrangling session in my bedroom (I’ve never worn a coatigan before, what to do with it?) Outfits need to be properly thought out and coordinated, not just thrown together. Spend time figuring out what goes with what. Another key style tip for elegant layering is colour consideration, finding tones that sit together well. Some of my favourites include: navy and burnt orange, khaki and red, burgundy and teal – although head-to-toe matching colour creates a column shape and can look incredibly chic. I always prefer a neutral backdrop, which more often than not includes khaki or navy or both. But beige and white with navy has a timeless appeal. If that sounds a bit unadventurous then add a colourful t-shirt or base layer – a blast of red would boost this outfit – add a neckerchief or some bling-tastic jewellery to whoop things up. With layers either a necklace that sits at the base of the neck or a longer Chatelaine style is best.

Layer up, people, this false spring could end in frost.
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Looks great as usual Alyson. Yes the spring like conditions have been great but caught me unawares this week in too many layers of wool on a very warm day. Best solution I found for gallery going was a printed silk shirt under a black cashmere cardigan. Layering easy. Scarves and wool coat off as day progressed. Cotton socks not black nylon knee length ones. Like you in the photographs I have many beige raincoats. Max Mara old and favourite ones from
Bicester village design outlet. Hadn’t embraced spring to that extent. Tomorrow is the meteo logical start of spring apparently. So on with the lighter coats and raincoats. And colourful silk scarves to add warmth, softness and some colour to warm complexion round the face.
I agree that one has to try the layering combinations ahead of time to check armholes of coats if layers of cardigans added for example. I’m in agreement on tonal colour combinations also and mixes of things like khaki olive tones with red as you mention but I also like it with teal and Aqua And the French like camel and warm brown cinnamon colours with leopard with red accents, shoes, boots or bag. Experimenting in front of the mirror to generate unexpected mixtures of textures, prints, colours is key. A point you emphasise in your book.