Wearing a suit properly is difficult, but wearing a jacket with different layers of clothing to look pleasing to the eye (layering) requires the wearer to be on a completely different level.
What is layering and why is it fun?
As we know, layering is the way to arrange many layers of clothes in a harmonious way, with the ultimate goal of a beautiful, impressive outfit that suits the wearer’s style. It is more difficult than wearing a regular suit because it requires the wearer to “brainstorm” how to coordinate each item, instead of wearing a whole suit. If you are unlucky, you can turn yourself into a dressing disaster. Therefore, this game is certainly not for those who lack knowledge, aesthetics and basic dressing experience.
Reading this, you might be wondering: If so, why the hell do I need to layer? Wouldn’t it be easier to just wear a full suit, and at most add an overcoat on chilly days? Of course, but layering allows you to “play” with colors, with many outfits in your wardrobe displayed at the same time instead of just one or two boring ones, and gives you flexibility. Plus, layering is the privilege of winter. You can’t do it in the summer, so why not take advantage of “playing” with accessories, garments, and colors in the gloomy weather?
See more winter outfit suggestions at Tailor Bros’s FW lookbook 2024 HERE.
The Best Layering Items for Winter
- Cardigans
First and foremost, cardigan(s). It can be sleeveless or not, but it is essential to ensure the appropriate length. The appropriate length for a cardigan is usually the same as a vest in a 3-piece suit or a little longer. An easier way to define it is that it should just cover the waistband, not be too much longer to avoid a sloppy look overall. Color wise, navy blue and gray are the most applicable colors. In addition, you can choose more cheerful colors, such as yellow – beige, shades of brown, green…
- Sport coats
Obviously, a suit jacket would be too formal for this layering style, because their nature is different: suits need to go with an outfit, while layering includes many different items. Therefore, you need casual sport jackets if you want to wear layers effectively.
There are three factors to note for a sport coat to be a sport coat, avoiding being mistaken for a suit jacket separate from the outfit: Material, color and fit. In terms of material, it can have a little texture or pattern. In terms of color, it should be richer than a regular suit. And in terms of fit, it should be more spacious to accommodate the layers inside.
- Crewneck sweaters
Second is a couple of crewneck sweaters. Choose one in cashmere or similar, with a medium thickness to avoid bulk when layering. The length is also important, again make sure it’s not too long to avoid looking sloppy, as it will also be worn under the jacket.
- Crewneck white tees
A classic. Extremely comfortable, extremely easy to style. The key with a white t-shirt is to mix it with other layers that are more interesting and edgy, like denim shirts/jackets or sport coats. A small note is that for items that are on the inside (like a white tee), it looks better tucked in than put out.
- Shirts
If the white tee is a classic item but somewhat monotonous, then the shirt is something you can play with more and is no less classic. Feel free to choose the color, pattern, collar/cuff style of the shirt to suit your style, mix it with other items such as cardigans, sweaters, sport coats to have the most perfect layering outfit. Note to choose a material with texture so that it does not look too formal.
- Accessories
Accessories are small but extremely important in layering. They can be the subtle accent that completes your outfit, or can be the thing that destroys all your previous efforts. So don’t underestimate the importance of accessories. A tie with the right color/material, a cleverly chosen belt, or a delicately coordinated scarf will be necessary accents.
Conclusion
Of course, what we listed above are just the items that will help your layering game go more smoothly, not everything. You still need basic items in your wardrobe such as dress pants, jeans, casual jackets, shoes of all kinds… to really master the game. Don’t forget that dressing is a long journey, not a one-day trip. You need time, experience, and practice to know what really suits you as well as the layering style you are pursuing.
