Clever Styling Tricks to Master Fall Layering
Transitional dressing is tricky—here's a foolproof way to make it easier.
Whenever I'm in a fashion funk, I rely on a few layering outfit formulas to get me through the transition, especially in the fall. Getting dressed every morning is like a muscle; creating the perfectly layered look takes practice and some styling tips and tricks to inspire you— a la-the-shirt sandwich formula. Experimenting with the season's trendiest colors and in-demand pieces is all well and good, but any fashion expert will tell you that playing with proportions is the true secret to fall layering.
Celebrity stylist Ariel Tunnell relies on the "rule of three" approach to getting dressed in the fall. She recommends starting with a T-shirt or tank top, topping it with a sweater or sweatshirt, and then picking a heavier fall jacket or coat. "I always recommend using lightweight layers and to keep textures complimentary, so they don't compete with one another," she notes. Keeping her general rule in your head prevents you from creating an outfit that adds unnecessary bulk. "The key is to be strategic with visual elongating tactics to offset the width of thicker layers and voluminous styles," says Lwany, the writer behind Petite Fashion Weekly, a newsletter dedicated to shoppers under 5'4."It's about striking a balance," she says.
Ahead, check out eight easy-to-replicate layering outfits perfect for transitional weather, chic fall work outfits, and even going-out outfits. All are inspired by the chicest recent street style moments in Copenhagen and New York, alongside secret styling hacks from the pros.
A Long Shirt (Or Dress) and Jeans
Make the retro trend feel modern again by opting for oversized version of a wardrobe basic.
While not all 2000s fashion trends should be revisited again, layering dresses over jeans is one to explore in 2024. The technique has been on my mind since Gigi Hadid expertly layered a dress over jeans in May. You can swap her knit dress for a lightweight button-down shirt to make the ensemble work for warmer temperatures.
A Sheer Base An Oversized Jacket
Sheer pieces are wearable when you opt for ones in neutral hues. Teaming them with fall layers like a leather blazer adds warmth.
The sheer trend is still going strong as we head into fall. Layer your gauzy pieces under an oversized leather jacket to make them work for cooler temperatures. This way, you can make your maxi dress look like a chic sheer skirt. A leather blazer is more put-together (and more versatile) than a traditional biker or bomber jacket.
Denim on Denim With a T-Shirt
Double denim ensembles are cool right now, and this is an easy way to make them work in your day-to-day.
Canadian Tuxedos are cool again for 2024 and have been approved by both Beyoncé and Sydney Sweeney. Styling a denim shacket (short for shirt-jacket) over a white tank top with matching light-wash jeans is an easier take on the trend. You can either wear the shacket tucked in or worn open.
Shorts and a Long Jacket
This cozy-cool ensemble works on warmer transitional days. Trench coats are a classic, so they make trendier items feel more wearable.
As fall weather settles in, make your trendy boxer-style shorts work for you by styling them alongside longer layers—like a classic trench coat—and a cozy striped sweater. The result is surprisingly easy to wear. "This silhouette creates an intriguing visual effect that can be very flattering on petite frames," says Lwany. Lean into the quirky styling trick by teaming Mary-Jane flats with matching bunched-up socks and accessorizing with a celebrity-approved baseball cap.
A Sweater Vest, Tee, and Wide-Leg Trousers Combo
Sweater vests are great for when you're feeling cold but you don't want to go all-in on a turtleneck.
Fun fact about me: I love sweater vests. They're warm yet lightweight, perfect for warm days that get cold at night. Break free from the preppy styling stereotypes by teaming yours with an oversized T-shirt and a pair of classic black trousers. Also, opting for a fun vest—either printed or metallic as opposed to neutral—adds some spice to the basics.
Neutral Layers and a Pop of Color
A bright red sweater—tied as a scarf—is a fun way to keep your monochromatic outfits feeling fresh.
Last fall, I noticed everyone styling sweaters like scarves at New York Fashion Week. This is me telling you it's not just a street style fad—it's a smart styling trick, especially when you tend to wear monochromatic outfits. A trendy red sweater works harder when layered with the rest of your all-black outfit.
Leather Mixed Textures
Leather and Luxe Fabrics
A maximalist approach to layering is so fun. Choosing heavier knits and luxe fabrics is the way to go.
Layering doesn't mean you have to only play with classic shapes and silhouettes. Opting for leather trousers, a maximalist furry coat, and a lush cashmere sweater proves the more-is-more approach is underrated when it comes to the art of layering.
A Hoodie and Cozy Layers
Cozy layers—like a hoodie layered under a teddy coat—are the secret to keeping warm in the early fall.
Follow Tunnell's three-layer rule using this outfit formula. The third layer—in this case, a teddy coat—is the perfect cozy option. Chic sweatpants and a pair of matching black sneakers complete the look.
Meet The Experts
Ariel Tunnell is a Los Angeles based celebrity stylist and accessory lover. Current clients include Stephanie Beatriz, Rachel Bloom, Poppy Liu, Lauren Ash, Melissa Fumero, and Abby Elliott.
Lwany is a petite fashion expert on a mission to empower women of shortened proportions through personal style. Over her 15-year career, she has collaborated with renowned photographers and styled celebrities like Sofia Richie and Gabriette for publications such as Teen Vogue, Flaunt, and Interview. Lwany is the creator of the Petite Fashion Weekly™ newsletter and regularly shares petite-style content on Instagram and YouTube, uplifting Shorties literally and figuratively!
