Posts Tagged: layering

Style Alchemy

by Sally on in the category: style

clothes style wearer

In my opinion, clothes are what we wear to keep ourselves warm and protected from the elements. Style, however, has social foundations. Style has to do with consensus – trends and aesthetics that have been agreed upon by multiple people – and with etiquette, relationships, and perceptions. Even those who have style that is as far as possible from the accepted norms have it, at least in part, because their peers acknowledge it. You don’t need style to move through human society, you just need clothes. But the people who are actively interested in style and in being stylish will always be fascinated by rules, flattery, trends, and techniques of building outfits. Those things tap the social aspects of style. read more

Originally posted 2013-10-02 06:36:21.

Reader Request: Versatile Layered Outfits

by Sally on in the category: reader requests, style

Reader Susannah sent me this request via e-mail:

I thought it might be interesting to do a post on layering, with a focus on making every layer look coherent and intentional … I put together an intentionally layered look, but if it gets hot during the day, the bottom layer may look strange by itself, might be too sheer or tight of a tank top, or balance awkwardly with the pants or skirt. For hot days when you know you’ll be going in and out of air-conditioned buildings, for example. It’s challenging to make layered outfits that work both with and without that outer layer that you need indoors. read more

Originally posted 2013-07-08 06:56:19.

Late-breaking Layering Tip

by Sally on in the category: shopping

Why tank tops are ideal for winter layering.

I moved to Minnesota after spending two years living in San Francisco. That was 13 years ago, and I am STILL re-learning how to layer. Although I’ve cooked up a post that contained my main layering tips, I’ve found myself dishing out this particular piece of advice to readers and clients recently and thought it was worth sharing.

Many layering issues arise from trying to fit sleeves inside of other sleeves. Even if your outer garment is lined in a slippery material – and that’s a big “if” – long-sleeved shirts shoved into long-sleeved blazers, jackets, and sweaters can feel tight and awkward. If it’s cold enough, you might not care. But in my experience, multiple layers over your arms don’t add all that much to your total body warmth. Warmth generally radiates outward from your core, so keeping your core warm will help keep your whole self warm. read more

Originally posted 2013-03-15 06:25:39.