Spring style: lessons in layering
Spring is in the air, and I like it. Sunnier, longer days, no ice to wipe out on while walking to work, and a return of the smoothie in replacement of hot chocolate, are all part of my seasonal overhaul. Although these telltale signs assist in transitioning me into warmer weather, as a fashionista, it's the retirement of my parka and boots that really works to signify that the pleasant skies are here to stay and the flowers will soon be blooming.
Come spring, I am definitely ready to replace heavy, bulky pieces for finer garments that are easier to wear, but despite the slight temperature increase, there is still some need for bundling; this is where the “art of layering” comes in. Thinner layers can be worn, and when worn in multiples, you can avoid that last bit of winter chill, while starting to enjoy the new spring styles.
One of the key layering items in any ensemble is the button-down shirt. Flannel, cotton, pin-striped, plaid, or plain, any button-down that suits your personal style will do just fine. Layered over a casual t-shirt or a slinky camisole, you can wear it either way. Top it off with an unzipped hoodie for comfort, or a cardigan for polish, but be sure to let the cuffs and collar peek out for contrast.
My spring coat of choice will forever be a leather bomber (they evoke such a “badass” vibe; just ask Adam Dick) but as of late, I have been finishing off my accouterments with a fur vest. Denim jackets are also soooo spring 2010. On my wish list? A hip-length cargo pocketed military throw-over. Marc Jacobs' adaptation, with its silk ruffles peeking out from below, and equipped with a leather waist-belt to match, is undoubtedly my dream version, but I'm beginning to try and become a more “price conscious shopper.” Its $2,040 price tag is just a bit too much of a shock, even for yours truly!
A thick, knit scarf is a great transitional spring piece, as well. If it's still a bit frosty in your area, don't rule out cotton scarves either. Plenty warm when wrapped around your neck, both kinds are available in spring-friendly colours and patterns.
Layering instantly adds interest to any outfit because when you mix pieces, you also mix colours, textures, and styles. Although I am a big fan of looking a teeny bit dishevelled, there is a method to my madness. Colours, patterns, and textures can and should be mixed — just keep it harmonized.
Grey, black, white, brown, cream and navy — “the neutrals” - are all great layering colours that will pair up well with any other shades you've chosen for your ensemble. For example: A black t-shirt can be worn with a poppy red plaid, so long as the hoodie or cardigan is in the neutral colour palette, and only one of the included pieces is patterned.
Mixing styles through layering is my very favourite way to add personal charm and let all of my style inspirations mesh together. This could mean mixing new trends with some of the classics, or balancing two separate fads evenly. I'm looking forward to combining my loose, cream lace (and very girly) tank with my previously mentioned black leather bomber, as well as pairing one of my sheer, sweet looking slips with that tough military coat that I'm on the hunt for.
By amalgamating trends (lingerie-inspired and military-borrowed, respectively) and styles (girlie and masculine), the layered look appears balanced, but never too painstakingly co-ordinated. Finding all the right pieces can be a bit tricky, but the carefree and stylish vibe that the layered look gives off will be worth every item that you scrounged for.
Come spring, I am definitely ready to replace heavy, bulky pieces for finer garments that are easier to wear, but despite the slight temperature increase, there is still some need for bundling; this is where the “art of layering” comes in. Thinner layers can be worn, and when worn in multiples, you can avoid that last bit of winter chill, while starting to enjoy the new spring styles.
One of the key layering items in any ensemble is the button-down shirt. Flannel, cotton, pin-striped, plaid, or plain, any button-down that suits your personal style will do just fine. Layered over a casual t-shirt or a slinky camisole, you can wear it either way. Top it off with an unzipped hoodie for comfort, or a cardigan for polish, but be sure to let the cuffs and collar peek out for contrast.
My spring coat of choice will forever be a leather bomber (they evoke such a “badass” vibe; just ask Adam Dick) but as of late, I have been finishing off my accouterments with a fur vest. Denim jackets are also soooo spring 2010. On my wish list? A hip-length cargo pocketed military throw-over. Marc Jacobs' adaptation, with its silk ruffles peeking out from below, and equipped with a leather waist-belt to match, is undoubtedly my dream version, but I'm beginning to try and become a more “price conscious shopper.” Its $2,040 price tag is just a bit too much of a shock, even for yours truly!
A thick, knit scarf is a great transitional spring piece, as well. If it's still a bit frosty in your area, don't rule out cotton scarves either. Plenty warm when wrapped around your neck, both kinds are available in spring-friendly colours and patterns.
Layering instantly adds interest to any outfit because when you mix pieces, you also mix colours, textures, and styles. Although I am a big fan of looking a teeny bit dishevelled, there is a method to my madness. Colours, patterns, and textures can and should be mixed — just keep it harmonized.
Grey, black, white, brown, cream and navy — “the neutrals” - are all great layering colours that will pair up well with any other shades you've chosen for your ensemble. For example: A black t-shirt can be worn with a poppy red plaid, so long as the hoodie or cardigan is in the neutral colour palette, and only one of the included pieces is patterned.
Mixing styles through layering is my very favourite way to add personal charm and let all of my style inspirations mesh together. This could mean mixing new trends with some of the classics, or balancing two separate fads evenly. I'm looking forward to combining my loose, cream lace (and very girly) tank with my previously mentioned black leather bomber, as well as pairing one of my sheer, sweet looking slips with that tough military coat that I'm on the hunt for.
By amalgamating trends (lingerie-inspired and military-borrowed, respectively) and styles (girlie and masculine), the layered look appears balanced, but never too painstakingly co-ordinated. Finding all the right pieces can be a bit tricky, but the carefree and stylish vibe that the layered look gives off will be worth every item that you scrounged for.
