Dear Oligo Editor: How Do I Layer Without Looking Crazy?

Dear Oligo Editor,

Every time I try to layer my clothes I end up looking like a crack-head. I pair my hippie skirts with my work blazers or my plaid flannel under my polka-dot dress. I resemble Cheerios mixed with cream of mushroom soup—not cute. How can I pull off this layering trend without looking like a nut-job?—Cracked-Out in Colorado

Dear Cracked-Out,

Put down the pipe—and you’re footless lace tights—down, help is here!

The best thing about learning to layer is that you can click refresh on your wardrobe’s browser without spending any dough. Another fabulous benefit of becoming a layering-queen (or king) is that your clothes are no longer season specific. (Personally, I’m a layering empress!) First of all, you must understand that layering does not mean wearing two trends at the same time—that’s just unacceptable. When layering your clothes, stick to one trend, look, and concept. Also beware of a tendency to go overboard and end up looking over-clothed.

A great place to start is to take a long sleeve shirt and wear it under a tank top or t-shirt. Stick to the same color scheme, or wear complementary colors. Feel free to mix and match prints with solids. Then, throw a sweater or cardigan over your tops. Wrap a brightly colored scarf or shawl around your neck. Stick to some neutral bottoms like jeans or cords and you’re look is complete. Also, let your layers peek out a bit by pulling the long-sleeves of your shirt out under your cardigan.

I also love wearing collared or long sleeved shirts and blouses under dresses. They make a summer dress fall friendly. Create a layered look on the bottom half by wearing tights, leggings, or stockings in boots. It’s also fun to stick some skinny jeans in your boots for a euro-chic take on a layered look. Lastly, remember to never wear something baggy under something tight, a novice-layering faux pas.

Essential Items:

• Basic T-shirts and long sleeved shirts
• Blouses
• Solid color sweaters
• Cardigans
• Printed, colorful scarves
• Shawls
• Knee-length dresses
• Tights and stockings
• Knee-hitting socks
• Leggings
• Denim (jeans, skirts, shorts, jackets)
• Classic boots
• Casual flats

Once you open your mind to layering, you will open your wardrobe to infinite possibilities.

Photos courtesy of our Flickr Trendsters