Layering is a pragmatic way to meet the clothing needs of many different situations. Knowledgeable layering protects us when the temperature is cold and also protects us when it is hot. Layering also allows us to meet our desire to be creative in how we wear our clothes. Layering suggests to us we can become sculptors of garments. These two approaches inform the choices you may make when it comes to the kind of textile, the weight and texture of the fabric. Layering, even when sculpting, is also cost effective because it allows you to use the same garments in different ways and in different combinations that create entirely new looks. Layering also allows you to incorporate color in interesting ways.
Layering has been a necessity this winter in New York when the temperatures have fluctuated between freezing and high 50’s within the space of a day. In the look above I have three sweaters, each a different knit and material. As you can see in this photo I have removed a layer as the day became warmer. I have included pieces with different lengths, weights and each having interesting shapes, textures and draping. Every layer can be removed if necessary and so the piece closest to my skin must be able to stand on its own.
On other days I have styled each of these sweaters with other garments when wearing this same color blocked wool skirt. The length of the skirt and the fold adds extra warmth. My friend has chosen a scarf with three medium weight layers (additively becoming quite warm) and has added a layer of purple to her usual black. She can choose to reveal the color or hide the color, changing the look of the outfit. This versatile scarf allows her to wear a just a jacket and a beautiful luminescent dress on a very cold day.
Accidental Icon Wears
Outermost Sweater: Yohji Yamamoto, Middle Textured Sweater: Junya Watanbe, High Necked Draped Sweater, Junya Watanbe, Grey/Black Color Blocked Wool Skirt: Comme des Garçons, Draped Bag: Comme des Garçons, Black Lace-up Boots: Marsell
For more inspiration see my Pinterest Board, Accidental Icon Loves Layered Conversations
Great layering thoughts,Lyn. Can we see your friend’s designs somewhere?
Where I live in the SW desert, more often than not there is a 30-40 degree swing between the early morning temperature and the afternoon high. Layers are essential–and so fun to work with creatively. What I have been contemplating for the past few months is how I might translate this into summer wear, when the swing is from very warm in the morning to extremely hot in the afternoon. Even light layers become impossible to work with, except for the fact that indoor spaces can be over-airconditioned. Then one appreciates a little extra something.
My latest idea is to create some whisper light layers–handpainted silk made into loose garments like kimonos and flowy vests. They may still feel like too much. We’ll see.
Love both of your layering effects.
I have to find a system that works for me and the weather. My issue is that I prefer to wear sleeves( 3/4 or more). Too many sleeves in layering and variation in temperatures from 50 degrees to 70’s and it gets hot and also uncomfortable. If the fabrics don’t work together, lumps and bumps appear.
I still think designers can come up with much better fabric weights and textures for layering. I do like the Japanese esthetic, because they seem to understanding fabrications better. I’d love to see a line of clothes that were designed to be layered together in many different ways. I’ll take a look at your pinterest.
Thanks for this post.