The Art of Layering

Layering is an art, but not the kind that takes only the educated eye to see and understand ("But it's just paint splotches! What do you mean it's a metaphor for the life of a leaf?!")

You can be good at layering if you just remember a few key things while shopping this time of year...

Lesson 1: Start stocking up on tanks that are fall colors. Deep jewel tones/blacks/grays are all good things to have in "shell" form. Those things will take you from a day in the sun to cozied (my word) under a sweater in seconds flat, so be sure to stock up.

Lesson 2: Patterns are your friend. I'm all about layering, but what sometimes holds me back is I never buy patterns. I would love to mix and match stripes with a floral print problem is I NEVER BUY FLORAL. Keep your eye on alert for patterns you love and don't be afraid to buy them, even if it's a piece that you don't totally love by itself. Remember yesterday and the denim jacket? That's what's going to do well toning down a loud zebra print while still giving you that pizzaz you were lookin for.

Lesson 3: Pay attention to sleeves. If you think a top is going to be good for layering-what are the sleeves like? If you wear it under a jacket are you going to have to turn sideways to get through the door? Is it going to do well, potentially under a thin sweater? A little sleeve line is alright, but when you've added bulk to your arms because the yellow peasant top is just something you had to have then it's only going to take you so far.

When you pick up a top, think about it over or under something-will it still work?

Shopping this way takes practice but in the long run it really makes your dollars work for you because you'll be able to pull double duty on what you buy.

Class dismissed! Tomorrow-read more spiff :)