What do I wear on days that are freezing in the morning and warm by lunchtime?
Short answer (if you don’t want to read any further): LAYERED outfits (gasp), but layering done in a very intentional way!
The trick is to shift your focus from “these layers are just about temperature control” to “I’m going to use these layers to make my outfit feel pulled together at every stage.” This positions your outfit so that, as you remove one layer, a lighter or different one steps in to keep the outfit feeling F*CK YEAH. I call this the step-in layer method.
Ok, so if you're still with me, let's talk about this in more depth.
The logical place to start with any outfit decision is a simple check of what practical requirements it needs to meet for the day ahead. This includes a check on what the temperature has in store. And let’s be real: at this autumnal time of year, that can be more unpredictable than how many hot flashes I might get today!
As a result, you’re left standing in front of your wardrobe scratching your head, feeling a little bit stressed and overwhelmed, trying to decide what to put on. It needs to work for weather fluctuations, but also not fall apart as a stylish, cohesive outfit that makes you feel F*ck Yeah if you need to de-layer at some point during the day. We’ve all seen the Instagram posts where the coat finishes the outfit, but what’s underneath falls flat on its own, haven't we?
In this blog, I’m going to decode how to layer like this, including how the step-in layer works, and give you some ideas to try. After reading, your job is to take those ideas and translate them into outfits that align with your personal style.
(BTW, if you’re thinking “I don’t know what my personal style is,” watch this quick video I made on Instagram, which gives you the first two steps to take: Watch here)
Let’s crack on.
Why does your base layer matter most?
So let’s be real: if the day heats up so much that you have to strip down to nothing but your base layer, you might be past caring what you look like! But if you do care (which you might), your base layer needs to stand on its own with an accessory or 3 as a finished outfit.
So that’s the first question to think about: If I’m down to this base layer + accessories, will I feel comfortable? (As someone who hates ironing, even I will pull the iron out when I answer this question!)
Sidenote: When you‘re layering, what you choose to have closest to your skin is important. I usually go for a cotton layer, button-down shirts being a firm favourite. Any items made from silk or fine merino work too. I try to avoid choosing synthetics as my base for sensory reasons and also because, by default, those can make you run hotter and stripping your base completely off isn’t part of this strategy!
In the situation where you do end up down to your base, a few small tweaks are often all it takes to make it work on its own.
When you have your base layers on, before you move on, do a quick check-in. Can I picture this working with an accessory or 3 and a few tweaks? If yes, good; now you can move forward and add more layers!
What is the step-in layer method?
Remember the step-in layer I mentioned at the start? As one layer comes off, a lighter or different one steps in to keep the outfit feeling F*ck Yeah. It’s pretty simple once your brain has seen a few examples in action, so let’s go forensic in pictures. Here’s the full strip-down from the full outfit down to the base bones!
Style notes (reading pic top left to bottom right):
Morning: Start with the full outfit
Jacket off: the long-sleeve top becomes the top layer.
Long-sleeve top off, but it doesn’t disappear. It’s slung over the shoulders like a scarf.
Restyled: tied across the body.
Down to the base: the pearls get lost against the white shirt…
…so the tie in my bag steps in to bring back contrast. **
and 8. Stripped right back: the hat and accessories come off, showing how much work they were doing!
**Getting dressed, I realised that if I ended up down to just my shirt, the pearls would disappear against the white. So I threw a black tie in my bag. That’s the step-in layer: planning what takes over before you need it.
As demonstrated below, you also don’t always have to peel off the outermost layer. Sometimes it’s the middle one that goes.
Y ou also don’t always have to peel off the outermost layer. Sometimes it’s the middle one that goes!
Using clothes as accessories
In the pics above, when the sweatshirt came off, it didn’t disappear. It became an accessory instead, and that’s one of my favourite tricks for in-between days: embrace clothes as accessories. A jumper slung over the shoulders, a shirt tied round the waist like a half-skirt, a top worn as a belt or a shawl are all good options, and there are a ton of different ways to do it.
And here are 6 more ideas on how you can use a top as an accessory here: https://www.theholisticpersonalstylist.com/blog/the-not-accessory-accessory-thats-hiding-in-your-wardrobe
What about actual Accessories?
I’m not going to do a full-on accessories tutorial here, but just know this about me: I will die on the hill that accessories are one of your wardrobe BFF’s because they can be absolute outfit changers!
Statement earrings and layered necklaces can do a lot of heavy lifting and make an outfit still feel fuck yeah even when it’s been stripped bare to the bones!! If scarves are your thing, those can be whipped from one area to another with no drama!
AND they are so transferable they are your most flexi, transportable friends!
(Check my bag on any day, and you’ll find my emergency accessory stash, which always contains at least one brooch and for the outfit above I added a tie too!)
Shoe choice is something else to think about. Could you add socks with a sandal or an MJ that could be whipped off later? Could you wear the wrong shoe that would keep things interesting? See this video if you want to know more about that style principle
What are colour nods and how do they help make my outfit feel cohesive?
As you choose layers, something else to think about is what I call colour nods. Colour nods are a simple way to make an outfit look and feel pulled together by repeating a colour in two or more places in your outfit, so the pieces feel connected.
Here’s an example of colour nods in action (you can also see them in the outfit above :)
So, as you choose your layers, keep this concept in mind.
And ask these questions:
Where are your colour nods?
What happens if you take one of them off?
Is there a replacement? Is there a replacement, or can the item you take off be used as an accessory so it still exists?
Time to translate this into your style
To conclude, anything I share about style isn’t about encouraging you to copy outfits; I’m giving you methods and principles to apply to your outfits, then decide you like the result. Does it give you the F*ck Yeah feeling? If it doesn't, then keep experimenting till it lands!
And when it comes to dressing for this time of year, as you layer your outfits together, the 2 main questions to keep in mind are:
How will this work when I take this bit off?
If I take this off, what can I do with it instead?
Ok, have fun layering the hell out of your outfits!!
Your layering cheerleader
Sarah xoxoxo
(Not sure what your personal style is yet? watch this video) And if you want to chat about how I can help, send me a message here
Quick reference style questions I get asked all the time on this topic
How do I layer without looking bulky?
Fair question, especially if your mental image of layering is five chunky jumpers under a parka (walking duvet vibes). Bulk usually happens when all your pieces are the same weight and length, so everything bunches in one place. Mix your lengths and let only one piece carry the volume. I go deeper on this in [How to Layer for Style Without Overheating][link].
What do I do with the layer I take off?
Wear it rather than carry it. Drape it over your shoulders, tie it at the waist or loop it over your bag strap, and it becomes part of the outfit.
What’s the best fabric for in-between weather?
Natural, breathable fibres like cotton, merino and linen blends. They keep you warm in the morning without trapping heat by lunchtime.
Do I need to buy new pieces to layer like this?
No. Layering is a technique, not a shopping list. It’s how you put together what you already own that makes it work.
