If you weren’t already aware via the Instas of pumpkin spice lattes flooding your timeline, fall is officially here. This means that, yes, it’s time to get out your beloved cardigans and cozy knit sweaters. Unfortunately, it also means that you once again have to deal with the inevitable #firstworldproblem of figuring out how to dress for when it’s freezing in the morning but warm by mid-day. This means that you need to make sure your outfits are layered appropriately so that you can easily adjust to the drastic temperature changes throughout the day. Betches need stability. The least I can do is help you maintain a stable body temperature this season with the subtle art of fall layering.
The key to fall layering is to avoid adding bulk. Remember when you were younger and would wear so many layers in the snow that you could barely even move? Yeah, that’s what we want to avoid. So, to avoid looking like a sumo wrestler this fall, you need to mix up your outfits with a variety of sleeve and shirt lengths so that you can still function throughout the work day. That being said, here are my seven key layering tips for fall.
1. Sleeveless Turtlenecks
Sleeveless turtlenecks will be your go-to weapon this fall. They’re an essential staple for fall layering, and for maintaining a normal body temperature without looking bulky. You can wear a sleeveless turtleneck under a cardigan, a jacket, a blazer, or even a pullover. The perk with these is that, need be, if you get overheated because Karen from accounting is on your case again, you can easily strip down to just your sleeveless turtleneck and still look totally office appropriate. Like, f*ck off, Karen.
Free People Topanga Sleeveless Turtleneck
2. Vests
(Non-hideous) vests are another great fall staple because they allow you to add an extra layer while still looking super stylish. Pair a trench style vest layered over a thin long sleeve tee to keep the look polished and professional. You could even add an extra layer by wearing a pullover under your vest, too. But again, make sure your long sleeve and pullover are both thin enough to avoid looking like an elderly patient who just escaped an old person home.
BB Dakota Bad And Boujee Lace-Up Vest
3. Collared Shirt With A Sweater
Take a cue from Riverdale’s “it” girl, Veronica, and pair a collared shirt under a sweater for fall. This combo is an easy way to layer for fall while still looking professional, feminine, and totally chic. Actually, to credit the real OG “it” girl, it’s very Blair Waldorf vibes.
Rails Kate Olive Cheetah Print Button Down Shirt
Free People About Love V-Neck Sweater
4. Printed Tank With A Sweater
Another layering idea to try this season is to wear an elevated printed tank under a solid colored cropped sweater. Adding a print gives the look some interesting detail, while the sweater adds that necessary extra layer. All this while keeping the outfit breathable and your body temperature totally in check.
Equipment Lyle Python Print Tank
Lovers + Friends Highland Sweater
5. Thin Cardigan Under A Jacket
Fall is iconic for being chillier in the morning and warmer later in the day, and this is what makes the cardigan-under-a-jacket combo so ideal. Again, it’s important that your cardigan is thin enough so that it seamlessly goes under the jacket without restricting your arm mobility. Those excel documents aren’t going to do themselves!!
UO Lolita Button-Down Cardigan
6. Scarves
This stylish fall accessory adds a cozy warm layer that can be easily added or removed throughout the day. For the office, choose a thin enough scarf so that it still looks professional. You want to make sure you’d still feel comfortable wearing it when all the menopausal women in the office are having hot flashes and decide to turn up the AC.
Urban Outfitters Brushed Woven Blanket Scarf
Urban Outfitters Prince Of Wales Checkered Scarf
7. Fall Socks
Stylish socks are v on trend this season while skin-colored tights from CVS… aren’t. So when it comes to adding an extra layer, trendy cute socks should be your new best friend. Whether you wear them the traditional way with boots, or are brave enough to try them with heels, socks can be that extra layer necessary to keep your tootsies warm all season long.
Urban Outfitters Out From Under Cozy Flat Knit Crew Sock
Free People Polka Dot Sheer Anklet
Layering appropriately for fall is essential to your well-being, and you can use these fall layering tips to ensure you’re prepared for whatever this season has in store. So whether you’re on an overcrowded hot subway or in the office with your teeth chattering, freezing to death, you’ll be dressed in layers so you can adjust accordingly. Plus, like, with global warming and all, the weather is super unpredictable. Just saying.
Images: @adolfofelix / Unsplash; Free People (2); Revolve (3); Urban Outfitters (4); Nordstrom (2); South Moon Under; Giphy
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