Menswear layering ideas for Spring 2024
It's been pretty cold in the UK this past week. No doubt, you want to shed the winter layers and you're desperate to ditch the puffa, but it's just a bit too nippy still to do so. Layers are the answer, but I find this is something my clients often struggle with.
How do you add in that extra layer without looking like the Michelin man? Does it look like you've just piled on all your clothes at once? How do you do it so it looks stylish?
Here are some suggestions for you.....have a look through and then see if you have anything similar and challenge yourself to find some different outfits in your wardrobe in the next couple of weeks.
(And if you try, but find it overwhelming and confusing, then book me in for a Wardrobe Edit and I can easily come over and sort out some fab outfits for you!)
Use your blazer as your top layer and put a shirt and sweater underneath
Time to put away the thick overcoats, so instead use your blazer as your top layer and put a shirt and sweater underneath. You can continue this look with lightweight cotton or linen sweaters and unlined blazers throughout the summer.
And if you prefer or want to make it a little more casual then swap the shirt for a white t-shirt. Lighter or brighter colours will of course make it look more Springlike.
Action: Have you got a blazer in your wardrobe that you don't wear much, as you consider it a bit too formal for most days? Try wearing it as a coat / casual jacket instead and you might just find you begin to use it more.
Left: Pinterest
Centre: Pinterest
Right: Seasalt blazer at M&S
Wear your chore jacket as a layer on top or beneath other items
You can wear your chore / workwear / overshirt on top of a shirt, sweater, hoody but don't forget you can also layer it under a lightweight mac as well.
Shades of blue work really well if you want to go for an easy tonal look. Or you could add some colour with your trainers, socks or trousers.
Action: If you have a chore jacket in your wardrobe, then try it as an extra layer under a roomy mac, or even a lightweight rain proof jacket. Alternatively if you just consider it a summer jacket and normally only wear it over a t-shirt, then try adding a crew neck sweater as well and tuck a cotton bandana or scarf into the neck for a bit more warmth if needed.
Left: Pinterest
Centre: Pinterest
Right: Pinterest
Add a layer of denim
If you want to layer up without looking too wintery, then try a layer of denim - either a shirt or a jacket - on top of a white t-shirt and under a cardigan or a lightweight coat. This is perfect for this 'don't know what the weather's going to do" time of year.
Plus you can also use it to "casualise' a smarter coat or blazer, or even a suit, so you get more wear out of it.
Action: Take your denim shirt or jacket out of the wardrobe and see if you can wear it as an extra layer with something you don't normally wear it with eg: a shirt could go under a chunky cardigan (as above) or with a navy blazer, and a denim jacket could go under a check coat, or field jacket.
Left: Pinterest
Centre: Pinterest
Right: Pinterest
Go for tonal layers on top and light colours on the bottom
Look summery but stay cosy - I like the formula in the images here, with tonal layers of a sweater and jacket on the top half, worn with light jeans or trousers and Chelsea boots on the bottom. I reckon that's a pretty perfect option for those chilly Spring days.
Action: Have you got some light coloured trousers that you tend to only wear in high summer? Or does this need to be a new addition to your wardrobe? It doesn't have to be white or beige, pale grey or light coloured denim would also work. And have you got a jacket and sweater in the same or similar colours that you haven't thought to wear together.....it's time to introduce them to each other!
Left: Reiss image on Ape to Gentleman
Centre: Pinterest
Right: Tom Ford cardigan at Mr Porter
Add a lightweight cardigan or knitted vest
As you can see from these images, you can do this with smart or casual and everything in between! A blazer works with a v-neck cardigan (with or without sleeves), and a higher neck zip style cardigan can go under a casual trench. The addition of the buttons likens it more to a waistcoat so it tends to look a little smarter than a sweater.
Action: Do you have a little worn cardigan or sweater vest in your wardrobe? See if there's a shirt and jacket combo that you can sandwich it in between. I find it tends to be easier to make it work if it's darker than the under layer and lighter than the top layer. But as you can see from the left image, that's not a hard and fast rule.
Left: Pinterest
Centre: Massimo Alba cardigan at Mr Porter
Right: Pinterest
Hopefully that will have got you started with experimenting with the clothes you have more and wearing them in different ways, but if you're feeling overwhelmed and can't see the wood for the trees, then let me help.
I have a new service to help you get your wardrobe looking ship-shape and getting you feeling great. We have 4 x 2 hour shopping sessions with access to me to ask any questions in between.
You'll have time to wear your new things in between the sessions and find out which become firm favourites, and think about what else you need to add (but I can suggest that if you don't know).
If any events come up in between our sessions, I'll be on hand to help or we can book in one of the 2 hour sessions, I'll do all the research and you'll have your outfit sorted in a jiffy.
Click the link below to find out more:
And here's what my most recent client said about it:
"Just had a great second shopping session with Sarah.
What was especially nice was that she’d hired a personal shopper room in Harvey Nics and had prepared the room with about 40 items all in my size to try on.
So no running around for me and overall a very calm and productive experience.
My summer wardrobe now sorted. I would highly recommend :)"
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