AW19 Style File | Layering

You might not be able to master the weather this autumn - but at least you can master your wardrobe. Dressing for the season, come rain or shine, is made that much easier when you opt for layering. Stylish and chic, easy to dress up and down, layering is a key staple for Autumn 2019. Where function and fashion meet - it’s the answer for on-the-go dressing, cosy weekend catch-ups and that ever important shopping trip with the girls.

Tonal dressing is an elegant and streamlined approach to layering. Be strict; ensure each layer is the same tone or at least different shades of the same colour. This works best when different textures and fabrics are teamed together. Shiny satins and silks worn with heritage tweeds and cottons will result in a multidimensional look with luxe appeal. Whatever you choose to call it - oatmeal, biscuit or contemporary oatmeal - nude is the standout colour this autumn. Never be afraid to go head-to-toe nude; this look exudes a modern elegance and understated cool. When layering coats, make sure the top one is a lightweight mac. Look out for a biscuit tone trench from Marks & Spencer and Jaeger.

Love it or loathe it, but the dress-over-trousers trend is big this season. Don’t take our word for it, look to the runways and you’ll see designers like Loewe, Proenza Schouler and Jil Sander layering up midi dresses with voluminous pants, with the resulting effect being modern and almost monastic. It’s never been smarter. To channel this high-fashion vibe, opt for wide-legged, roomy trousers from Ted Baker and with loose knee-length dresses from Marks & Spencer. For a more relaxed look, opt for a pleated skirt from Ted Baker or Marks & Spencer worn over pants. Slim leg black trousers worn with a contrasting heel, of course, will work just as well but the overall feel will be sportier and more youthful. If this is more your style, check out these options from Levi's and Kurt Geiger.

There’s a time and a place to clash. Layering works especially well with different prints and colours, especially with check patterns of varying gradients and shades. Generally speaking, layering is stronger with muted tones but if you are throwing different prints into the mix, it’s good to have one bold colour accent to break up the ensemble. For a strong finish, look out for a long check overcoat from Jaeger, a tartan blazer from Next, and a check shirt from Levi's, to style with sky high heels and flared stonewash jeans. When teaming different pieces together, opt for different sized prints so each layer is distinct. 

The turtleneck is a girl’s best friend. A perennial staple and layering essential, a plain roll-neck will work with just about anything. Pairing a black turtleneck with a delicate printed top can add a contemporary edge, and its white counterpart can soften a heavily layered outfit. If there’s one item you buy this season, make sure it’s a roll neck. There are many examples to choose from but we recommend looking out for these ones from Jaeger and Calvin Klein.