By Lindsay Tapscott
It’s around this time of the year that the weather forecast becomes pretty much impossible to predict. One day––or hour, or minute––it’s snowy and freezing and the next it’s bright, sunny and warm, and you’re overheating in your down parka, knit hat and wool scarf.
Rather than getting dressed for one extreme or the other, as we move into the more transitional months of the year, when it comes to creating outfits for the outdoors, layering your clothes can keep you prepared for anything and everything.
Experimenting with layers is also a really great opportunity to get playful with the pieces in your wardrobe and try on different colours, textures, fabrics and more. Luckily, the half-winter-half-spring (sprinter?) weather gives you way more options to work with when it comes to choosing what to wear for the day. When putting together an outfit, it’s important to choose items that are versatile and let you mix and match for multiple options.
Want to learn how to create looks that are both functional and fashionable in unpredictable weather? Here are a few of our favourite DOs and DON’Ts for how to layer up in classic Sympli style.
How You Can Layer with Sympli
DO play with proportions: Pairing a fitted shirt with something longer or more oversized adds interest to your outfit without making you look or feel bulky. Try our Go-To Classic T-Shirt Relax 3/4 Sleeve with our Zest Pocket Smock––the long fit-and-flare shape of the smock is a nice juxtaposition against the straight fit of the shirt and the shorter sleeve. The angled zip closure at the side and cowl neck makes the look anything but basic.
DON’T layer on several baggy items at once as the effect can look sloppy and shapeless.
DO mix colours and patterns: Playing with different colours and prints in your layers can create effortlessly chic looks that really make a statement. Why not pair our Twist Sleeve Tunic in Watermelon with our Narrow Pant Midi in new Geo Strokes print? Anchor the look with our Key Cardigan in Geo Strokes for a matching effect or go simple with our Essential Vest Short in black.
DON’T overdo it. Mixing too many prints and colours can tip your look over into excessive rather than exuberant.
DO try on different textures: Mixing your mediums and wearing different fabrics can make your outfit so much more interesting. We love the look of our Sleeveless Whisper Nu Ideal Layer Tunic with a light layer underneath or with our Whisper Pocket Kimono overtop. Add our Narrow Pocket Pant to finish up the look––the elegant airiness of the Whisper pieces’ georgette fabric against textures or jersey adds dimension and compelling contrast.
DON’T stray from your colour palette. The easiest way to make the different textures work together is to keep them within the same colour family. It unifies the look and keeps it from looking chaotic. This doesn’t mean that all your textures have to be the exact same colour––just use different shades and tones to keep things interesting.
DO take risks: Wear leggings under a dress! (Try our Nu Yoke Legging underneath our Trapeze Dress Short Sleeve.) Or throw something cropped on over a longer shirt! Stay away from the rule book and don’t be afraid to have some fun! After all, isn’t that what fashion’s all about?
DON’T care what people think! We’re huge advocates for dressing for yourself and no one else. What’s most important is that YOU feel great.
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