Layering Up

Monday 18 November 2013


I keep reading all these posts about layering up and everyone is sticking a shirt under a jumper and all is good in their perfect shirt jumper (J Crew) world ... but not in mine. I have tried it before here and it's quite good if it works for you and everything stays in place but I don't think I suit it and I'm not very comfortable in it either. I feel like a ... bloke ... with long hair. I know it's all about getting the right jumper with the right shirt and everything but somehow, I still feel it's not my look.

But I don't give in easily either so I'm trying this layering thing again, my way.



Isabel Marant Blouse, Mango Jumper, H&M Jeans, Kurt Geiger Boots


Rather than preppy, I'm going for a slightly more feminine slant by using the Marant Stacey blouse. I like the little (and I mean little) peak of autumn colour from under an oatmeal jumper. Recognise the jumper? It's the Mango one I featured the other day in my picks for under £30. Mine is a size medium - I could have got away with a small but I dithered as usual with the things in the basket (i.e. months) and of course, they couldn't wait for me any longer and sold out of the small. But I got the medium anyway and I think it's okay because the extra room allows for ... da da dah ... layering! I'm loving the asymmetric detailing at the front - just puts it on the right side of interesting whilst still being a technically plain jumper.

And when I can't be bothered with shirt/blouse layering .....


Mango Jumper, H&M Jeans, Office boots


..... I'm just going to pile on a couple of heattech/thermo layer tops underneath as layering with collarless stretchy things is a different thing altogether and I can get behind this kind of wearing layers. Infact the more the merrier - let's pile them on - I hear there's a forecast for potential snow this week - eek!

Anyway here are some picks which I came across which I thought would also work quite well with this jumper.





So what do you guys think of this layering thing then?





46 comments

  1. I like it better without the shirt just because the asymmetrical hem is already a crucial detail to focus on. The oatmeal on dark gray is also quite soothing and pleasing to look at.

    Also +1 on Heattech, I just discovered these shirts for a trip into cooler weather than I am used to, and they are golden. I think I'll be stocking up on more for this season!

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    1. That's how I like it best (plain and simple) and will probably be going back to this with my heattech's underneath. Have you seen they have extra warm heattech's now? I think they may need further investigation.

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  2. Oh my giddy aunt this is epic! You have taken what is a new obsession with lots and twisted it! I am literally going to steal this look for today - thank you!!!!!!

    Fiona

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    1. I saw your look - you look great in yours - it's mine with another twist yet again. It's just making something work for you isn't it?

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  3. It's interesting that you'd mention that, because I have been trying that kind of layering as well (shirt + jumper, and letting see only the collar and sleeves) and it didn't work for me either. Maybe because it is too masculine, but also because I don't find it comfortable at all. When you are hot, it in annoying to remove the jumper, and I kind of feel restricted in these outfits. Your alternative looks more comfortable though :)

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    1. I've tried it and I have to say ... I still like to wear a jumper without a blouse or shirt underneath. I just feel there is too much going on for me even though there isn't very much at all. I can just about get away with the blouse under the jumper as it's a loose'ish fit so I don't feel overly trussed up but a simple heattech top is preferable as the jumper has enough going on. Best to keep it simple.

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  4. Love that jumper of yours. Agree it is more tricky than people realise, my gap boyfriend shirt doesn't really work as it is not fitted, too much fabric at the bottom under the jumper. x

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    1. I know - it's about having the perfect fit shirt and the perfect jumper. That's two things which have to align which makes it that much more difficult.

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  5. In mags the stylist can bulldog clip everything, when I have tried it..... Which I did late last week ( tried the whole J crew look ) I will try and post my results later in the week, I felt a bit bulky. It's best like you say with a thinner girly blouse I think. Jumper is very nice by the way.

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    1. Thanks about the jumper. All these things which go unsaid - it's a bit bulky. I just knew it wasn't just me.

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  6. That jumper is superb and I love your take on the shirt and sweater combo. I've tried lots of ways of working this look of late and some work better than others, I am yet to work out why! The little peep of colour from your shirt looks gorgeous!

    Your board of options looks fab.....some lovely food for thought x

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    1. You will have to do a table where you cross reference each jumper with each shirt and work out why. Or maybe go back to the ones you knew just worked :o)

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  7. GREAT looks Sue! I love that jumper on you! Ordered both colours one in S and the other in M, they're on their way to me apparently but have a horrible feeling they're never going to reach me :-( The asymmetry is the perfect touch! I wear layering like this but maybe because I have a boy's shirt which is cut slightly closer - though definitely not tight - and of course the silk blouses and shirts. I notice that the proper blouses need to be really simply and not frilly or have gathers (eg. on the yolk, sleeves etc) because of the bulk factor.

    I agree it can look masculine - I turn into practically a clone of my dad :-) BUT I'm into that mannish thing anyway with the brogues even though not all together and not all at once!

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    1. How did you manage to get a size small? They weren't online when I was ordering. The delivery will probably take at least a week as I think it's coming from overseas. If they don't fit, at least the returns are going somewhere in this country. And the softer the shirt, the easier it is to wear under a jumper.

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    2. Ha! They came later that day :-) The S just happened to be available when I ordered. Just as well because the M (oatmeal colour) is too big even to layer - the sleeves are too baggy, think I got a dud one. So I'm keeping the navy. Now for the trauma of returning....Has your H&M peacoat come yet?

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    3. That's a shame about the oatmeal one being so big. Mine is roomy but not excessively so - I don't think anyone would say that it was huge on me or maybe I am just that much bigger than you. And no ... my H&M coat hasn't arrived yet but that's par for the course with H&M. I'm not holding my breath ....

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  8. Love that jumper Sue, just the right amount of quirkiness. I've on,y tried they layering with a denim shirt, and it can be guide bulky as mine is quite stiff. A chambray shirt would be perfect as they are a bit finer. I thinks it's something you will totally master, as I think it's a very 'you' look! X

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    1. I'm too lazy to master this one Trea. I like it plain - you know me - lazy as they come :o)

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  9. Very nice! I wear the shirt/jumper combo lots and I find that actually cheaper shirts work best. When I wear an expensive, starched shirt it feels stiff under the sweater, but where I wear a cheap stretchy shirt from H&M or something it looks better and is more comfortable! Your outfit looks great though-love the peek of colour around the face.

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    1. So you're an expert in this field. And yes, I can say I understand what you mean about the stiffer shirts not working as well or being as comfortable as some of the softer shirts. I don't like feeling "trussed" up which is how it feels for me with shirts and jumpers generally. I'm going to leave this look to you I think.

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  10. I think I may get that jumper - it is lovely. I'm with you on the layering. I try it, then I fidget and wriggle and feel all wrong and then off it all comes. The best it gets is a couple of vest tops and a long sleeved layering top under a thinner jumper with me with a big woolly scarf on the top!

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    1. Sounds perfect to me the way you prefer to wear it. Not so different to me. Big scarf optional. Try the jumper - get the beige - it's nicer than the blue. The blue looks a little like it's been fluffed on but that's because of the alpaca in it. It blends beautifully in to the beige version though.

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  11. hi S, quick question on sizing of your jeans (are the ones in your photo the same as the Zara link that you have included?) .. if so, how does the sizing come up? small? and are they stretchy? any advice gratefully received thanks! C

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    1. I'm afraid the jeans in my photos are H&M and I usually take a size 29. Size 28 makes me look like I've been poured in, size 30 means the waist is not so good but when there's a 29 version, I will always try to go for it. The black Zara jeans - I've not actually tried - I was just using them as a styling option so I can't vouch for these in this case. Sorry :o(

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  12. Ooh that sweater looks just as cozy on as I'd imagined! As for layering shirts with sweaters, you know I am a huge proponent of this. I actually think the collar (and cuff, if you don't need the warmth of it all the way down) are the most important bits so I never layer a shirt that doesn't have a real pointed collar that I can flip over the neckline of my sweater. I think that's what makes it! I do think there's a bit of androgyny in the style, but that's kind of what makes it fun. Especially if you throw on some great bright lipstick with it!

    www.nomadicd.com

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    1. But you look great in your shirt and jumper combo's - it totally is your look and not mine. When I see a button down shirt, I always think "Defne will probably like that". And you're right, I think you offset the whole "butch" thing with a lick of bright lipstick - that's probably what I need but I'm scared I will look like the Joker and scare small people.

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    2. You are too funny! Why on earth would you look like the joker?! Didn't you just recently mention you were getting into lipsticks? Get on it, you're going to love it! And it just warmed my heart to think that you think of me when you're shopping. Sort of the ultimate compliment for folks like us, isn't it? I do love my button down shirts... Guess I'm a little predictable that way.

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    3. They are part of your style just like they are not part of mine. Just like you can do brogues and I can't. But it's little idiosyncrasies which make us all so interesting ... but yes ... in my virtual blogging world ... you are one of my fave buddies.

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    4. You are so sweet! Just want to reach out and give you a virtual hug! Anyway, off to layer some button down shirts and throw on some brogues ;)

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  13. Seriously love that jumper! The asymmetric hemline is really cool and unusual. I agree, it's difficult to do the whole shirt under jumper thing. For me I always just feel like it gets to bulky and looks unflattering.

    You are looking awesome in this outfit though. I think you've mastered it. xx

    http://thestylecrusader.com

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    1. Thanks very much :o) The hemline is pretty cool isn't it? A little bit different from the norm and that's not always a bad thing. I have far too many very plain things in my wardrobe so this is pretty much pushing the boundaries for me. I'll be wearing pink next (not).

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  14. Like you, I've tried the shirt and jumper layering too and it really doesn't work for me. I too feel too masculine and uncomfortable. I wonder if it's because I'm not very tall being only 5'2". I prefer it without the blouse underneath. A gorgeous jumper all by itself, I don't think it needs anything more. Lynne x

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    1. I'm curvy and 5ft 2 at a push so I don't like to add too much extra detail. I'll wear it at is is - so much more comfortable.

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  15. Am LOVING that sweater, is that a different colour, the pink that shows when I click in - love that colour too. Also would be good opportunity to wear that jolly white shirt I bought for my head and shoulders photos and of course never wore again. I did put it under my argyle sweater though and liked it. I totally think you can do that IM shirt under it. I can't have loads of stuff around my neck (can't do scarves) because of my short neck (Darn my short-necked Dad!)

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    1. That white shirt just keeps coming back to haunt you doesn't it? The jumper is actually oatmeal and not pink but looks a bit pink in the collage). More the colour in my photos so eminently more wearable.

      And guess what? I have a short necked Dad who passed his short neck genes on to me too.

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  16. I can't do layering ... at least not the shirt and jumper kind. It's too bulky and I just feel a bit 'mumsy' when I wear it. I'm with you .. vest tops or long sleeved tops underneath and then I usually add a bit of bling at the neck for interest! Cute jumper :)

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    1. I feel too "neat" and "sweet" when I have a shirt collar poking through. But I can't do the bling very well either. No hope for me.

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  17. I can't seem to do the standard shirt/jumper thing either Sue - I feel like a bloke with a bob and specs! I'm with you on the thermo top option - the jumper looks stunning - love the shape!

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    1. The thermo layers, heattechs and all the other names they come under are absolutely fab and not cumbersome at all. I've stocked up on a few - I shudder at the thought of leaving the house without them now.

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  18. Oh sod the layering - I just want the jumper! But to contribute my two-penny worth to the layering debate, I'd wear that jumper happily with a denim shirt & a heattech top underneath and my army green skinnies. Yeah, a bit bulky but hey, who gives a monkeys - I'd be warm and that's all that matters. :) Now, may I go and buy it too? Can we still be jumper twins AND blogging friends? x

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    1. Of course, you can get the jumper - I can see you in this with your denim shirt and ankle boots. And I bet you're going to stick a scarf on too for good measure aren't you? x

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  19. Fab Mango jumper you are right you sooo don't need to layer it, looks great just by itself! Also that Isabel Marant blouse is so pretty to be hidden underneath it!. I find with layering after studying all the streetstylers doing it that it best to keep footwear feminine ie, as much foot showing as possible looks great with heels, ballet shoes etc...all completely and utterly impractical when doing the schoolrun or living day to day life in general...so I have just given you completely useless information!! Nevertheless you are rocking your look your way! x

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    1. I would be much happier if I could feminise the look with some girly shoes but the weather is just so cold that it's hard to leave the house without a pair of boots on. And have you noticed how all street stylers wear heels regardless of what they have on? It's the one element which lifts an outfit out of the norm but so hard to do on a school run.

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    2. Absolutely agree, maybe if we lived in LA we could rock the scarf, layered with ballet pumps look but in the uk it is toooo cold! x

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  20. snow?!?!? already! i don't know if i'm excited or not. the jumper is so interesting, love the asymmetry - i tend to buy things sizes up too, definitely a good layering strategy, i'm usually all up in my heatech pieces too, haha, and there's still room to pile up a scarf on top! ;)

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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  21. I LOVE that Mango jumper. It's now sold out in all sizes - gah! (And you think you dither....I've been on a permanent dither since about August!!) x

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Susie So So