How To Wear Layers To Look Fantastic - And Keep Warm!

Yes, its autumn time and heading towards Christmas and although we all want to keep looking great on a Saturday afternoon in town shopping, dressing for it sometimes comes down to a choice of looking fantastic and being an itty bit chilly, or keeping warm and looking like a big bundle of all the contents of your wardrobe thrown together.

Have a look at this picture of Megan though - doesn't she look fantastic, and that is because she is following all the rules for successfully dressing with layers. If you look at each individual item she is wearing, none of them are really amazing and if they were worn individually you probably wouldn't give them a second glance. However, layered together with a cool hat they look great - so here are a few tips for layering up which you can use with items from your own wardrobe.

• Choose lots of light and breathable fabrics, several layers of these types of fabrics work a lot better than two layers of thicker fabrics such as wool or cotton.
• Using light fabrics means you can still wear some of those pretty summer strappy tops - coloured and patterned ones look great worn over a white scoop neck lycra long-sleeve top.
• Remember those leggings you have been wearing all summer, they look fantastic under longer casual skirts, worn like footless tights, especially the ones with lace or sequins around the bottom for a boho look.
• With patterns, like the striped vest top in the picture, they need layering with plainer fabrics, but you could get away with a subtly striped top worn underneath a plain jacket or blouse with a flowered lining for a more interesting look.
• Hoodies still work for me over a vintage denim jacket, but only if they are teamed up with a feminine skirt or girly-top underneath, otherwise it can just look too boyish. A fantastic look is materials such as denim or leather mixed with chiffons and silks - so cool.
• If you love bright colours wear them in moderation when layering - go for layers of neutral colours, such as greys, creams, chocolates, and add a belt, scarf or bag in a bright colour such as this season's purple or scarlet.
• Even scarves can be layered, a favourite look of mine is to take two small pashmina type scarves and lay them out one on top of the other, then twist them together. Fold them in half, wrap around your neck and tuck the ends in - you have a unique look no one else will have. With other accessories, layer up your necklaces - look through your jewellery box for some of those long beads and chains and mix them together.
• Remember to give yourself some definition, if you are wearing a flared jacket or top then team them with skinny jeans tucked in boots, but if you are wearing a flared skirt or wide pants then wear a fitted top or jacket of pull in your waist with a wide belt.