Plus Size Layering Essentials for Transitional Weather
Posted by Jen Anderson on
When the seasons transition one to another, weather changes and we start wondering what on earth we should wear. These days, unseasonal weather can happen any time and not just around the solstices and equinoxes. And mornings tend to be chillier than afternoons no matter the season, so it's always a good idea to keep some layering clothes in rotation.
We all know about the layered look, but we don't always keep layering in mind when shopping. So let's talk about specific pieces of clothing that you'll find useful when it's layering time.
The Base Layer - Sleeveless Tanks and Dresses
This is where versatile wardrobe basics really shine. Sure, something standalone like a wrap dress is fabulous but that's not what you want when it's time for layering.
Vikki Vi's Maxi Tank Dress is the perfect example of what I'm talking about here. On its own, it's extremely minimalist. Which can look absolutely stunning. If you're a maximalist like me, or just not much of a minimalist this dress can seem a bit plain. But that's what makes it excellent for layering.
Understated versatile wardrobe classics can seem less than exciting, but your flashier clothes need these pieces as a backdrop. When you see a breathtaking top layer, maybe you rush in and buy it without a thought to what you'll wear it with. And then never actually getting to wear it. Or you might focus on how it could fit into your wardrobe and talk yourself out of buying entirely.
But if you have at least one base layer in your closet, you can snap up that gorgeous jacket without hesitation.
Your base layer garment still needs to be well-made. The whole point of layering is that it allows you to remove or add layers as needed. If your base clothing is flimsy, see-through, or cheaply made you're not going to feel comfortable taking off your jacket. Which negates the whole layering thing.
Since I'm recommending sleeveless pieces for your base layer, we need to talk about your upper arms. I know that you may have a fraught relationship with that part of your body, and that can keep you from removing your top layer. No matter what I say about body acceptance, some of you aren't going to get on board. But I have a workaround - top layers of different weights.
Our Jersey Classics are lighter than our Slinky Classics (aka Classics). And neither one of those fabrics is going to wrinkle even if you ball it up and shove it into your overstuffed purse. So you can wear one Kimono Jacket (for example) and keep another in reserve.
The Top Layer - Fashion Jackets
Top layers don't have to be bulky sweaters. In fact, they probably shouldn't be. Realizing that you can wear jackets not for warmth, but for style reasons alone was a huge eye opener for me.
This is where mixing and matching gets really fun. You can wear a print jacket over a solid top, or vice versa. (If you're shy about wearing prints, a solid jacket over a print top or dress can be a great way of getting you toes wet.) Or go with matching solids, or contrasting ones.
Advanced Style Made Simple
Since so many women struggle with wearing layers, having a few layering pieces in your wardrobe can help you be the most fashionable person in the room. Once you've bought a few pieces, you'll be keeping your eye out for them all the time.