No Hiding Allowed – A Layered Look in Summer
Written by Meira Schneider-Atik
Myth: A layered look is impossible in summer heat.
Truth: A look of depth and polish is very possible even in summer heat.
Layering clothing can give an outfit some depth and polish when done correctly with lightweight and fitted items. It also gives a great opportunity to play around with colors, textures and mixes. But in summer, wearing multiple layers of clothing can be uncomfortable and cause overheating. The good news is that you can get a sophisticated look without multiple layers of clothing.
Start with your base outfit. A simple and solid-colored dress or top-and-bottom base allows for a lot of different looks. It’s even easier when the base outfit is in a classic neutral color because classic neutrals go with every other color, including each other. Try to go with the same color in your top and bottom or at least the same value (lightness or darkness) so that you get one long line.
Next, add your layering accessory.
An oblong scarf can be draped around your neck and displayed in many different ways. If your base outfit is solid, then the scarf can be any color you want and have as wild a print as you like. If the scarf matches your top, it will look like you have an extra-special neckline. If the scarf is in a contrasting color or has a wild print, it will add some fun interest. Just make sure that the scarf has at least one prominent color that flatters your face and coloring. This will not only draw attention to your face but it will make you appear healthy and invigorated.
It’s best not to wrap the scarf snugly around the neck. Not only is that unflattering on most necks but it’s likely to be uncomfortable in summer heat. You can drape it and just let the ends hang or you can tie it in front to create different effects. It’s a good idea to play around with it and see what you can do.
Lighter-weight scarves are best for this. If they’re wider, they can be folded to the desired width before wrapping and draping and they won’t add unnecessary bulk. Midweight scarves can work
too but you might find them a little less comfortable in summer heat. It’s up to the wearer. Heavier scarves are better for winter warmth outdoors with your winter coat.
A fabulous necklace may not have the same versatility as a scarf but the effect is the same. It gives a layered look. If the base outfit is solid, then the necklace can be in any color or colors that you like. Again, it’s best to stick with colors that flatter your face and coloring.
A choker necklace – a very short necklace that wraps snugly around the neck – is not a good idea here. Since it’s not sitting on the top itself, it doesn’t give the same layering effect that a longer necklace does. Plus, chokers are unflattering on most necks and they’re likely to be uncomfortable in summer heat. Shorter necklaces that fall around the collarbone are fine. So are mid-length necklaces that fall on the chest. Long necklaces that fall past the chest are tricky if you have a larger bust but they can work there if they fall in a V shape because that won’t overemphasize the chest. Pendant and Y-shape necklaces are particularly good because they visually elongate the neck and the torso.
Wearing several thinner necklaces layered together is a great look. Not only does it give you the layered and finished look but it allows you to play with color combinations that you like.
It’s important to keep the look sleek and not cluttered. Therefore, it’s best to wear a scarf OR a necklace and not both together. If you choose a necklace or layered necklaces, it’s also best to avoid any other dramatic jewelry. Go with no earrings or very small ones and go with no bracelets or one very small one. If you choose a scarf, you don’t need a necklace with it but it’s OK to wear more dramatic earrings.
What if your top has a print? It’s best to use a solid color scarf here. A necklace will only get lost in the print and a printed scarf will just compete with the top. Either way, the look will be cluttered and unflattering. A solid scarf can still be wrapped and draped any number of ways and it will look great. If the scarf color matches the base color of the top, it will give the look of an interesting neckline. If the color is from the print, it will add some extra interest. If you want to wear dramatic earrings here, just stick to one color so that they don’t compete with the scarf or the top.
If you’re going from work – where you need the upgraded look – straight home to chores and/or cooking, and if you’re like me and you feel naked without one great accessory, then I suggest wearing a scarf with great earrings. A scarf is easily removed so that it doesn’t get in the way during chores or cooking while the earrings will still allow you to feel dressed.
It’s amazing how a few simple accessories can give a layered look without sacrificing comfort. Play around, try things on, and have fun with it.
Adding just a necklace or scarf can add interest and polish, giving a layered look without the additional clothing you don’t want in the summer.
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