A Grown-Up's Guide to Layering

Somewhere along the line, from young adulthood to middle age, some of us lost the delicate art of layering.

Let me illustrate.

While the typical teen happily mixes and matches (a key component to layering correctly), the average middle-age woman feels much less confident about thinking outside the fashion box. Which is why you see so many 50-year-old women reach for a cardigan and call it layering.

Layering is a great way to stay warm. But it's also a way to really express your individuality and put a unique spin on whatever you are wearing.

Here are some guidelines to layering after 40:

• Fight bulk. Although it would be nice if all of your layers were lightweight, the reality is in winter that you are likely to have some heavier sweater knits in the mix. The key to wearing layers correctly is to mix in some very lightweight layers (some retailers even call them things like layering tees.) If you do wear heavier layers, let the lighter-weight pieces peek out. For example, wear bulky vests — such as fur or puffy vests — with lightweight, long-sleeve tees showing underneath.
• Think proportion. The most interesting layer mixes come from putting together opposites, which is why a short jacket over a longer, fitted tee is so cute. A baggy tunic layered over fitted leggings,  a voluminous cocoon sweater over skinny jeans or a fitted jacket over a loose silk blouse are all examples of using proportion to layer.
• Find a common element. Complimentary colors make it easy to layer successfully. Charcoal gray layered with dove gray or cream with camel are examples of using a common color story to make the layers work.
• Wear it fitted. One key to making layers work in middle age is to choose to layer fitted clothing, rather than baggy pieces. Fitted clothing means that it suggests the female form through features like a defined waist. For example, a long, belted sweater vest layered over slim black pants and a long-sleeve tee has a fitted look, thanks to the belt.
• Boots ground most layers.  Boots – from ankle to tall bots — are the perfect substantial footwear for almost all layered looks; they actually add another layer to leggings and skinny pants. The
• Scarves top it all off. Whether you opt for a multi-wrapped scarf or an infinity scarf, it's a perfect way to add a final layer on top of your layered looks.
• Mix fabrics. You can pull off head-to-toe black (the easiest way to layer) if you mix up the fabrics. Wear different textures together (lace, fur, velvet, denim, wool, knit) all in the same color.