How to Layer Clothes Like a Pro: Shop 8 Outfit Ideas

Another styling hack for transitioning your wardrobe involves mixing more seasonal items together. “I also love stretching my breezy summer dresses into fall by pairing them with a great boot and a chunky sweater or boyfriend blazer,” she says. “I love integrating a fall textile, like suede or bouclé, with a linen dress—giving a little dress new life.”

As we combed through the most recent street-style looks from Fashion Month, a myriad of outfit formulas went straight to our Saved folder for inspiration. Use our guide below as your personal master class on layering, featuring eight outfit ideas that demonstrate how to layer clothes like a pro this fall.

1. Wear a Slipdress Over Satin Pants

Lace-trimmed items were everywhere on the streets during New York and London Fashion Week. An easy way to give your slinky slip new life is by wearing it over a silky pair of trouser pants, the modern way to do the boudoir trend. This pairing will look equally chic with a blazer over top for a polished twist on slip dressing—plus, don’t forget your trending cord pendant necklace and suede accessories.

Schutz Julie Kitten-Heel Mules

2. Mix Cotton Classics With Expert Tailoring

Transitional dressing can be easy when you know how to layer well. Take that favorite poplin skirt from summer straight into the fall with the help of a tailored crisp button-up shirt and collarless blazer—one of our favorite jacket trends of the season. When mixed with leather boots and a belt on top, it creates a more dimensional effect.

Aligne Daphne Collarless Jacket

Alex Mill Jo Striped Shirt

Reformation Lucy Stretch Organic Cotton Skirt

Now 25% Off

3. Slip a Trench Coat Over a Blazer

Doubling up on outerwear, as Slutsky Tooley suggests, is a no-brainer during the cooler months, but sometimes the idea needs a little finesse. A good rule of thumb here is to make sure the outermost layer is oversize (such as a roomy trench coat), while the jacket underneath is a bit slimmer and tighter, like a double-breasted blazer. Classic accessories add a touch of elegance.

Róhe Oversize Trench Coat

Banana Republic High-Rise Modern Pants

Everlane Gallery Square-Toe Flat

Toteme T-Lock Nylon & Leather Satchel

4. Layer Up on Knitwear Instead of a Scarf

While this may seem like the easiest tip, it’s certainly worth mentioning. For days when the weather is a bit more unpredictable—where it can start brisk but warm up by the afternoon—add a sweater over your shoulders that can double as a scarf. Why settle for one cozy knit when you can have two? Style the look with a fringed wrap skirt and simple pumps for the office.

Almina Concept Wool V-Neck Sweater

Almina Concept Oversize Wool Cashmere Sweater

Now 20% Off

Isabel Marant Galla Cotton-Linen Midi Skirt

Tory Burch Double T-Buckle Pointed Pumps

Now 30% Off

5. Style a Button-Up Under a Cape Jacket

A white button-up shirt is one of the most essential wardrobe pieces you can own, and it can be crucial when trying new silhouettes, such as the cape jacket. It’s a shape that might seem a little daunting at first, but when you layer a white shirt underneath, it makes it all the more approachable. Make sure to work within similar color palettes (like these buttery tones), then add a brown suede sneaker for extra flair.

Marina Moscone Basque Jape

Theory Classic Fitted Shirt

Cos Pleated Wide-Leg Trousers

Now 25% Off

Dries Van Noten Tan Suede Sneakers

Freja New York Mini Chrystie Bag

6. Add a Pop of Color With a Mock-Neck Top

Break up neutrals with a pop of color. A fitted mock-neck top in a bold hue is the easiest way to do this. When wearing an all-black, gray, or navy outfit, we recommend incorporating one of these bright-red layers into the mix. It instantly gives any look, whether it includes suiting or even a fall dress, that little extra pop necessary, taking it to a street-style-approved level.

Massimo Dutti Wool Double-Breasted Blazer

Naked Wardrobe Mock-Neck Top

Favorite Daughter Fancy Juni Belt

Andrea Gomez Amelia Leather Ballet Flats

7. Use a Ribbed Turtleneck Under a Button-Down and Blazer

Cold-weather dressing is nothing without a trusty turtleneck. Every closet needs a thin ribbed version for great layering combinations, providing warmth and stylish possibilities. Take inspiration from an outfit that incorporates this and many other wardrobe staples for a perfect trifecta: a button-up shirt, blazer, and menswear-inspired blazer—playing with the idea of American sportswear. The Western-forward accessories accentuate the polished Americana-inspired look.

Madewell Cardigan Blazer in Plaid

Now 11% Off

Uniqlo Merino Ribbed Turtleneck

Polo Ralph Lauren Poplin Button-Front Shirt

Favorite Daughter Favorite Pants

Partlow Julia Leather Western Boots

8. Mix Necklines With a Sporty Finishing Touch

Playing with varying necklines is one technique that Slutsky Tooley stands behind, as does the street-style set. Here, we see just how chic layering different types of necklines can be. By adding a white crewneck T-shirt underneath a V-neck sweater, you get a little extra texture and contrast. Adding a sporty nylon jacket on top gives it a finishing element that feels in line with the jacket trends we saw on the fall runways.

St. Agni Stand Collar Flight Jacket

Naadam Classic Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

Paloma Wool Dain Snap-Detail Trousers

Mansur Gavriel Soft Candy Bag