Everyday Men’s Fashion: Layering Laws
Mix and match is one of the great and time-honored traditions of men’s fashion. It says volumes about how style for guys is more about the final whole than the individual item. That’s why layering is such an important skill for a guy to master, fashion insider or no. Layering adds depth to every outfit and exponentially expands the number of looks that you can get out of the same set of clothes.
Consider Contrast
One of the biggest reasons why you would layer is to create contrast in an outfit. It’s the quick way to quiet down a bold necktie or a bright shirt that could be too loud for the office or the business meeting. On the other hand, it could also lend a pop of color to a look that would otherwise have been monochromatic.
Most layering pieces like vests and cardigans come in the classic suiting colors of men’s fashion: grays, navy and black, primarily. It’s smart to have a great layering piece in one of these colors (or a layering piece in one of each color) because they give you a lot of style mileage. Like an equivalent suit jacket in the same color, it’s easy to pile any of these layering items on top of any number of color combinations.
For less casual occasions, you can swap out the two-piece suit for a cardigan or sweater paired with dark wash denims for a put-together but still laid back look. If you need style inspiration, look to Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Tom in 500 Days of Summer, complete with skinny tie and modern-sleek sneakers.
Think Temperature
Comfort is another benefit offered by layering, one that will definitely come in handy over the next few months. Bundling up is the simple act of throwing on as many clothes as it takes to endure the cold. Layering is ensuring that everything works together.
Late summer, for example, is an interesting time for layering when it’s too cool to go layer-free but you want outfits light enough for all the picnics and bonfires. Light knit v-necks and cardigans are the ideal pieces to have for this time, great for throwing over a tee before going out into a nippy night. Best of all, these are layers that work just as well with a shirt and necktie for work for a fresh, young vibe.
When the temperature really drops in late fall, you may have to put a little more thought into your outfits since you’ll be using three or four layers by then. One common strategy is to regularly add an eye-catching pop of color like a bright necktie to keep your outfit visible even when it’s under this huge gray overcoat.
Try a Texture
Bold colors aren’t a specialty of layering pieces, especially when it comes to outerwear. What you don’t get in color palette, however, they make up for with texture. Layering pieces offer a selection of textures you don’t get with basics to really give depth and personality to your outfit.
Chunk cable knit sweaters and cardigans are staples of winter men’s fashion, and can define a character for the plainest of outfits. More traditional tweed offers sleekness and heft for more formal, businesslike vibe that’s perfect for a silk tie. Shearling gives a light and casually sporty look that’s perfect for the weekend. In short, there’s no shortage of layering options, no matter what style you want to create.
Other Blog Posts that Might Interest You:
Guide to Mens Sweater Styles
Mens Blazer Jacket Guide
Your TieKing Team