Tips for Layering

Thank you Target for sponsoring this post!

Shop Shannon’s Outfit

Outfit Details:

Jacket: Target, c/o {buy here} | Sweater: Old Navy, c/o {similar here} | Jeans: AG Maternity {buy here} | Fringe Booties: Random boutique in L.A. {similar here, here, and here} | Beanie: Target, c/o {buy here} | Handbag: Target, c/o {buy here}

If you’ve been following me on Instagram or just following along on the blog for a minute, it’s no secret that I am obsessssssed with fall. By far my favorite season. One of the biggest reasons for that is that I love fall fashion! And more specifically, layering. Who doesn’t love having an excuse to wear multiple adorable items at one time? I’ve teamed up with Target today to pull together a layered look using some of the adorable fall/winter items in stores right meow, and to share a few tips for layering success. My love for layering is one of the many reasons that I’m a lil’ bit obsessed with Target – you can walk out of there with multiple items to pile it on without breaking the bank. And their selection right now is real real good.

Tips and Ideas for Successful Layering:

• Mix up your textures. Think chiffon shirts with fur vests {as seen in this post and this post}, cozy sweaters with a dressed-down jean jacket {like I’m wearing here!} or sparkly sequins with a blazer on top {what I’m scheming up for new years}.
• Mix up your patterns. Stripes and floral (seen here), stripes and plaid (seen here and here), stripes and stripes (seen here), stripes and leopard (ok obsessed with stripes much?), polka dots and florals (seen here), plaid and herringbone (seen here), plaid and polka dots (seen here), fair isle and something ribbed… shall I go on? No. Just know that pretty much anything goes with pattern mixing these days and that the mixed prints trend is still very much alive. Just be sure that you get the scale of your prints right. I.e. make sure that if one of the patterns is big and bold, try to keep the other one a smaller scale print. That way you won’t scare anyone off in pattern-overwhelm (it’s a thing).
• Mix up your highs and lows. Mixing higher priced items with super affordable stuff (which is most of what lives in my closet) has become one of my most consistent style philosophies. It’s amazing what a nice handbag or killer pair of boots will do for an otherwise super budget-friendly ensemble.
• Go for cozy chic instead of lumpy-dumpy. It IS a thing to layer in a way that ends up being unflattering, so just keep yourself checked as you pile it on. Never pair two loose fitting items together, for example. If you’re going to do chunky, pair it with something slim and form-fitting, and double-check that your layers hit your body in flattering places. I’m sure I’ve screwed this up a million times and still do on occasion, but you know what they say – practice makes perfect. So be brave and go for it.
• Add layering with your accessories. A lot of the layering can happen just with your accessories. Think scarves, tights, socks (as seen in this post), statement necklaces and cross-body bags, or add a beanie in a fun pattern (like this one from Target). The possibilities are literally endless!

So what do you think guys – were any of those tips helpful? Are you layering fans? Or does it make you nervous? I think the ultimate take-away is just to try, try, try stuff out and don’t be afraid of failure. Failures are wins if they mean you took a chance and tried something out. Amiright? Be sure to hit-up Target when you’re snagging items to get your layering on. Happy Day Before Thanksgiving!

Find your style @Targetstyle.