Layering Jackets: A Study
One of my favorite things about fall (and also just SF weather in general) is layering. And now with outdoor dining as the new norm, layering has never been more practical. I wore this out to dinner in the Richmond last night, where the fog rolls in cool as soon as evening descends, and was very comfortable. But also there was a heat lamp so that might have contributed to my comfort level. I ended up swapping the outer coat for its black counterpart (I have this faux-suede Zara jacket in four colors) before I left for dinner because I didn’t want to spill on it. That’s the other thing about outdoor dining: your coat sleeves could easily end up in your entree if you’re not careful.
Anyway, I love layering jackets, but there are a few best practices to keep in mind in order to make this look fashionable vs. frumpy and to ensure you aren’t adding unnecessary bulk.
Consider the lengths and weights: I recommend choosing two jackets that have distinctly different lengths to create a clean, modern silhouette, e.g. a cropped bomber or moto jacket and a long duster or trench coat. And note, the outer jacket should always be the longer and heavier of the two. This is strictly for jackets though—when you start to edge into cropped leather jacket + longer sweater underneath territory, that’s a different thing
Contrast is key: choose two jackets that differ in tone or material (or both!)—yet still complement each other—to add visual interest without having the inner jacket get lost in the shuffle (e.g. silk + suede or leather + wool)
Mind your collars: when layering, you should ideally be able to see the inner jacket, and depending on the collars, necklines and fastening methods of each, one may steal the show from the other, for example, an outer jacket with an overpowering neckline may obscure too minimal of a jacket underneath. But also be sure the two jackets in question don’t have the exact same collars/lapels, as they won’t sit as nicely when stacked together
I already know I’ll be rocking this type of look a lot this fall/winter, and I’m not mad about it. Can’t wait to try it with a leather moto as the underlayer…
I took a million pics today because I couldn’t settle on the right background and because I wanted to show the outfit with and without the outer jacket, so apologies in advance for the deluge of photos.
In other news, everyone should go get these silky joggers (deets below) before they sell out. They’re basically pajamas but have a dressy vibe and the print/colors are on point for this season.
…And a few shots from the other background just because I am being indecisive today. Which one’s your favorite?
Outfit details: Current Clothing bodysuit; Zara joggers; Zara long jacket; trinket shop cropped jacket (seriously, I have no idea where this came from and it’s like 10 years old); Dee Keller shoes (similar and similar) via Sundance Shoes of Birmingham, MI; same old shades, but the gold version.
