The art of layers in contemporary men’s clothing
When it comes to dressing, there are a few secrets that if followed, make the art of being well dressed an easy one to master. One of these primary secrets is the art of layers, or the art of layering. What does this really mean? Layering means using different kinds of garments that are worn on top of one another. Some of the layers may have non overlapping functions and on removal or addition of these layers, it is possible to achieve a high degree of flexibility in your look as well as the functionality of the outfit which could vary according to need. Jackets are integral to layering, especially in cooler weather. Men’s outer wear jackets such as bomber jackets or almost any casual jacket is a great addition. Layered with casual shirts and casual pants, they are a great styling accessory in contemporary men's clothing. Men’s co ord sets are also valuable when it comes to easy accessorising for layers.
The huge advantages of layering in casual wear
Mastering the art of creating layers that can overlap, yet work beautifully together even after you remove a layer of two, is indeed to your advantage!
It allows you to dress up or down as the occasion demands
Layering is a smart styling strategy for contemporary men's clothing, recommended by top fashion experts, all over the world. It allows you to lose a layer and look occasion-appropriate. Cocktail party? Lose the casual shirt, keep the sheath and the shrug! Client meeting? Add a pair of tights below the shrug and sheath for that smart casuals look. The same concept works equally well for both men and women. A bomber jacket can be added or removed as needed in the outer layer. Team it with a casual shirt and a pair of casual pants and wow! you have universal appeal!
It allows you to adjust to the vagaries of weather without batting an eyelid.
A hot summer? Wear fewer layers. A cold, wet monsoon? Wear layers that you can take off! Not only as you get wet, but also as you feel warmer. Outside walk in winter? Slip on a men’s outwear jacket, layer with a thinner long sleeve shirt and a tee below and a muff, so that you can take out a layer when you come into the heated indoors. Easy, right? This is where casual jackets for men, bomber jackets and almost any contemporary casual jacket comes into play.
It allows you to expand your closet through infinite combinations.
Max out your closet! Keep changing the layer combinations. Experiment and make amazing sets of combinations from the pieces of clothing you own. Try different layers each time. Spice it up! For example, a long-sleeved T-shirt tucked away under a tunic lets you wear your summer wishlist right into winters. A light warm shrug over a slip dress allows you to use spring wear even during fall! Add a stole of a scarf and it just becomes even more versatile. This is simple arithmetic…. Three garments gives you nine sets… so just do the style maths and have fun while you’re layering up!
The cardinal rules of layering for casual wear
Layering as an art has a few basic rules if it has to be done successfully. Casual wear for today is all about layering.
Start with thin and work outwards to thick
This is the most practical and stylish way to layer. Use lightweight and breathable fabrics that work well together. Start with inner tees, then casual shirts matched with casual pants and finally, casual jackets! Premium jackets are a great way to encompass all the layers beneath.
Don’t mix prints, rather layer prints with solid colours
Contemporary men’s clothing offers enough variety to be able to stick to this rule. Mens co ord sets offer an easy way out as both shirt and bottom are made out of the same fabric and this makes layering much easier. On which colours to match with which shades, a few basic tenets suffice. Go light or go bright! Try to have one colour run through the layers. When it comes to the outermost layers, casual jackets for men are good styling choice.
Contrasting solid coloured layers works great too.
When you go mostly neutral, one bright layer with neutrals can also work. Or a bright pop coloured accent such as a stole or muffler where everything else is subdued. Here, a men’s outwear jacket could also be that pop of colour matched with neutrals beneath. As usual, mens co ord sets take the guess out of layering, making it an easy proposition.
Accentuate the waist, especially when you are multiple layering
While layering is also about free flowing layers that complement each other, it doesn’t hurt if you can define certain body points that add flatter factor to your silhouette. Your waist being a case in point. Just adds more character to the overall look. However, form fitting clothes don’t work on any but the inner layers. Your inner tee or that casual shirt can fit closer than your outer shirt or casual jacket but body huggers are not recommended for layering. Rather, choose silhouettes that flow away from the body and overall create an elegant impact.
Special mention for jumpsuits and men’s co ord sets
These outfits are just made in heaven choices for layering! Match them with a cosy inner layer and then add a further outer layer such as a casual jacket for men, to complete an elegant layered ensemble. Works every single time! In times of extreme weather, add a stole, a muffler, a beret to complete the look. Contemporary men’s clothing is all about how to use layering to create not just maximum functionality but also about larger than life styling!
