Outfit Du Jour: Layers aren't just for cakes.

I'll keep this post nice and simple. For those of you experiencing the phenomenon of Fall or Winter AKA a time when you can't just run out the door in a t-shirt and shorts, this post is for you. Layering is a simple, fun, and fashionable way to not only tell the world that you know what you're doing when the cold weather hits, but that no matter what curveball Mother Nature sends in the form of weather that you will be ready.

Let's start from the outside in, boys and girls. 

1. Jackets should be functional as well as show a flair for fashion. Trench coats are great when rain is on the menu by helping to protect almost the entirety of your body, not just your torso. Since rain is what they're mainly made to protect you from, you can find them in an array of materials. I personally keep a slick, neutral beige one instead of one made from wool for example based on my geographical location. For those on the east coast, it would be a better investment to integrate wool or a synthetic wool into your wardrobe. Peacoats are also a favorite of mine as I have four in my collection in blue, red, gray, and black. What's great about these coats are that they can be integrated into your formal or casual wardrobe since they look great with jeans and slacks.

Although hoodies are a great way to stay warm in a casual way, they can easily be interpreted as "lazy" or "ratty". Try to keep them looking nice by putting them in the dryer for a short amount of time and letting them air-dry a bit. Otherwise, the material can easily get those annoying little balls and the outside can fade in a very unflattering way. They are also not something that can be integrated into the workplace (one that requires a suit and tie, dress, slacks, etc.).

2. A sweater, thin or otherwise, can be worn under a jacket so if your jacket gets soaked by the time you clock in to work or if you're having lunch at a restaurant that keeps cranking up the heat, you can easily have the option to take your outfit down a notch and make yourself more comfortable. 

3. The layering continues under the sweater with a thin tee-shirt, tank top, camisole, or a button-up shirt if you're feeling like adding a little formal touch. You should always wear something under your sweater. Why? Because wearing a shirt or a tank under your sweater and even a dress shirt will:
1. Absorb any sweat as well as act as a barrier between the sweat your body produces and the material from the sweater or shirt.
2. Cover any icky smells your body may emit.
3. Keep armpit stains away. Yuck!
4. Add yet another layer to keep you extra toasty.

Basically, this layer is crucial because it ensures that your sweater or dress shirt will have a happier and longer life serving you. Who wouldn't want that? (:
  

4. For the ladies, a skirt with tights or leggings, dark wash jeans, or slacks can be worn as bottoms. For the men, slacks, dark wash jeans, or cords (corduroy pants) can be worn. If you're feeling extra chilly, ladies, you can wear tights under your pants. 

5. Have you ever seen someone's leg showing above their socks when they cross their leg? This is something that is avoidable! Always make sure you don't wear ankle socks during winter. Instead, try to wear socks that are crew, boot, or dress length. This will also ensure that you keep in all of the warmth rather than letting in the cold. 

Socks don't seem to be a major part of an outfit, but you have to remember that to be considered "put together", attention to detail is key and that even the small parts complement the whole.

Here's my outfit and outfit breakdown for the fall: 

Black peacoat by Michael Kors; black, long sleeve shirt from American Apparel; black camisole; dark wash jeans by Michael Kors; leopard print heels by Michael Kors; purse by L.A.M.B; chain necklace by Vera Wang.

Although my outfit has a small pop of color in my shoes and my handbag, feel free to have fun with color in the winter! Try having a color theme for your outfit i.e. blue and select items all from the same color family. That way, you don't have to stress on finding an exact match to the color of the item and can instead play with the colors that you do have.

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Thanks for reading, everyone!

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XOXO Midori