Dress for Your Body: 3 Ways to Layer

This article was originally written for Verily Magazine, and appeared on 2/27/14. 

BY SARA JANE BAKER (check out my Author page on Verily!) 

I believe layers do for the body what a cup of hot chocolate does for the soul. There is something that feels so good about bundling up under a sweater, scarf, and a cozy coat (bonus if you can snuggle up to a nearby fireplace). That said, after piling on all the layers, a gal can be left feeling a bit like a toasty marshmallow—especially for those of us who have a naturally curvier figure (that’s me!).

So I bring you three tips on how to dress well in layers that will leave you feeling fabulous and bulk-free.

1. Layer Over a Dress
I like to recycle items in my closet and repurpose them throughout the different seasons. Try layering a crop-top shirt over a solid-colored summer dress. This is a fun twist on the crop-top trend, and sleeveless dresses eliminate bulk in the upper-arm area. Finish the look with a chambray shirt (chambray is the new black, am I right?). I suggest tying the chambray shirt around your waist, which highlights and gives the body a lovely silhouette.

2. Play with Textures and Prints

Try mixing an animal print with a classic staple, like a chambray shirt (you may have noticed Ilive for jean shirts), and add a textured coat such as herringbone or tweed. Accessories add dimension to the outfit, so add a thick leather or suede belt to give definition to your waist. (Yay! I can tell you already look fabulous.)

3. Balance Bulky Sweaters
When wearing a heavy sweater or cardigan, you can balance the volume with a slim fitting pant like skinny jeans or thick leggings. A collared top looks great under a sweater. Try a collard undershirt in chiffon, silk, or light-denim material. Don’t use layers that are too heavy or baggy—nobody wants to drown in fabric!

If adding a jacket, opt for a cropped style to highlight the waist.

Lastly, think about length and proportion for your body. Longer sweaters and long necklaces will lengthen the torso. Shorter sweaters, layered over a longer fitted shirt will highlight the waist. Long necklaces elongate the middle (added bonus, long necklaces can usually be found at vintage stores—hello, thrift shop!)

Images by Martim Thomaz

How to dress well in winter weather

Happy Saturday, loves! Brunching? At the park? Walking for more than 5 minutes outside? You're gonna need your puffer coat.

Check out my breakout piece on bSmartguide.com today! I'm talking stylish ways to add pizzazz to your winter wear.

x
sjb

Photo by Sam Warren

Lips & lapels.

Coat: Calvin Klein (similar) // Jeans: BDG from Urban Outfitters // Shoes: Tamaris (similar) // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // Rings: Vintage // GET the Pout Perfection set from Illamasqua. 

To me, fall is a cozy coat and dark lipstick. But as any New Yorker will tell you, black is the choice color for a winter coat. However this year, I decided to invest in something a little different (I'm still saving up for a leopard print number). This season, I went with a camel-colored wool trench coat from Calvin Klein (say THAT three times fast), which I basically haven't taken off since purchasing.

When picking out a new coat, it's important to remember to focus on your personal body frame and find a look that flatters you. For me, a belt is key, because it highlights the natural waist (because let's be honest, giant coats aren't always the most figure-flattering). This particular coat also has lapels, which broaden the shoulders, further highlighting one's waist. I also tend to go for a coat that hits on the mid-thigh, so as to not overwhelming the figure, but is long enough to give an elongating effect.

I styled this outfit with a basic black bootie, my favorite jeans from Urban Outfitters, and big sunnies -- perfect for a day strolling around Central Park.

Need more coat couture? A fabulous friend, Ms. Ashley Kiely has some great advice on how to nail a runway look this winter (and not break the bank). Check out her tips on Sweet Lemon Magazine, here: Five Fall Coat Trends. 

As for the lipstick (a gal can always have more burgundy), I tried out Illamasqua, a new brand that has a similar style to MAC Cosmetics (one of the great loves in my life). Lately, I've been seriously jazzed about wearing dark lipsticks -- it can feel like a bold choice, but it's really confidence that solidifies the look. So put on that pout and go for it, girls!

P.s. A big shout out to my fantastic photographer, and fellow fashion blogger, Ms. Mia Maree! This gal just has all the talents.

xx sjb