Just because it’s warm and humid outside, doesn’t mean that the art of layering should be conveniently forgotten. Take cues from Alia Bhatt’s breezy airport looks, where she’s layered her casual separates with light and soft knee-length jackets or Sonam Kapoor’s sassy take on structured jackets. These two B-Town beauties prove that whether you’re at a brunch or at an airport lounge, there’s no excuse to look sloppy.
No style compromise
Stylist Archana Walavalkar, co-founder, StyleCracker, suggests that if there is one styling trick that can take you through this season without having to compromise on your OOTDs, then it is layering. “If you are one of those who think that layering is best left for the latter half of the year, then you are going to be thrilled with what’s ahead. As one of the easiest and most practical ways of making any outfit look exemplary, layering is a trick you can use on days when you feel your outfit is lacking that extra oomph,” she says.
Lightweight is key
A lightweight fabric or soft weaves should be your go-to essential. Stylist Ami Patel recommends opting for lighter fabrics. “Team your mull, long-sleeved shirt-dress with frilly and lightweight summer scarves.” Picking scarves and cover-ups in Jamdani weaves isn’t a bad idea. Ami suggests layering a soft mull dress with angarkha type coats or opt for something handwoven from Eka by Rina Singh. Azmina Rahimtoola, owner, Atosa, seconds that, and recommends layered pieces from Natasha J as one’s go-to essentials. “Pick something in either peach or ice blue and layer it with black.” She’s all for cotton or linen, and suggests staying away from synthetic fabrics.
“Pair sleeveless cotton handspun dresses with contrasting loose boho chic jackets and complete the look with ethnic neck-pieces,” she adds.
No restrictive feeling
Designer Shruti Sancheti sees layering as protection from the oppressive heat. She votes in favour of flowing fabrics like mull, chambray, chanderi, thin silk, mulmul, and cotton. “Layering shouldn’t look forced. One or two layers are fine and scarves are useful and can be smartly utilised in multiple ways to protect from sun,” she says.
NAIL THE LOOK
Pair a culotte-dungaree with a tee or crop top. Go for muted tones for a brunch look, and accessorise it with platform heels or mules. For a workwear outfit, switch the crop top with a shirt with standout sleeves.
If you’re heading for a night out, then team a metallic sheer top with a statement bandeau top. Go for appliqué details on the sheer top for a more on-point look.
Comfort over vanity? Layers pretty much go with anything. Jeans, dress, a pair of shorts... you name it. Step out for a day around the city wearing this season’s hot favourite — robes. Silhouettes that range from slouchy trenches for the airport, to floor-length jackets with shibori prints while on vacation, to longline vests for work.
If you’re willing to channel your inner risk-taker, then layering a skirt over a dress is your best bet. Team a mini skirt over a shirtdress for an out-of-the-box look, and complete it with a bold lip, ankle booties and a bucket bag — perfect for when you go bar hopping!
Bring back the 90’s diva by teaming a slip dress over a shirt/T-shirt. This is a great way to layer without having to pile on clothes unnecessarily. Slip that dress over a striped or a solid coloured tee and pair it with sneakers and a crossbody bag for a perfect back to college look.
If layering an outfit seems like an uncomfortable choice, you can opt to layer your accessories instead. It makes for a great beach wear look as you can stack delicate chain necklaces with a ruffled off-shoulder romper, or relax in your bikini for an Instagram ready look.
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