THE ART OF LAYERING: TIS THE SEASON!

Spring and autumn are truly magical seasons! However, they’re a bit like your favorite frenemy: sweet, lovely and temperate in the light of day, but can unexpectedly turn a bit colder and unpredictable when the sun goes down or you step into the shade! How do you dress for this schizophrenic weather without having to go home and change 3x a day? Beyond my favorite, transitional weather-wear items like blazers and leather jackets, a chunky cardigan or lightweight sweater layered over tanks, tees and dresses can look great and take you seamlessly from day through night! Keep reading below to see three different ways I layer the same outfit for a day-to-night look (PS: it helps to carry a big bag where you can hide a pair of candy-colored heels if you want to jazz up your look for a night out or stash those snuggly sweaters when the going gets warm!)

LOCATION: LADUREE SOHO, New York

THE CHUNKY OVERSIZED CARDIGAN

You can do so much with these! I’ve worn them with A-line midi skirts, skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, and my favorite – leather pants/leggings! If it’s a slightly warmer, sunnier day, you can wear these unbuttoned/unzipped with pointy-toe flats or sandals to help keep you cool and the air circulating nicely from head-to-toe… On a slightly colder, greyer or wetter day, I opt for ankle boots or loafers so I can keep my feet toasty and layer less on top (most people think you lose body heat fastest through your head – but really, the feet are the real culprit! If you keep your feet warm and dry, you can afford to shed some layers elsewhere as your body temp will rise)! These cardigans are really easy to take on and off without making a fuss… A dressed-down, cozy look during the day can easily be transitioned to night if you keep the rest of your outfit chic and sleek underneath these chunky knits (optional: add a pop of red lipstick to dress up a night out)!

Start the day off warm and cozy with a Parisian chic street style look – slimming dark bottoms topped off with an oversized chunky neutral knit!

These open-weave knits will keep you warm if you pair them with a long-sleeved top, or keep you temperate in milder temps mixed with a simple tee!

I especially love these snuggly sweaters for grabbing coffee, tea or brunch with friends – you can still look stylish while sitting around relaxing! Added bonus? You can stuff your face full of french toast and hide the after-math underneath the layers 🙂

Big bags go well with big sweaters so you have a spot to stash them in when it warms up!

Cardigans are super easy to cast off when it warms up enough – if you carry a big bag with you, you can just stuff it inside!

SHOP THE LOOK

THE CAR COAT

The car coat, also known as a boyfriend jacket, is another classic, effortlessly chic piece that goes with pretty much everything and appears to be timeless (except for those mean muggy summer days!). You can go with a classic neutral shade in a soft lightweight wool/cotton blend that will literally match any outfit, a textured style for a Parisian vintage look (I love the richness different textures like leather, lace, tweed and faux fur can add to an outfit), or something in a bold color or print if you want to brighten up a grey day! I’ve worn my navy-tweed Pam & Gela jacket literally every season since I bought it last year and wish I had this exact coat in a million colors and patterns!

Perfect way to warm up a rainy day!

These jackets are usually casual enough to function as a light raincoat too

My favorite part is the structured but looser fit of this style – that means I can comfortably wear this coat over thicker layers if needed!

Car coats also have a boxier fit, which makes it way more comfortable to carry lots of bags when you’re arms aren’t restricted by a tightly fitted jacket! (ahem… shopping on a Sunday in Soho anyone?)

Boyfriend jackets can also add a touch of that Parisian je ne sais quoi to a basic black and white outfit…

SHOP THE LOOK

THE THICK-KNIT BOYFRIEND BLAZER

Boyfriend blazers aren’t new, but they can serve a dual purpose as both blazer and lightweight coat if you buy them in a thicker knit! The longer length gives them a bit more of an outerwear look, while the structured fit maintains the classic appeal of an everyday blazer. Like the oversized cardi or car coat, these can work in any color palette! If you like neutrals, then you’ll be able to wear the same blazer with basically any outfit. If you opt for a print or pop of color, just make sure the shoes and accessories complement without overpowering! I’ve got some high-end, mid-range and budget-friendly styles that I love in my wardrobe, although I do find myself always coming back to my collection of Zara blazers for their impeccable fit and comfort! Also, you can always find these on sale in so many colors and styles that flatter every body type and shape!

Daytime boyfriend blazer in a neutral nude tone paired with a pair of suede camel pointy-toe flats… Alternatively, you could wear a colorful shoe or carry a bright bag to make this look a bit more spring-like!

This long blazer works equally well with leather pants as a chunky sweater or car coat – it gives that effortlessly chic, street style vibe while keeping you cozy!

A pair of candy-colored heels can elevate your look from day-to-night!

I know I’ve shown you lots of neutral palettes, but you shouldn’t shy away from all the lovely colors of the rainbow!

SHOP THE LOOK