Figuring out how to layer is taking a little more effort than it usually would this fall. Yes, autumn is always the season of piling tees, knits, jackets, and accessories on top of each other. But take a look at this year’s biggest trends and most memorable runways, and a pattern emerges: The art has evolved. Call it kooky layering.
Honestly, it’s kind of a free-for-all out there: Turtlenecks poking out from under button-downs! Sweaters tied over jackets! Knits thrown over scrunched shirts! Skirts worn over pants! Whether you’re dressing for the office or a night out, this is your sign to get experimental. If it’s wearable but at least a little off the beaten path, it’s worth trying right now—and you can probably get the job done with a lot of the pieces you already own. (If anything, at least this trend will ensure you get more wear out of your fall capsule.)
To push you in the right direction, we went ahead and curated a few easy outfit ideas from Free People that get right to the core of how to layer this year. The brand is known for its sheer layers, cute intimates, and breezy knits, making it an ideal place to find layering pieces. Here’s how to make the most of your autumn wardrobe this season, in five chic outfits.
Lace top + bralette + jacket
Great for: Meeting the girls for drinks and dinner
Sure, sheer tops can seem intimidating at first, but they’re too layering-friendly to pass up this fall. A lacy, long-sleeve pick fits the season’s moody vibe perfectly; pick any color that speaks to you, whether that’s butter yellow, dusty mauve, or calm cream. To make it pop, pair it with a contrasting bralette and a jacket in a rich material like velvet or suede. Tailored pants play well off of the more feminine top, but feel free to go casual in jeans or fancy in a satin skirt.
Intimately Midweek Mesh Bralette
Intimately Lady Lux Layering Top
Free People Fitted Velvet Military Jacket
Free People Spotlight Menswear Barrel Trousers
Sweater + slip dress + jeans
Great for: Seeing live music or hanging with friends
The dress-over-jeans look has come a long way since its Y2K heyday. This summer we noticed fashion editors and street style stars using the controversial combo to stand out from the crowd, and it’s even easier to wear now that the weather’s cold enough to add a sweater to the mix. The result is comfy, eye-catching, and weird in just the right way—catnip for anyone who likes to take risks. Keep it elevated (literally) with pumps or heeled boots for the polish sneakers and flats can’t replicate.
Free People See Me V-neck Pullover Sweater
Intimately In This Groove Mini Slip Dress
We the Free Tennessee Low-Rise Boyfriend Jeans
Jeffrey Campbell Sweet Talker Snip-Toe Boots
Short-sleeve tee + waffle tee + hoodie
Great for: Chill workout classes or coffee dates
If you’ve only tried one offbeat layering hack, it was probably a short-sleeve tee over a long-sleeve one. And honestly, we’re wondering why everyone isn’t doing this all the time—it looks that good. Dial up the fun with a striped bottom layer under a plain white T-shirt, then throw on a classic hoodie for some extra warmth. Baggy cargo pants add to the sporty, off-duty vibes, but you really could wear anything. Why not, say, bike shorts on your way to Pilates?
We the Free Easy Does It Striped Long-Sleeve Tee
We the Free Ever Had Tee
FP Movement Final Call Zip-Up Hoodie
We the Free Reef Curved Twill Cargo Pants
Minidress + suede jacket + tights
Great for: Date night
When you want the glory of layering with none of the effort, just go for a sheer dress with a built-in slip; Free People has plenty. Next, add an oversized jacket that’ll let your number’s sleeves and hem show, plus some knee-high boots in a coordinating shade. That’s already plenty, but you can add even more texture with your accessories; try adding a colorful bandana, fleece-lined tights, or tall, textured socks, not to mention your usual jewelry and cocktail bag.
We the Free Jackee Suede Jacket
Free People Woodland Whispers Minidress
Free People Carmen Knitted Triangle Bandana
Free People Kiki Kitten-Heel Boots
Collared shirt + turtleneck top + midi-dress
Great for: Shopping days or hosting friends at home
The easiest way to look like a Nancy Meyers protagonist? Wearing a featherweight turtleneck under a collared top, of course. The tissue-thin layer looks so cozy under a knit polo, and it won’t add so much weight that you start sweating. For more casual occasions, just call it a day and go for some straight-leg jeans. When a bigger splash is in order, though, try a lace-trimmed slip dress or satin skirt. Either way, suede mules (layered with socks!) bring the ensemble together nicely.
