Visible layering: the trend that has gone from a punk act to the new casual

Here’s how to layer effortlessly

by Chiara Saibene Falsirollo

The first time I ever saw a skirt worn over trousers, I was 10 years old. I was looking at a photo of Avril Lavigne on Google Images and it was revolutionary, a rebellious choice.

Fast forward twenty years later and visible layering is no longer a subversive act, but has become one of the most talked-about social trends reworked by fashion creators, who have transformed the layering technique into the new casual.

So if you’re still convinced that visible layering is punk or is about peeling layers off, I’m here to change your mind. Or rather, to give you a few tips on how to do it the right way – if there is such a thing as the ‘right way’ – without feeling lost as soon as you open the wardrobe.

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Visible layering with shirts, T-shirts and tops

Dresses also can be playfully handled for top layers: if yours is sleeveless, the best way to create some visible layering is to add a shirt or a baby tee that peeks out at the sleeves and collar. If you’re feeling fearless and brave enough, I would also suggest you try layering different tops: try putting a tank top over a long-sleeved T-shirt and then adding an open shirt over it all.

The only thing to pay attention to is the fit: a fitted tank top is unlikely to work well over an oversize T-shirt; it’s best to choose a single fit and stick to it, so you don’t get odd or unwanted creases. However, trust me, once you’ve got the hang of it, it will become your new go-to.

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Visible layering with skirt / dress + trousers

OK, let’s take a deep breath and start with the skirt-trousers combination or, why not, a dress-trousers one: it’s simpler than it seems, but it’s also true that not all skirts work with all trousers and vice versa.

Opt for fluid fabrics when choosing longer dresses and skirts; the satin combo, in this sense, is ultra chic! If you’re more into minis, try something more structured, even when paired with jeans, wide-leg or flared.

How to match colours?

Now you understand how to manage the various volumes together, the next question is: “which colours should I match together to avoid ending up with a random Adam Sandler-like look?” Even though Sandler is an icon in his own way, almost nobody would be able to walk out the front door confidently with a colour palette just based on “oh well, I’ll wear whatever”. So let’s try to bring a bit of order to this.

The safest choice is, of course, to play with closely in-tone neutral colours: mix whites with cream, charcoals with black and beiges with browns. Start here and you’ll see it’ll be hard to go wrong, but if you’re comfortable, give the maximalist inside of you a chance and try adding at least one pattern. Neutral trousers? Try adding a fun dress on top, in terms of colour or print, or why not the other way round!

Which accessories should you use?

Last but not least, don’t forget accessories. A simple belt or scarf worn at the waist can help make sense of all the layers you’ve created, especially if you choose soft or oversized pieces that may need to be slightly cinched in if you don’t like the tunic effect.

In short, visible layering is one of the most democratic trends; it is truly made for everyone and adapts perfectly to the majority of the garments that are already favourites. In any case, there is just one keyword: experiment! And, above all, have fun :)

Visible layering: the trend that has gone from a punk act to the new casual

Visible layering with shirts, T-shirts and tops

Printed viscose satin dress

Shirt dress in cotton poplin

Bonded jersey dress

Cotton poplin dress

Embroidered poplin shirt dress

Twill shirt dress

Long viscose and linen canvas dress

Lyocell shirt dress

Viscose satin dress

Crepe envers satin dress

Visible layering with skirt / dress + trousers

How to match colours?

Which accessories should you use?