fashion

How to layer, the RI way

It's safe to say that it's been a weird start to autumn (25 degrees in October?!), but the temperamental temperatures have finally settled and it's cold. But, dressing for the drop in temperature is all about balance. You don't want to freeze, but you also don't want to overdo it. The answer: layering. It's a science that every fashion expert has mastered (including us) and we're here with our top layering tips to keep you warm-but-not-too-warm this autumn.

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Keep it Simple

Who says dressing for autumn needs to be complicated? If you're the kind of person who loves the ease of dresses and sandals in summer, then let us introduce you to their autumn counterpart: knitted dresses and boots. It's the autumn-approved combo that is just as stylish, comfortable and (most importantly) easy to chuck on and go when you have five minutes to get ready. If it's extra chilly, simply add a cosy parka and a beanie for a layered look. Sometimes, the best looks are the simplest ones.

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Go Tonal

An easy mistake people make when it comes to layering is combining too many colours; it's a surefire way to overcomplicate your outfit and have you looking like your overenthusiastic toddler dressed you. Instead, opt for tonal pieces (aka, pieces that are the same-ish colour) to create a cohesive look. Take this grey outfit, for example: combining a soft beige pair of trousers with a grey knit, grey coat, and grey accessories helps keep things sleek and simple. If you're a fan of TikTok lingo, you could say it's sandwich dressing at its cosiest.

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Avoid Overheating

Yes, autumn can be chilly, but we're not in the depths of winter just yet. This means it's probably not cold enough to pull out your warmest coats, but it's also not warm enough for just a jumper. In these trying times, a gilet is your most sensible (and stylish) option. Not sure how to wear it? It's just as easy as wearing a coat. Layer it over a knit in the same shade, add your favourite pair of jeans and finish the look with some chunky boots. This is layering, done right.

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