HOW TO STYLE LAYERS

NEW POST---REPOST... 
DMV weather has been crazy lately.  One day it was 80 degrees the next 40, no lie.  I can hear my grandmother say “this that tricky weather, people forget how to dress and get sick”.  She is the one who taught me the importance of dressing in layers.  Yes! Dressing in layers is a key fashion styling element but it’s also very important when dressing in “tricky weather”. 
I leave out the house around 6am most mornings and its freezing cold, 40 sometimes 30 degrees and that same day the temperature has risen 25-30 degrees by noon.  Always check the weather when planning an outfit, especially when you’ll be about all day! Before applying the layering concept to my wardrobe styling I would be looking crazy with a turtleneck or wool sweater on in the heat of 60 degree weather because I “dressed for the weather” Now I know the beauty of layering, trust me, layering is key!  You can pack on the layers for when it’s cold and remove your pieces when things begin to heat up throughout the day.  Same rules apply for different settings like at church where it seems to always be cold, on the metro, at your boo’s house or at a fancy lounge for your girls night out!!!
 
This outfit is inspired by the principles of layering.  I added length, provided warmth, texture and style to my outfit and was properly dressed for the weather.  It was about 40 degrees when I started my day and a wave of 60 plus degree heat hit us by the middle of the day.   These beautiful photos were taken this past weekend while I attended the Words Beats and Life Hip Hop Festival at The John F Kennedy Center Performing Arts Center in NW, Washington DC. 

Read my review of The Words Beats and Life Hip Hop Festival here   http://www.iamlakeshalee.com/iam-events/wblfest 

The long mud cloth vest adds a layer of warmth and texture.  It also covers the bum for those who rather not have their backside exposed but like the cropped, motorcycle jacket style.  You can achieve this look with any long vest or cardigan sweater vest.

A vest can easily be removed to show off curves or when the weather begins to heat up.

Or remove your jacket, but keep on your second layer (long vest or cardigan) to show some curves, not exposing too much still giving your layered effect.

By the middle of the day I really didn't need a coat at all.  This is the final layer underneath the vest a jacket.  See how easy it is to dress in layers, yep it's that simple. 

A few more quick TIPS and TRICKS for STYLING LAYERS

• Less is more.  If your wearing a heaving outer layer (wool or fur coat)  make your inner layers lighter fabrics so you wont look and feel like a hot bulky mess.  
• Layering is about functionality and fashion, layers should be fun but also make sense for warm vs cold climates
• Length is so important when layering.  The style element of layering is most effective when your layers flow at different lengths and add dimension...again you do not want to look like a hot bulky mess 

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HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR MORE SUGGESTIONS, TIPS AND TRICKS ABOUT STYLING LAYERS?  LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS HERE!!!  I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU...

​Until next time, XOXOXOXOX
#SELFLOVEISBAE💋