Visions of Vogue

yellow madewell kimono

How to Layer for Fall

how to layer for fall

Yellow Wrap Jacket | White Cold Shoulder Top ($21, also great separately!) | Skinny Jeans | Taupe Booties (size up a full size)! | Tortoise Sunglasses | Jewelry (every purchase saves a woman’s life!) | Burgundy Crossbody Bag

While everyone else is getting excited about “sweater weather“, you might feel like the only one who is trying to figure out how to layer. I know that was one of my struggles when I moved to Chicago after living in LA for most of my life! So, from a newbie to you, here are my tips!

Start with a great basic. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the white top. I believe in having one of every cut. Whenever I’m having a day where I’m feeling uninspired to dress up, I go back to these pieces and start to build an outfit from them. Basics first! I also tend toward lower priced items because I own so many of them and I like to refresh them every season.

1. A $30 peplum tank to layer under everything when it’s not quite as cold.
2. A $22 classic twist front tee for those days when you just want to get cozy in a cardigan.
3. A $21 cold shoulder so you look chic with or without your layers.
4. A flowy top because it looks so great with a structured moto.
5. A $28 tunic that you can wear with your favorite faux leather leggings.

After you collect the perfect set of white tops, move onto outerwear. Grab a classic black moto like this one that’s under $100. You will be surprised at how often you can wear it! I recommend the black one – I’ve gotten so many compliments on mine! I like to balance out my closet with a suede moto too for a little texture. I have this one in the deep brown color. You can wear either moto with almost all of the 5 white basics above!

When you’ve graduated to more unique pieces, splurge on a jacket like this mustard yellow kimono. It’s such a fun look but also keeps it preppy. I love the tie at the waist because it keeps that hourglass shape. Sometimes jackets can get bulky so this prevents that! I always love to have one statement piece of outwear in my closet. It makes me feel like a real Chicagoan.

If cardigans are more your thing, here are my favorite cardigans for fall. I just snagged this Ryder cardigan in a deep burgundy and also this grey puffy sleeved cardi (all about the texture). Both are perfect for layering well into winter! Just remember, if one of the white tops doesn’t work, try another! Your outerwear and top won’t always look right together which is why I try to have a variety of different tops (it’s more cost effective than having a variety of jackets)!

When I’m putting on all the layers, I like to wear a little heel on my shoes too. These booties have also been styled here and here (and are currently 40% off). I love the taupe color since it goes with everything – warm tones or cool tones. I also swear by these OTK boots because they have a slimming effect. I just snagged the taupe color of these (I wore the black religiously last year).

I hope that helps you layer (and stock up on layering pieces)! What is your favorite combo?

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  6. I love that cute little jacket you’re wearing and I recognize those Chicago streets anywhere! kimballandkedzie.com

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