As the seasons transition and the weather becomes more unpredictable, mastering the art of layering is the key to ensuring you stay on-trend whilst being prepared for varying weather conditions. Transforming your wardrobe from functional to fashionable, transitional dressing is an opportunity to showcase your personal style by layering varying textures and playing with silhouettes whilst adapting to the temperature.
Whether you’re making the welcome move from winter to spring and shedding the heavier outerwear for more lightweight jackets or transitioning out of light summer layers into cosier knits of autumn, we’re here to help you adapt your wardrobe to suit the season. Keep reading as we explore the principles of layering and how it can allow you to seamlessly adapt to changing temperatures while maintaining a polished look.
How to layer men’s clothing in Spring
As the heaviness of winter subsides and the fresh air of spring makes its way in, mastering the art of layering is a great way to navigate the ever-changing weather while staying on-trend. Layering is a great way to add interest and dimension to your outfits but the key is to keep your layers lightweight and versatile so that you can interchange your pieces effortlessly.
We suggest starting with a breathable base layer like a t-shirt or polo shirt in a neutral colour like white or cream that you can then add pops of colour to with your layering garments. On top of the t-shirt, your mid-layer should add warmth whilst introducing a fun pattern or interesting texture. This mid-layer could be a checked overshirt that can be left unbuttoned such as this Carhartt WIP Mandlik check shirt or a graphic hoodie like this Edwin Japanese sun pullover that is lightweight enough to layer under a jacket if extra warmth is needed.
Napapijri Yupik Fleece Jacket, Carhartt WIP Mandlik Check Shirt, Edwin Japanese Sun Pullover Hoodie and Carhartt WIP Classic Gilet
Top off your layered ‘fit with an outerwear piece that is both functional and fashionable, offering protection against unpredictable spring showers or chilly winds. A lightweight jacket with water-repellent features is a practical option for those who favour function and can easily be tucked away into a bag if the rain subsides. Another great spring outerwear option is a fleece jacket like this, Napapijri Yupik jacket as it provides the right amount of warmth to keep the chill at bay whilst not weighing you down with the bulkiness of a puffer coat. Or, if you want to show off the layers underneath your outerwear but still want body warmth, a gilet such as this Carhartt WIP classic gilet is ideal and can be styled in a wide variety of ways due to its monochrome colourway.
The key to a successfully layered outfit that keeps you warm is to keep the base neutral and then get creative with the colours and patterns of the layers to create an intentional and effortlessly stylish outfit. Browse through our full range of men’s designer overshirts and hoodies to find the perfect layering options to add to your transitional wardrobe.
How to layer men’s clothing in Autumn
The slow transition from summer into autumn can be a welcome change as the humidity in the air dissipates and the fresh chill of autumn enters, bringing with it a chance to refresh your style and lean into the new season. Autumn fashion is all about warm, earthy tones with hints of red and purple, mixtures of fabrics like corduroy and leather and layering all these varying colours and textures together to create eye-catching looks. Balancing comfort, practicality, and style, dressing for this transitional season is easy if you stick to the colours of the season, invest in wardrobe staples and play with the proportions and fabrics of each garment.
To start building the perfect layered autumn look, again start with a lightweight base like a long-sleeved t-shirt or an oxford button-down shirt for a more polished, multidimensional look. The current modern fashion trends we are seeing in menswear lean towards minimalistic looks with a touch of individuality, therefore we suggest keeping your base layers timeless and then adding more trendy accent pieces to keep the look versatile.
Far Afield Longsleeved Stripe Cardigan, Armani Exchange Faux Leather Jacket, Lois Jeans Tejana Thin Corduroy Jacket and Tommy Hilfiger Essential Crew Knit
When it comes to autumn mid-layers, the purpose is to trap warmth and create visual interest. This is where we suggest leaning towards knitwear pieces that play with colour and pattern such as this Far Afield Striped Cardigan that gives a retro-modern vibe and can be buttoned-up or worn unbuttoned to let the base layer peek through. Oversized knitted jumpers in a seasonally-appropriate tone are also a great option for a mid–layer such as this classic Tommy Hilfiger Essential Crew Knit in burgundy that boasts a classic autumnal look and is light enough to be worn under a jacket.
When it comes to your outer layers for autumn, the purpose should be to shield you from wind, rain, and chill while also making a statement. Playing with proportion and fit can be a great way to create a unique look at this point – experiment with oversized, boxy-fit jackets with tailored trousers or slim jeans for an interesting contrast to your outfit. Adding varying fabrics at this point can also create a unique look – think corduroy trucker jackets like this Lois Jeans Tejana Jacket for a more on-trend option or keep it sophisticated and timeless with a classic leather jacket like this Armani Exchange Faux Leather Jacket. Make sure when choosing your outerwear that you consider how the underneath layers of your look are going to fit – opt for a slightly more oversized fit so that you can comfortably layer.
Finish off your transitional looks with visually intriguing accessories like patterned scarves, colourful hats or stylish bags that complement the various looks you’re layering together for each season.
Stay on-trend in all seasons with Standout
Browse through our full collection of men’s designer clothing, footwear and accessories to start building up your perfect transitional wardrobe. Whether you’re looking to add timeless wardrobe staples to your collection or looking to experiment with trend pieces for the upcoming season, we’ve got you covered. Featuring classic brands like Levi’s and Tommy Hilfiger along with modern, trendy brands like Carhartt WIP and Dickies, we’ve got a wide variety of styles to suit all different types of men.