4 IDEAS FOR LAYERING FOR SPRING
I share four ideas of how you can layer for spring and early summer!
Ah, there’s nothing quite like New York in the spring! The city is bursting with life during this time of the year, and the perpetual grey that hung around like an ex that couldn’t catch the hint, has finally turned into blue skies (with a healthy dose of rain). We’ve bid farewell to the frigid cold in favor of sunny, slightly breezy days. And oh, how joyful was it to finally stow away those winter coats and sweaters for good, locking them away til sometime in October.
In anticipation of the season, I've shared two mood board-inspired letters (here and here), and initiated a chat thread, where I invited readers to share their spring shopping needs. (It was a delightful experience, one I intend to make a regular occurrence, so be sure to keep an eye out for the chat and follow me on Instagram!)There was one question from that chat that has lingered in my mind, which prompted me to set aside my original plan for this week—another "Wear Test" featuring speedos as daywear. Fear not, it will make its debut next week, so stay tuned!
But I digress. The question that caught my attention was: “How to layer and look good for spring weather that is indecisive!?” While I provided a few initial responses, I felt compelled to delve deeper, thus birthing the concept for this letter. So, without further ado, here are four ways to layer for spring, tailored to weather the whims of the season and look good while doing so!
TWO SHIRTS + ONE SWEATER + ONE TRENCH= THE NEXT DIMENSION
For this initial ensemble, I set out to push my boundaries by experimenting with layering two shirts while ensuring utmost comfort. Layering two button-downs is a fun an inventive way to look and style the traditional shirt, and there are certain people who I think are truly masters at it, such as Neelam Ahooja and Jose Criales-Unzueta, to name a few. On the flip side, I've had my challenges with it, and even when I did attempt it once and stepped out, I couldn't shake that sense of unease. Yet, at 9 PM this past Thursday, inspiration struck, and I believe I've finally unlocked the secret to wearing two shirts and feeling and looking great!
I think the challenge of layering two shirts arises from the struggle to pair two similar button-downs on top of each other. Perhaps it's the fabric's lack of flexibility compared to the likes of a polo shirt, or maybe it's simply a matter of not having the right shirts to pull off the look comfortably. Most of my button-downs tend to be on the oversized side, and I've come to realize that playing with different proportions is key when it comes to layering shirts. However, as I sifted through my closet, I rediscovered a Prada collarless shirt that I bought on a whim yet rarely wear. I layered it over another Prada shirt that I've owned for years which I bought from INA on 13th (RIP). It was a match made in heaven! The absence of competing collars allowed the collar to rest comfortably at the neck without overwhelming me with layers.
Now, when it comes to shirts, the options are endless. Personally, I have a soft spot for Prada shirts—they strike the perfect balance of lightweight yet durable. Sebline offers a splendid array of collarless shirts ideal for the warmer seasons. And let's not forget about Charvet (God tier shirting), Naomi Nomi (High-quality and affordable everyday shirts) , and Chava (Impeccable made-to-measure shirting and the best tuxedo-style shirts!). You also can't go wrong with vintage Brooks Brothers shirts or Ralph Lauren classic fit shirts, which offer the same feeling as a vintage Brooks Brothers style shirt.
When it comes to spring dressing and layering, having a trusty trench coat and a snug sweater on standby is essential. (It may seem a bit unconventional, but I always keep a couple of lightweight cashmere sweaters handy year-round—I tend to feel the chill regardless of the season.) The cotton sweater tied over my shirts is a Muji one from a past season, but Alex Mill offers a similar style that's worth exploring. And let's not forget about hats—spring is the perfect time to experiment with headwear. I received a delightful flurry of questions about hats in the chat, which truly warmed my heart.
Many of the inquiries revolved around finding hats that strike the right balance—ones that neither look nor feel out of place. For those venturing into the world of hats, winter-specific styles that are not the traditional beanie might feel a bit like a costume if you're not accustomed to them. However, in spring and summer, hats not only provide much-needed sun protection but also add a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. The textures and styles of hats for warmer seasons exude a relaxed charm and may not be as intimidating as, say, a feather fascinator or sequin cocktail hat. This is the season for bucket hats, baseball caps, sun hats, and, if you dare, even a fedora.
The hat I am wearing is one I bought in lieu of spending upwards of $1k on this one from Margiela. Mine is from a boutique called Dear: Rivington on Great Jones Street in New York, though sadly it's not available online. However, similar styles can be found at J.Crew or Toteme. If you prefer something more structured, check out this one from Banana Republic or a packable option from Gigi Burris!
Let's not overlook jewelry when it comes to layering—it's timeless and seasonless! I’m wearing a sweet symphony of pieces from Renato Cipullo, Ben Shoppe, Dorsey, and a few other bits and bobs!
ONE T-SHIRT + ONE TANK= ELEVATED COMFORT
Rather than sticking to the what I thought would be the expected combination of two shirts, I opted for a more unconventional pairing—a tank with a shirt, which I feel injects a sense of freshness into the ensemble. I also thought it would be interesting to dress this up for evening wear.
Initially, I had envisioned styling this outfit with a classic white shirt. However, upon reflection, the stark contrast of optic white against the black and gold elements felt a bit lackluster. With the weather transitioning to warmer days, I have found myself gravitating towards alternative base layer colors such as grey. Take for instance the heather grey Kule shirt I am wearing in this look—a versatile choice that delicately balances the color spectrum. Unlike a white tee, it doesn't overshadow the ensemble, nor does it blend into the black ensemble, preserving the intricate details that distinguish between the tank and the shirt.
I would argue that the key to the shirt and tank combination lies in finding the right proportions; moreover, these proportions need to be similar. Take, for example, the Ferragamo version, where the proportions are so perfectly aligned that at first glance, one might mistake the two pieces for a single garment. Alternatively, you can opt for looser proportions, similar to what I'm wearing. In both the Kule tee and Kotn tee, I'm wearing a medium, and the crucial aspect is that the tank top features larger armholes. This allows me to pull the sleeves through without any unflattering bunching that would occur if the shirt sleeves were wider than those of the tank.
When it comes to accessories, I count my lucky stars every day for discovering this fabulous gold 70s disco belt. In my opinion, everyone should have a metallic belt in their wardrobe, whether it's silver or gold. Not only does it cinch you in, adding such flattering definition, but it also injects a subtle yet striking pop of flair into any outfit!
ONE SHIRT + ONE POLO+ TUXEDO JACKET= PREP-SCHOOL HOOLIGAN
Of course, there's an unmistakable inspiration behind this look that I'll leave unsaid, given how frequent I reference it, haha! Besides that, my ensemble of course draws influences from "Take Ivy” and the early years of Vampire Weekend (Which has been this weekend’s soundtrack, and taking me back to high school days when all I yearned for was to be one of those families that vacation in Cape Cod. Back then, I knew little about it beyond its Kennedy ties, but it sounded like a preppy oasis!). As you might have gathered from my writing or my outfit pictures, while my style often leans towards the eclectic, I really find great comfort in the world of preppy fashion. Preppy style, especially in layering for transitional seasons, offers a plethora of solutions. It's a unique blend of contrasting elements coming together to create the quintessential prep uniform, a concept beautifully explored by Avery Trufleman in “Articles of Interest.”
For this particular ensemble, I opted for a double-collar approach that I find much more comfortable compared to the two-collared button-down situation mentioned earlier. There's a certain versatility to the polo collar that effortlessly complements a button-down shirt, in my opinion. Both tops are from Ralph Lauren; I actually purchased the polo in an XL size and cropped it to hit at the same point where my pants usually rest. Additionally, I cropped the sleeves to end a few inches past my elbows, which not only aids in rolling up the sleeves of the shirt underneath the polo but also prevents dealing with excess fabric.
Why not try layering your bags? My latest bag addition, the Hermes knapsack, has captured my heart. I mentioned it a few weeks back while expressing my distaste for backpacks but absolute adoration for knapsacks. It's got a bit of a rustic charm to it that I find perfect. And what could be more quintessentially Cape Cod than layering it with my trusty L.L.Bean boat and tote? Sure, it's seen better days, but it's my go-to for everything (and it's definitely more affordable than some of those Trader Joe’s bags being resold!). Mine's the extra-large zipper tote with long straps.
ONE HENLEY + ONE SHIRT + ONE SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT= COOK-OUT A GOGO
For the final look, I decided to experiment with layering three tops, reminiscent of a style seen in numerous shows and movies from the late '90s through the 2000s. These ensembles typically involved one of three combinations: t-shirt + short-sleeve shirt, long-sleeve (usually a thermal) + short sleeve shirt, or a chaotic combination of all three shirts. This distinctive outfit was often worn by characters labeled as "stoner" or "quirky," further accentuated by their eccentric layers. While I might have cringed at such ensembles a few years ago, I now realize those costume designers were onto something!
For spring dressing, the challenge lies in staying comfortably warm without overheating. I think the key to that is wearing layers with varying weights, which strikes a balance between insulation and breathability. Moreover, when opting for the three-shirt look, it's crucial to designate one as your insulating layer—a piece that can easily adapt to shifting weather conditions with effortless removal and addition.
In planning this ensemble, I was determined to show off a recent find: a Prada gingham shirt that I first spotted at a vintage fair last year on a rather handsome and artsy dad ( He was indeed a father, with his child in tow. While I don't believe his little one was dressed in Prada, just imagine the missed chance for a father and child duo sporting matching gingham shirts!). Ever since that moment, I've been on the hunt for it at a reasonable price—and finally, my search paid off! (In my opinion, Prada and Comme Des Garcon do gingham the best.) I wanted to pair it with capris, but alas, I found myself lacking in that department. Undeterred, I improvised by rolling up my tapered Uniqlo pants to achieve the desired look.
For me, the capri pant, the clam digger, and the biker short all reside in the same realm, each epitomizing the charm of cropped proportions—a delightful middle ground between pants and shorts.
EXTRACURRICULAR LAYERING
ONE LIP BALM + ONE LIP TREATMENT + ONE LIP OIL = JUICY LIPS, MWAH
As many of you know, I'm not particularly keen on makeup—not out of opposition, but rather because my sensitive skin has made the decision for me. However, I've been dabbling in makeup-adjacent products lately, particularly lip products, and I've been exploring the art of layering them. For my base, I swear by the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm. I've tested countless lip balms across various price points, but I always come back to Jack Black. Adding to this routine is the U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound in the shade "Bellini.” While this treatment boasts a plumping effect, my lips are naturally quite full, so I don't notice a significant change in size. However, it does enhance my natural lip color and imparts a glossy finish ( U Beauty is currently having a sitewide sale with 20% off—I've tried their face oil and eye cream, and I can't recommend them enough!). To complete this lip ensemble, I apply the Clarins Comfort Oil Hydrating Oil in "Pitaya." It adds a subtle tint and shine to the lips, and the scent is simply divine!
ONE FRAGRANCE OIL + TWO PERFUMES = NOSE BLINDNESS AVOIDANCE
I had dinner with a friend working on a project for a beauty company a few months ago, they shared insights they'd gained—such as the concept of "nose blindness," medically known as olfactory adaptation. Essentially, if you consistently wear the same fragrance day in and day out, your body may become accustomed to it, making it harder to detect the scent over time due to prolonged exposure. To counteract this, my friend suggested layering scents—a practice I've adopted since our conversation. Typically, I pair my powdery Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose with either another rose fragrance, such as Tom Ford Cafe Rose, or opt for a contrasting floral like Magnolia, also from Frederic Malle.
I recently had a conversation with Asia Grant, the founder of Redoux, about fragrance oils and the art of layering them with spray perfumes. She recommended a fragrance oil from Kuumba Made in the scent "Persian Garden" (I also grabbed the scent "Arabian Rose" from the same brand). Much like layering lip products, I've found that the oil enhances the perfumes I apply on top. Oh, and speaking of fragrances, I had the pleasure of chatting with
about fragrances and you can find that interview here!ONE COWBOY HAT + A TIARA= RHINESTONE COWBOY
Before we part ways, I have a few announcements to share! Firstly, I'm excited to announce that I'll be sending out newsletters twice a week from now on. The mid-week send-out will be the permanent home of my "Consider Yourself a Shopper" series, where I round up the things I've recently bought, the things in my cart, or simply things on my mind. (If you're a new subscriber, here are a few of my favorites form the series: “The Revolutionary Costume”, “Art Deco Coupes and Versace Throw Pillows”, “Presidential Pursuits.”) Additionally, I've decided to move this series behind the paywall. So, if you don't want to miss out on the links and my obsessions, consider becoming a paid subscriber! With a paid subscription, you'll also receive a subscriber-only Sunday post at the end of the month, and access to the full archive!
Furthermore, if there's something specific you'd like to see, questions you have about styling, fashion, or any general inquiries, feel free to email me or send me a DM on Instagram. (I'm one of those rare people who prefer chatting via Instagram DMs!) Your feedback and suggestions are invaluable to me and greatly contribute to the content of the newsletter. Okay, that's all for now!
I’m going to let Ella take us out today, see you all later this week!
XX
JJ
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This was so inspiring!! Now I have 400 tabs open lol Thank you!!
Your styling is exquisite, as is your eye for proportions!