How to Properly Layer This Fall

Image via Complex Original

If all your clothes are an extra-smedium, then it's going to be tough to wear multiple garments at the same time. If your sweater is just as tight as your chambray shirt, followed by a blazer you bought a size too-small, then it's going to look like your body is trying to escape from multiple levels of tightness.

Let your layers breathe. It's nice to have a roomy sweater or topcoat that allows for other items to be packed beneath it. You'll be able to move better, and, at the end of the day, you'll be more comfortable and stylish.

Blazers are an essential part to any wardrobe, but instead of looking like you stepped off an Ivy League campus, try dressing down the menswear staple. Put a sweater or sweatshirt underneath and finish the look with a beanie, 5-panel, or strapback hat. You can even try wearing a pair of running sneakers with your blazer, which will look less conspicuous than with a suit. Just don't wear a hoodie or graphic T-shirt underneath, unless you want to enter "Asshole" territory.

Fleece jackets are back in a great way. The outdoors look is in this season, which makes fleece jackets an ideal layer. Like your ideal girl, they're warm but not too heavy, and you can un-button the neck and let your other layers pop out (extended metaphor?). And the best thing about fleece jackets is that they come in a variety of bold colors. While the rest of your outerwear is in a drab or military shade, you can make a statement with a red or teal jacket. They're easiest and best way to get cozy this fall.

Denim can be worn in any season, but its natural home is in fall when it won't make cause you to swelter. It's also the perfect way to dress down any outfit. Try rocking a denim jacket under a blazer or on top of an oxford shirt. You'll emanate rebel vibes without having to invest in a motorcycle. Hey, if Yeezy's doing it, it's probably a good look. Just make sure you do it correctly and get a trusted homie's co-sign before you leave the house looking like Jay Leno.

If you really need a heavy piece of outerwear, go for an option without sleeves. A vest offers the warmth of a down lining, but you won't be sweating if the sun decides to show up. And let's be honest; the best part is that the clothes layered underneath the vest are visible. You can wear a henley, chambray shirt, or even your favorite graphic long-sleeve T-shirt, and they'll all pop because they're not smothered by a jacket.

It's fall, you're going to want to wear as many clothes as physically possible. That's the beauty of fall style, right? Here's the key: keep the layers light. If you pile-up a mid-weight denim shirt, merino wool sweater, vest, and cashmere scarf on the first day of October you'll be sweating like Keith. Keep it light with a washed shirt, a breezy sweatshirt, and a denim jacket and you won't be left with uncomfortable pit stains you'll be dealing with all day. The lighter you keep the clothes, the more you can wear, and ultimately add to your onion-like swagger.

Remember that there's levels to this shit. When you layer up, it gives you the opportunity to properly adjust your temps by adding or removing articles of clothing. Unless you're in close proximity to your home, you're going to need a a place to store the extra clothing you either shed or need for later. All this means is that you have another opportunity for you to be steezy. Make sure you're never without a cool backpack, and avoid slinging a jacket over your shoulder all day. Or even worse, tying it around your waist.

Everyone loves fall because it marks the beginning "hoodie season." However, this year try skipping out on the hood and go for the crewneck. If you're going to be layering, the crewneck sweatshirt is at times a better option, and is a much more classic and cleaner design.

A crewneck sweatshirt can be worn under a blazer or denim jacket without the awkward hood popping out of the top or giving you a hunchback look. You'll look like less of a bro, and you can also wear a button-up shirt underneath and let the collar show above the heathered cotton. 

The key to getting your layers to pop is to alternate your fabrics. 'Tis the season to be putting denim on top of wool on top of cotton, with something waxed somewhere in-between. If you have a bunch of layers of similar fabrics, you lose out on rocking the texture that an oxford shirt underneath a cableknit sweater gives you.

Fall is one of your first opportunities to wear a legitimate jacket, but don't go overboard. This is the season wear you'll want to wear something light but element-proof, or a technical jacket that's substantial enough for cold but won't make you sweat.

Your heaviest outerwear is called a "winter coat" for a reason: it's not made to be worn in fall. We know, it might snow early, and you'll need to shovel, but that can still be done in a parka or anorak. Wearing a winter jacket only isn't unnecessary, it also means you're more than likely wearing a T-shirt underneath to level everything out, and that completely defeats the purpose of layering.

Lightweight sneakers are such a good look that there's no reason they should disappear come fall. Boots, brogues, and wingtips will of course make their appearances this season, but if you don't live in a region where permafrost is an issue, you can still sport your Frees or Rosheruns with a pair of wool socks. You'll have the right balance to keep your feet warm but sweat-free. And if you're wearing mesh kicks, the pattern of the sock will pop through the sneaker's upper.