While layering for winters is quite common and doesn’t look odd even if you mix and match peculiar things together; the road to style takes a sharp U-turn when you are layering for Spring. The term ‘layering’ is not just about putting things together but making every piece in your wardrobe count in the look that you decide to flaunt. For Spring-Summer, one gets to experiment with sheer and light fabrics, so one can bring on the peek-a-boo game with versatile ensembles.
For layering in warmer seasons, it’s best to pick light layers, fabrics that keep you cool and silhouettes that let you breathe. Designer Payal Khandwala suggests, “Think large roomy pants, diaphanous jackets, overlays in sheer fabrics and easy shirts. Stick to cotton, linens, khadi, Chanderi and pick light silks if you have to dress up. Keep your accessories light, minimal but dramatic. It’s best to avoid elements that will weigh you down, like fitted belts and heavy jackets. For summer, add a pop of vivid reds, ochre, and leaf green with subtle pale pinks, powder blues, and mint. They do wonders to brighten up your look. For a sharper result, you can always mix and match a softer palette with strong neutrals like white or a chocolate brown.”
The weather in spring is beautiful but also unexpected, it can go from warm and sunny to cold and damp in minutes, so layering is a smart and innovative way to make sure you beat the odds. Designer Arjun Kapoor mentions, “Add a cute lightweight trench over your sundress to perfect that casual look. Go for cute sheer bolero over a white tee for the day, and for the night, you could rock a sequinned jacket over a corset to give it that extra glam factor. Accessorising is the key to any outfit, and print linen or a muslin scarf really works as a layered idea for the warmer months. A loose, drape Kaftan also works really well but make sure you are creating a contrast of colours so that it really pops. A definite spring must-have is the ‘midi’ skirt, it’s not too short, not too long and just right. You can’t go wrong with a midi – they can be sequinned, shimmery, white with scallops or just plain but they always look classy and demure. Another must-have is the shirt dress, as they are easy to wear and easy to style. Another interesting look could be to go with a rainbow of colours, colour blocked top with a midi skirt in a myriad of colours and finish off with some neon stilettos and a high sleeked back ponytail for that extra punch.”
Spring summer is all about being bold and classy. At the same time, layering can be little perplexing, if not done interestingly. A statement colour tone in an outfit can be matched up with the cuts and style of the entire look and make sure, that it doesn’t overpower complexity. Designer Aditi Swain says, “The hand embroidered motifs and ruffled short sleeves add up to the stylish look for the season. A cotton pigeon blue colour straight skirt in motifs of summer flowers and fruits could be a perfect outfit for an informal brunch or an outdoor event. For an evening cocktail look, an additional layer of cotton jacket would look absolutely stunning and sexy. Look out for interesting cuts and pick cowl necks, draped, spliced and angular cuts to club together with accessories. The idea is to feel light without compromising the look of the outfit.”
Styling is all about highlighting your body in the right place and hiding your flaws, suggests designer Krupa Kapadia, who vouches for cut-out dresses and tops for spring. She adds, “If you’re a beginner and are willing to experiment with the cutout trend, the easiest way is to have cutouts on your arms, shoulders and your back. It all depends on what your personal style is like, but do remember less is more. Depending on the strategic placement of the cutout, you can go all out with your accessories or keep it chic. Layered chains are always fun, as are statement earrings but for a more experimental look opt for metallic tattoos or stick on rhinestones.”
It’s easy to create new looks with summer jackets or capes worn over tees or silk blouses. One can also invest in quirky suits with waistcoats to look different or opt for co-ordinated prints to create the top-to-toe tonal look. Layering can add a new dimension to your outfit, but designer Samarjeet Kaur Gurm wants you to remember these tips. The designer says, “Avoid heavyweight fabrics in your inner or outer layer. Go for sheer fabrics like organza, chiffon or lace jackets – they add an interesting element in the outfit. With polyesters and rayons, there is no scope of layering. Make sure one of the layers is sleeveless and unlined so you can feel cool and breezy as well. Avoid layering with dark or neon shades. Softer hues and earthy tones are pleasing to the eye too in the scorching heat and are much easier to pair together. Tie up a cotton shirt over a dress and you’re good to go.”
