Megan Snowe is an NYC-based stylist, artist, and designer. When she’s not putting together bold yet practical outfits, she’s creating new clothes and home goods from repurposed materials. When it’s time for a break, you’ll find her exploring the city with her dog Gertrude.
As a stylist, my number one tip for dressing sustainably is always to learn how to layer better and smarter. With a bit of planning and know-how, you can wear your favorite sleeveless summer dress year-round, elevate otherwise casual basics for a night out, and give some weekend time to your workplace favorites. In other words, layering helps to diversify the pieces you own, opening up a whole new world of possibilities!
To get layering right, you need the right foundations in your wardrobe. Here 4 key pieces I always recommend for multi-season layering and sustainable dressing:
Fitted Tank Top
A fitted tank top is a great base layer in chilly winter, a supporting role for ever-changing springtime temps, and a mainstay in the relentless heat of summer. No matter the season, a fitted tank top can be at the center of all of your looks.
The Rhea Rib Crop Top and the Kenzie Top are my go-tos. For a springtime workday-to-happy hour look, wear the Namra Tank under the Aspen Shirt tucked into a cute skirt. Once the workday is over, transform the look by rolling up your sleeves and opening and untucking the Aspen Shirt. Showcasing the tank underneath adds a fun pop of color!
In summer, give me the Rhea Rib Crop Top with wide-leg pants any day of the week. Chilly nights? I simply add the lightweight Aspen Shirt and I’m ready for anything.
Tunic Dress
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of a button down dress like the Bayon Button Up Tunic or the Aja Dress. These beauties are full of incredible layering and styling possibilities! Here are a few ideas to ignite your imagination:
In spring and fall, wear the Bayon Button Up Tunic open over the Muscle Tank and straight leg pants, like the Rosie Pant. This concept also looks great with the Strand High Rise Jeans. Complete the outfit with a classic sneaker, I love The Brisa for a sporty look or The Serena to play off the rich burgundy tone.
In summer, all you need under the open Aja Dress is the Classic Cotton Leggings, The Muscle Tank, and sandals or sneaks. The relaxed fit of the tunic dress will keep you nice and cool.
Long Sleeve Top
Let's take a moment to give long sleeve tops like the Jill Top their due appreciation.
Whether with the casual Fillmore Boyfriend Jeans, the elegant Alison Skirt, or the cute Rita Jumpsuit, a fitted long sleeve top will add a polished finish to your outfit. Aside from looking great, it will also keep you warm as a base layer under sweaters and extend the seasonal wear of favorite summer pieces.
If you love the layered aesthetic, I highly recommend wearing a long sleeve top under a loose blouse like the Willow Blouse or Aspen Shirt to play with color blocking and pattern mixing.
Collared Shirt
Last but not least, the collared shirt. It’s already gotten lots of air time here, but it’s worth emphasizing: a button down collared shirt can do so much for your wardrobe any season of the year. The Aspen Shirt is clearly a favorite, but the Joni Classic Shirt is also sure to be your new bestie.
Layer it over the Arden Linen Dress or the Sofia Mini Dress with the Kiki Slide Sandals for an adorable summer outfit. A collared shirt can also completely change the vibe of The Cropped Sweatshirt from lazy weekend to casual office ready when layered underneath and styled with a timeless bucket bag.
I hope this list brings some ease to the idea of layering and encourages you to play around with the pieces you have! Follow wearwell on Instagram for more ideas and inspo or shop our entire collection to find foundational pieces that work best for you.
