layering essentials — the secret to mixing texture, comfort, and edge

layering isn’t just about staying warm — it’s about creating movement, contrast, and depth. it’s about turning simple pieces into something entirely your own. and at the heart of it all? great texture. we believe that mixing fabrics — crisp cotton with soft wool, sleek leather with gauzy silk — is what makes an outfit interesting, lived-in, and completely unique.

the layering essentials — build your base

a great layered wardrobe starts with the right foundation. here are the essentials we love (and always have in the shop):

• the base dress: something neutral, breathable, and seasonless. think sula’s washed silks, plü’s lightweight linens, or a simple slip from aequamente.
•  the underlayer: a long-sleeve cotton tee, mesh top, or fine knit adds warmth and visual depth — perfect under a sleeveless dress or short-sleeved tunic.
• the cropped piece: a knit or jacket that hits just at the waist balances longer dresses or layers below — we love structured cottons from rundholz mainline or slightly deconstructed shrugs from umit unal.
• the outer layer: coats, dusters, and vests that give the whole look shape. aleksandr manamïs makes outer layers that feel like sculpture — dramatic but wearable.

playing with contrast — the fabric story
texture is what takes layering from functional to magical. try these combinations:

• crisp + soft: layer a structured cotton shirt over a draped linen dress. let the sleeves peek out or roll them up.
• matte + shine: wear a silk or satin slip under a wool jacket — just a bit of sheen beneath texture.
• raw + refined: a lace-trimmed top beneath a rugged vest, or a soft gauze blouse with a heavier twill skirt.
• light + heavy: mix a barely-there tank with a weighty wrap coat — contrast adds instant intention.

color as a texture
even color can be layered. tone-on-tone dressing in muted, earthy hues (like umit unal’s stonewashed greys and olives) adds quiet drama. or start neutral and drop in a pop — a pale blush scarf, a rich black jacket, a worn leather boot.

dressing should feel alive
clothing should move with you. change with you. a layered look feels more personal, more lived-in, like you’ve collected your outfit over time. not every hem has to match. not every piece has to “go.” when your layers are chosen with feeling, they always work.

our favorite tip? don’t overthink it.
grab the pieces you love. try them together. layer a cotton tunic under a silk dress. toss a knit over a slip. let linen wrinkle and boots scuff. that’s where the beauty is.