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Shop similar styles: The Yiyan blazer, Aubry top, Hockley jeans, and Claressa earrings.

Outfit Layering 101: Six Before-and-After Looks to Try

Six two-second vibe shifts, all made possible by fall fashion’s favorite item: the layer.

By Madeleine Kim

If you’re a fan of fashion magazines, you already know: Fall style is all about the layers. From slick, sharp blazers to edgy vegan leather jackets, layers have the power to completely transform an outfit and make the rest of your wardrobe work harder for you. Whether you’re going straight from a date night to your desk job (okay, we see you!) or from a cozy day at home to a cocktail hour, strategic layering is the key to dressing the part. To demonstrate, we’ve put together six before-and-after outfits for you to try.

Outfit Layering Ideas to Try

From Special Occasion to Sightseeing

We love the Maaza dress not only for its lightweight, easy-to-pack fabric, but also for its relaxed T-shirt-dress silhouette, which makes it an ideal base layer to mix and match. Wear it with chic printed flats and some layered necklaces for an outfit that’s ideal for celebratory happy hours, birthday dinners, reunions—you name it. Want to switch things up? Add the blush-toned Langley bomber as your outer layer, which transforms your outfit into a trendy ensemble that would be just right for a vacation that involves lots of museum-hopping and sightseeing. To dress things down, swap the flats for some white sneakers. Need some extra warmth? Try the cozy Katari coat, made from our fluffy sherpa knit. 

From Date Night to Desk Job

Vegan leather skirt + sleek tank + statement necklace = unbeatable date-night outfit. But trade that necklace for a crisp suit jacket, and you’ve got yourself an office-ready look. The Neale jacket is slightly cropped, making it just right for a high-waisted skirt like the Whitney. Comfortable heeled sandals and classic gold hoops complete both looks. Wearing this outfit in cold weather? Try subbing the tank top for a sweater vest and the sandals for boots.

From Business Casual to Casual Friday

It’s Friday, and your first meeting is full of people you’d very much like to impress. But at 5pm on the dot, you’re planning to split to meet your friends for a lowkey pizza dinner. What do you wear? Start the day with a classic, head-to-toe business-casual look by tucking a silk button-down into a pencil skirt (bonus points if both pieces are machine-washable). On your way out, layer on the Anna jacket—which is like a denim jacket, but better—and trade your pumps for sneakers. Need an extra insulating layer? Wear a fitted top under your button-down to stay warm.

From Cozy Day to Cocktail Hour

For work-from-home days when you’re tempted to just stay in pajamas, reach for real clothes that feel like loungewear. The fan-favorite Celeste top and stretchy Hockley jeans fit the bill and look great on Zoom. Later that day, you get a text from your old boss-turned-mentor—she’s in town! Are you free to grab drinks later? Your calendar is open, and—because you’ve mastered the art of layering—your outfit is ready. Just toss on a blazer, some fun earrings, and your go-to loafers, and head out the door.

Shop a similar look: The Celeste top, Hockley jeans, and Emu Mayberry slippers.

From Corporate Chic to Cool Creative

Your corporate-office wardrobe doesn’t have to be boring. Case in point: This fun yet professional ensemble, featuring the silk jersey Leo pullover, the trendy Tinsley trousers, the versatile Ginger pumps, and the colorful Yuna earrings. When you’re ready to shed your office identity and head to your artist friend’s gallery opening, just pull on some sleek knit booties and a slightly edgy vegan leather jacket

From Laid-Back to Luxurious

Need an easy weekend outfit? Try the super-soft, new Joya top in silk jersey with the comfortable Adina shorts and some easy slides. The navy-and-white palette gives this look a nautical vibe, and silver hoops tie the cool-toned palette together. Should you need to step things up, simply add the Lilia jacket—a knit piece that has the look of a high-end tweed jacket, but the feel of a lightweight cardigan. For an even more elevated look, swap your casual slides for some blue suede shoes. For a fall-friendly version of these outfits, just swap the shorts for the Shane pants, made from that same Everyday Twill.

Written By

Madeleine Kim

Madeleine Kim is the Senior Brand Manager at M.M.LaFleur, where she started out as a stylist. She loves developing styling-focused content and creating newsletters that bring the M.M. community together.

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