5 Layered Outfits That Give Major Spring Vibes

Michelle Li
Updated ·3 min read

For Teen Vogue, fashion is all about giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the industry, thinking deeply about why we wear the things we do, and, of course, finding inspirations for our closets. To kick off NYFW, we are doing just that. In this story, we're playing with layering for spring (and necklines!! and florals!!).

V-necks! Crewnecks! Turtlenecks! Square necks! We’re all committed to our tried-and-true necklines, the ones that we think accentuate our face, bring attention to our clavicle, flatter our new haircut, etc. When it comes to necklines we tend to have tunnel vision and an unflattering neckline hardly even registers. But by writing off a complete category of tops, you’re closing yourself off to a multitude of great outfit combinations (specifically layered outfits). It’s hard to consider wearing something that you’ve deemed unflattering, so ease yourself into the wide variety of necklines by layering them on top of each other this season.

Our #1 tip: Wear the neckline you’re most comfortable with underneath and then layer the neckline you’d like to start wearing over it. Of course, there are many factors that go into thoughtful layering (fabric thickness, complementing colors, textures, and patterns), but allow yourself to play around with it and you might be the next purveyor of a brand new neckline.

We concocted five different looks that layer some of our most intimidating and favorite necklines together. See our experiments in neckline layering below.

Stine Goya blazer and pants; Staud Alice Top, $235, available at Staud.

Suits With Structure

One suit + a structured princess corset = your new favorite way to style a blazer and pants. It’s an unexpected way to add more shape to a blazer that might be a little bit oversize. You get the best of both worlds: the comfort and ease of a suit and the structured, “styled-up” feeling of a corset.

Calle Del Mar sweater; Derek Lam 10 Crosby bodysuit;  Proenza Schouler White Label Bleached Wide Leg Crop Jeans, $375, available at Proenza Schouler; Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina, $375, available at Mansur Gavriel.

Prints Mania!

A one-shoulder tank top (or in this case, bodysuit) is one of the easiest necklines to layer up! It’s not so much fabric that it becomes distracting but the neckline is dynamic enough so the layering is deliberate. This is your opportunity to try mixing prints to add that extra dimension.

GAUGE81 Pisa Dress, $470, available at Shopbop; Marina Moscone top and pants.

Strong Shoulder

Double up on the elegance of a boat neckline and a strapless neckline without being distracting by utilizing the same fabrics. Both the top and the corset are silky so that they still feel meant-to-be, even if they weren’t originally paired together. A sharp, almost-90-degree shoulder ensures that the statement doesn’t get lost.

Baum und Pferdgarten dress and shirt; Brother Vellies Picnic Shoe, $425, available at Brother Vellies; Comme Si Silk Sock, $52, available at Comme Si.

Simple Square Necks

We’re maximalists at heart, but we’re able to find joy in simple things as well, like this cutout shirt and square dress combination. This look perfectly toes the line of an outfit comfort zone: The simple dress and collared shirt are familiar, but it’s new and different because of the cutout neckline. A meeting-in-the-middle compromise!

Rachel Comey cardigan; Barragán dress; Anntian Wide Denim Pant, $470, available at Maimoun; Kenzo top; Comme Si Cotton Lilac Socks, $26, available at Comme Si.

The Risk-Taker

Pile! It! On! Jump in headfirst! Take the plunge! Go for three layers: a risqué dress, fine knit cardigan, and a high-neck top. This look is the outfit equivalent of your favorite casserole. So many layers. Keep them thin to make it less clunky. Move through the day basking in the success of your layering accomplishments.

Credits:

Photographer: Jack Belli

Stylist: Michelle Li

Hair: Helen Reavey

Makeup: Yui Ishibashi

Models: Briana Browne and Anne Barreto

Set Design: Eric Mestman

Producer: Paige Viti

Casting: Morgan Senesi

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue