14 clever, new ways to layer inspired by street style’s hottest stars

The world-inspired trend has been all over the runways thanks to the likes of Stella Jean. The layered bottoms are amplified thanks to the contrasting patterns on top and bottom. A soft Dalmatian print is mixed with the funky Caribbean patterns. We’re especially loving the highwaisted shorts under the cutaway skirt—throwback done right.

Leather can be intimidating to wear, especially during the day. Put a leather top or even a leather dress over top of a smart button up shirt and pile on the accessories accordingly. We’re loving the statement necklace under the collar and the white cotton is the perfect backdrop.

We have Emma Watson to thank for bringing the layered backless dress over pants to the spotlight. This look is layered perfection. The long mauve dress is striking from the front but even more so from the back, where the lining matches the burgundy pencil skirt worn underneath. A little DIY with a vintage dress and a fitted skirt would make this oh-so-attainable.

Only a street style maven like Yasmin Sewell would think of this. Layering a full skirt over a boxy emerald satin top with shorn off straight-legged jeans underneath. The girliness of the skirt is downplayed thanks to the baggy silhouettes of the other two pieces. The jeans, instead of cigarette pants are—dare we say it?—jean-ius.

Taylor Tomasi Hill doesn’t mess around when it comes to layering. Here she shows how two visually interesting tops, a fluted bustier and a white tee decorated with white string, work together. Don’t be afraid to mix statement pieces. Layering isn’t reserved to basics alone.

We’re head over heels for this colour block leather-suede combo jacket and matching tails. The long tuxedo shirt-dress underneath would look just as great with the jacket off and the sleeves rolled up. Risky Business meets the 21st century in perfect summer ease.

White jeans are a summer staple and are a light layering alternative to black leggings under tunics or dresses. This silver-tan-white ensemble is perfectly summery and such a simple upgrade. We are officially retiring our black leggings for the summer.

Here, contrasting floral patterns are made cohesive thanks to the pink pullover on top. The bright hue picks up on the red in the skirt and the pink in the blue undershirt, bringing the pieces together. If you’re going to go for two prints in the same scale, you have to have a unifying factor.

Never fear! Everyone’s favourite piece, the crop top, can be layered up in new ways too. The empire waist dress underneath is a perfect way to play with proportions and works seamlessly with the high hem of all crop tops. This is a perfect way to do casual evening-wear for all your summer parties.

For those overcast days, think about adding a base layer underneath your favourite skin-baring top. Play with the necklines a bit and don’t be afraid to style your v-neck to bare a shoulder or two. And if the day heats up after work, it’s a simple one step process to make it nighttime appropriate.

Bright pieces are easy to layer up as long as their differences are highlighted. The defined waist of the sheer overlay and its shorter hem and longer sleeves keep the outfit from looking too matchy-matchy despite the common colours. When layering common colours deliberately different lengths and fabrics are key.

Finding opportunities to wear all your expensive eveningwear can be trying at best. If you find yourself stuck with several dresses and no place to go, think about layering them over plain basics for an added twist. Keep things casual with minimal accessories and beauty styling.

At first glance this looks seems quite straightforward. But the leather leggings are actually trompe l’oeil boots that end at the mid-thigh. The mock-layered look works well to transition from the cool air conditioning to the hot outdoors, just zip off and go. Full leather leggings would work just as well and are a great tip to take into fall.

If you’re no fan of baring your not-quite-toned arms in one of summer’s many strapless dresses (or crop tops), layer up! Just be sure to keep silhouettes simple and relatively form fitting.