8 Layering Formulas That Will Make Everyone Think You Hired a Stylist

Last week in New York, it finally hit 70ºF. These are the types of days—when it's still cool in the mornings and evenings but gets warm in the middle of the day—that it feels impossible to dress correctly for the weather. Well, almost. The perfect spring outfit for this kind of weird in-between season needs to marry fashion with function. That means it's all about layering. Some of the chicest spring outfits work so well because they feature classic wardrobe staples in of-the-moment layering combinations that bring both a forward feel to the looks and a practicality for keeping up with the roller coaster of the day's temperatures.

While there are plenty of tried-and-true layering combinations that always work—think a tee underneath a cardigan underneath a trench coat—I've sourced a number of key outfits that are particularly cool and forward. The looks in question are all especially relevant for spring 2024, and I also think said outfits could earn you compliments thanks to their more creative feel. Some people might even go so far as to assume you started working with a secret stylist to amp up your wardrobe. And you know? I say let them. With that, keep scrolling for a few spring layering outfit ideas, complete with shopping inspiration. Hey, you just might earn a compliment or two after testing out one of the solid looks ahead.

Button-Down Shirt + White Tee + Blazer

Freshen up a casual jeans outfit by layering a white tee and striped button-down underneath your boxiest blazer. Let the white tee peek out from underneath the shirt by leaving the top few buttons undone, and tuck it all into a pair of high-rise jeans for a polished finish.

Waistcoat + Blazer + Long Coat

Vest tops are everywhere right now, and one cool way to start wearing yours is to layer it underneath a coordinating blazer. For added warmth depending on your climate, throw a big coat in a contrasting color on top of the whole thing.

V-Neck Sweater + White Tee + Leather Jacket + Jeans

Layering a crisp white tee underneath your sweaters, especially a V-neck that shows off the contrasting colors, is the coolest way to wear your basics right now. Pair the combo with '90s-inspired denim and a leather jacket for the freshest everyday outfit that's secretly so easy to throw together.

Matching Sweater + Sweater Drape

Double the knits equals double the fun. Tap into the monochrome trend by wearing one sweater and tying another one in the same hue over your shoulders to match.

Pullover Sweater + White T-Shirt + Delicate Skirt

The coolest way to wear a white tee right now? Letting one peek out from underneath a crewneck sweater. It's an easy way to add a forward feel to your everyday basics—and the combo works with everything from jeans to a sequin skirt.

Pantsuit + Button-Down Shirt + Tank Top

The savviest layering techniques are all in the details. Next time you wear a collared shirt and blazer, leave the collar out over the blazer's lapels for some added interest.

Denim Overalls + Long Coat + Sneakers

This is your reminder not to sleep on overalls during the transitional seasons—they're much more versatile than you might have thought. Right now, fashion people and celebrities (ahem, Hailey Bieber) are wearing them underneath a maxi coat, and it brings an unexpectedly elevated feel to the otherwise casual piece.

Turtleneck + Collarless Jacket

Collarless, structured jackets are arguably *the* It piece to know for spring. Of all the ways to wear one, we love the idea of layering it over a long ribbed dress—bonus points for chic summer stripes.

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.