It’s that time of year again. September rolls around, kids are back in school, and the weather starts to cool. Regardless of the fact that Toronto is currently experiencing gorgeous, warm sunny days, the mornings and evenings are getting a little nippy and it’s time to start changing the way we dress. So what’s the best way to transition your outfits from hot Summer weather to the brisk days of Fall? Layers.

I don’t know about you, but I’m not quite ready to stop wearing my summer clothing – that time will come soon enough. So for now, while the days are still warm and we’re merely coping with minor fluctuating temperatures, the best way I know how to deal (and what I recommend to my clients) is that we layer up.

Layering can be as simple as throwing on a cardigan or a long sleeve shirt over your outfit when it’s cool and then taking it off or tying it around your waist or hips when it warms up. Or it can be adding another topper like a vest and then throwing a blazer or jacket (bomber and varsity are big for Fall) on top of that. All depends on the thermometer and what look you’re going for.

Or you can do the whole dress-over-pants thing. Just make sure that if you do attempt this look, that you take a good look at yourself in the mirror (front and back) to see how the pants sit underneath (that they’re not making the dress bulge in bizarre and unflattering ways). Also, make sure that you’ve got your proportions in check and that there’s a method to your madness (so to speak). You want it to look like it’s an “outfit” kinda thing as opposed to a “my mom made me wear my pants under my dress cuz it’s cold out” kinda thing. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)

Generally speaking, when layering, you’ll want to vary textures and fabrics. Typically, the layers closest to your body should be the thinnest fabrics and sit closest to your body. You then increase thickness and bulk the further you move away from your body. If you wear something extremely thick and bulky underneath a thinner, more streamlined or form-fitting garment, it can look odd and like you’re bigger than you truly are. You’ll also want to vary lengths too. If you’re layering, don’t hide it. Let people see what you’ve got going on. Varying the lengths of the pieces you’re wearing makes if obvious that you have multiple items on.

Accessories are also part of the layering equation (and can complete an outfit), so don’t forget them when getting dressed. Scarves are great to throw on when the thermometer drops and are just as easy to take off when the day gets warmer. Tuck your scarf into your bag when you don’t need it, or wrap it around the handle. Super versatile.

Layering’s great – not only does it serves a purpose, but it adds interest and depth to what could be a very simple or plain outfit. One of the best things about layering is that it stretches your wardrobe. Gone are the days of having to completely switch out your Summer and Winter wardrobe. When you layer, you can easily wear some of your warm weather clothing into the cooler months. A stretched wardrobe means a stretched dollar. And who doesn’t want their dollar to go further?