So, I’m a freak for layers. An absolute freak. I wear multiple layers year-round, because even when it’s hot outside, eventually I’m going to hit some air conditioning and will be feeling super grateful for the little cardigan in my bag.
My layering predilection is famed hither and yon, and I am usually that woman wearing a gauze-y cotton scarf in July while people ask me, “Aren’t you HOT?” No, actually, I’m not, and I’m not going to wind up with sunburned cleavage either.
Now, some prefer a flowy wrap to ward off a chill as the weather warms up, and that’s fine, but it’s not me -- I like a bit of structure for the spring. Maybe it’s to ease the transition between coats and lighter jackets. Maybe it’s to spiff up the bright sundresses I’m pulling from their sad dark winter storage. For whatever reason, when spring comes, I want blazers, and cropped jackets, and other tailored pieces.
So, here are six high-contrast layers I like for spring -- and because they’re all black and white, they’ll go with pretty much anything you’ve got.
I love lace made all menswear-y. Also the goth flavor is really speaking to me, what a surprise.
Forgot the jacket; check out how hot that picture is. HOT. OK now look at the jacket. I love anything in that cropped moto jacket style; it’s structured, but not stuffy.
Speaking of stuffy, who doesn’t want to look like a waiter? Or an inside-out penguin? Okay, so this won’t go with everything, but throw it over something bright and you’ve got instant crispness. Crispitude? Crisposity?
STRIPES, of course. I think I owned a variation on this jacket during the actual 80s. You know that thing they say about if you’re old enough to have worn it the first time, you shouldn’t be wearing it when it comes back into style again? It’s BULLSHIT.
I love a non-frou-frou lace, and this fits that bill for sure. This delicate little jacket is girly without being precious, and the contrast tie gives it shape.
So what do you think? Are you considering a move beyond the usual shrugs and floppy cardigans? Am I nuts for recommending blazers in 80 degree weather? And what else do you want me to track down? The ball’s in your court, kittens.
