Layering - Shedding the Winter Layers for the Spring Layers

A tough look gets a tender touch with ruffle detail and lace trim. Leather Ruffle jacket by Victoria's Secret

It’s no secret that spring holds many wonderful beginnings. New flowers are blooming, birds chirp happily through the day, and the days begin to get longer, sunnier and warmer. It’s the end of the freezing cold, the gloomy days and the barren trees. One of the most wonderful new beginnings in spring is the new fashions and shedding those big, bulky sweaters for shorter skirts and bare arms. There are very hot trends emerging this spring and it’s all about layering sweet, simple, and sexy spring clothes!

Vests are great for layering and there’s many ways to wear them. Pairing them with a short skirt that ends just a couple of inches above the knee and wearing the vest open to reveal a cute button-up sleeveless blouse is a great ensemble for this spring. Or you can keep the skirt and trade in the blouse for a longer, button up vest that remains buttoned under the shorter vest. Belt the long vest to emphasize the waist and wear a loose, silk scarf around the neck to create a more layered and dramatic look.

Another way to love the layered look and still maintain a spring look is to wear sheer, which will be seen everywhere this year. The look can be taken from super sweet and simple to ultra mysterious and sexy. If you’re going for a simpler look, wear a dark cover-up sheer over an outfit that hugs your curves. You don’t want the sheer to be too long, waist-length will do. For something a little sexier, pair a light-colored sheer blouse over a darker camisole. How risqué this look gets is up to you and depends on the type of camisole you choose. It can also remain very sweet and be suitable for the office or choose a half-camisole for going clubbing.

Trenchcoats are the ultimate in layering and started making their comeback last year. They have swung into full gear this spring and have become a fashion must-have. Choose one in a bright color and light fabric and wear it over just about anything. Or simply button up, belt it up, and wear it with a pair of heels as a dress. With the right coat, this look is stunning. The trendiest trenchcoats this year are those that fall just at the knee, especially if it’s being used as a dress!

Layering cinch-front tank by Victoria's Secret

Diane von Furstenberg Cropped Safari Jacket

Bird-of-Paradise Coat & Belted Sheath Dress by Neiman Marcus

Other jackets that are super chic this year are blazers and safari jackets. The blazer can also be worn over just about any blouse. You want to make sure that the smaller the blazer, the better and it must, must be form-fitting to avoid looking like you’re stuck in the last decade. A look that is especially effective when opting for a blazer is a blazer that is cut mid-abdomen with a long, flowing shirt that ends just past the waist.

Safari jackets can be long sleeve, short sleeve, or no sleeve. The sleeve you choose will depend on what, if anything, you wear under it. The sleeveless safari jacket is generally worn as a shirt and a belt at the waist will turn the jacket into a very sleek and sexy piece. The long sleeve safari jackets are generally very form-fitting as well so you can choose to wear them on their own, maybe with the last half of the buttons undone to add to the sexiness of it, or with a small, solid colored t-shirt underneath.

The secret to this spring’s fashions is to find something, just about anything, that can either be worn under something or over something. If you’re layering, you’re doing it right.

Next: Color Trends 2008