The moment winter is behind us, we (or at least those of us in the UK) rush to shed our layers, ready to feel the sun on our skin after months of being buried underneath cashmere and wool.
But let us not be too hasty. Mastering the art of layering clothes is just as crucial in summer as it is in the colder months. In fact, arguably more so. In winter, the purpose of layering up is to keep you warm and therefore your outfit generally stays layered from the start of your day until the end. In summer on the other hand, at some point each layer will be visible and that means making sure that each piece works individually as well as as a team.
And let’s be honest. Although there is nothing more glorious than a British summer, there is also nothing more unpredictable and that necessitates being prepared for all eventualities, regardless of what the current forecast looks like. Much as we would love to throw on a floaty summer dress and be done with it, the reality is that mornings are fresh, evenings are chilly and office ACs are excessive. We simply can’t forgo layers completely.
THE SCIENCE OF LAYERING
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Layering is in our DNA.
The level of precision that goes into ensuring that each piece can be worn alone and layered means that there’s nothing for you to think about. Our designers use their expertise to make sure that every seam aligns perfectly, that every color complements and that every detail works in harmony.
In our guide to summer layering, we break down the pieces you need to curate a versatile collection of separates that can be mixed and matched in endless combinations to see you through this summer and all the summers to come.
THE SLEEVELESS LAYERING TOP
T-shirts are of course a summer style staple but a layering top is a cut above.
Adding a chic standing collar in delicate broderie anglaise or pressed pleats to a classic t-shirt shape will instantly elevate it. Whilst workwear rules are relaxing, particularly post-pandemic, sometimes a tee can feel a tad too casual to be appropriate, whereas a layering top provides the ideal alternative, bridging the gap between blouse and basics.
Our layering tops and tees are designed to go under a crew and V-necklines, with the collar detail visible at the neck or decorative trims peeking out from the arm openings of a sleeveless knit to instantly liven up your jumper or vest. A layering tee is a great entry piece to give old favourites new life, a low-key investment that provides a quick wardrobe refresh.
Styles to bookmark:
Embroidered Frill Collar Layering Top
Cotton Slub Frill Collar Layering Top
T-shirts are of course a summer style staple but a layering top is a cut above.
Adding a chic standing collar in delicate broderie anglaise or pressed pleats to a classic t-shirt shape will instantly elevate it. Whilst workwear rules are relaxing, particularly post-pandemic, sometimes a tee can feel a tad too casual to be appropriate, whereas a layering top provides the ideal alternative, bridging the gap between blouse and basics.
Our layering tops and tees are designed to go under a crew and V-necklines, with the collar detail visible at the neck or decorative trims peeking out from the arm openings of a sleeveless knit to instantly liven up your sweater or vest. A layering tee is a great entry piece to give old favorites new life, a low-key investment that provides a quick closet refresh.
Styles to bookmark:
Embroidered Frill Collar Layering Top
Cotton Slub Frill Collar Layering Top
THE LAYERING VEST
Our lightweight Base Layering Vest and Top Layering Vest are timeless summer layering heroes.
The cut of the straps means they can be styled on top of one another, sported solo or layered under an oversized shirt for a clean, simple aesthetic.
For something far more pared back, turn to our Fashion First Aid Cami. A slick, stripped-back design in a selection of neutrals sits under summer’s sheer tops and blouses for coverage.
Styles to bookmark:
Base Layering Vest
Top Layering Vest
Cotton Rib Racer Front Vest
THE LAYERING SHIRT
The layering shirt is one of our signature best-sellers.
Summer’s iterations are crafted from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and luxe silk-cotton blends to make layering comfortable, with details at the collar and cuffs designed to peek out from under the sleeve of a blazer or collar of a knit.
Hero styles like the Broderie Voile Blouse which is finished with broderie-anglaise trims down the front button placket, a design that works especially well with tailored blazers and cardigans - top layers with an open front that makes the most of the detailing.
Styles to bookmark:
Broderie Voile Blouse
Cotton Broderie Balloon Sleeve Blouse
Cotton Jacquard Boho Raglan Blouse
THE SUMMER KNIT
As a British label, we know how crucial it is to have knitwear options available all year round: as balmy as it may feel when the sun is out, the second it goes in, the temperature is sure to drop.
This season’s new sleeveless vests are designed as a solution to accompany blouses with statement sleeves. Our Cashmere Rib Trim V Neck Vest is knitted from pure, 5gg cashmere in a bold colourway and finished with ribbed trims alongside side vents to ensure a flattering fit, whilst our Organic Cotton Textured Stitch Vest is a more streamlined design.
For something more sports-luxe, our Icon Cashmere Crop Box Hoody is a layering hero. A button-front design can be worn open or closed which helps to regulate body temperature, and the cashmere is warm enough to go on over a tee yet lightweight enough to be worn underneath a jacket.
Styles to bookmark:
Organic Cotton Textured Stitch Vest
As a British label, we know how crucial it is to have knitwear options available all year round: as balmy as it may feel when the sun is out, the second it goes in, the temperature is sure to drop.
This season’s new sleeveless vests are designed as a solution to accompany blouses with statement sleeves. Our Cashmere Rib Trim V Neck Sweater Vest is knitted from pure, 5gg cashmere in a bold colorway and finished with ribbed trims alongside side vents to ensure a flattering fit, whilst our Organic Cotton Textured Stitch Sweater Vest is a more streamlined design.
For something more sports-luxe, our Icon Cashmere Crop Box Hoody is a layering hero. A button-front design can be worn open or closed which helps to regulate body temperature, and the cashmere is warm enough to go on over a tee yet lightweight enough to be worn underneath a jacket.
Styles to bookmark:
Organic Cotton Textured Stitch Vest
LAYERING DRESSES
As a summer go-to, understanding how to layer a dress is imperative.
A tailored blazer will add structure to summer’s floaty silhouettes and fabrics for work and evenings out. Tailored from a soft fabric with a hint of stretch and featuring a check pattern rendered in tones taken from our key collection colours, this season’s hero Boyfriend Blazer is neutral enough to go with everything, classic enough to be chic forever and sharp enough to elevate every outfit. As with all our blazers, our Fine Pinstripe Boyfriend Blazer has deep, self-lined cuffs so that you can turn them back to shorten the sleeve length and achieve a more pared-back look without disrupting the pastel pinstripes. Plus, deep functional patch pockets at the front provide a welcome dose of practicality for any dresses that don’t provide anywhere to stash your card and keys.
If a blazer feels too formal for a summer’s day, a trusted denim jacket is a casual styling essential. It can, and should, still fulfil a structural role, however, in order to flatter and enhance the silhouette, so be sure to choose a style that hits just at waist length.
Come autumn, there’s no reason to pack away your summer dresses (a high-performing wardrobe is one that works year-round). Layer a thin polo neck underneath, with chunky boots countering the femininity of the dress for a contemporary take.
Style to bookmark:
Fine Pinstripe Boyfriend Blazer
Slim-Fit Crop Denim Jacket
As a summer go-to, understanding how to layer a dress is imperative.
A tailored blazer will add structure to summer’s floaty silhouettes and fabrics for work and evenings out. Tailored from a soft fabric with a hint of stretch and featuring a check pattern rendered in tones taken from our key collection colors, this season’s hero Boyfriend Blazer is neutral enough to go with everything, classic enough to be chic forever and sharp enough to elevate every outfit. As with all our blazers, our Fine Pinstripe Boyfriend Blazer has deep, self-lined cuffs so that you can turn them back to shorten the sleeve length and achieve a more pared-back look without disrupting the pastel pinstripes. Plus, deep functional patch pockets at the front provide a welcome dose of practicality for any dresses that don’t provide anywhere to stash your card and keys.
If a blazer feels too formal for a summer’s day, a trusted denim jacket is a casual styling essential. It can, and should, still fulfil a structural role, however, in order to flatter and enhance the silhouette, so be sure to choose a style that hits just at waist length.
Come fall, there’s no reason to pack away your summer dresses (a high-performing closet is one that works year-round). Layer a thin polo neck underneath, with chunky boots countering the femininity of the dress for a contemporary take.
Style to bookmark:
Fine Pinstripe Boyfriend Blazer
Slim-Fit Crop Denim Jacket