Style Trends. How To Layer Successfully. Tricks to Looking Slim & Polished. Second City Style Fashion Blog

By Lauren Dimet for Suite101

Where did sexiness go? Layering was all the rage on the Fall '06 fashion runways. Marc Jacobs piled on layers of plaid flannel, oversized knits, leg warmers and giant wool coats. Daryl K, Max Azria and Sari Gueron all showed dresses over pants. Chloe even showed Bermuda shorts over pants! However, life is not a runway. There's a trick to keeping your look slim and polished. Most of us would look foolish (and huge) with so many layers. Before you toss all your clothes on your back at once, consider these styling tips;

Balance: The key to layering properly is balance. If you layer on top, keep it simple and streamlined on the bottom. Try your skinny or straight-legged jeans tucked into your knee-high boots. Conversely, if you are thinking about donning a skirt with leggings, keep your top half fitted. Another trick is to make sure that you avoid bulk, just have one chunky layer and there should be movement around the body.

Color: Try to keep the colors in the same family or stick with one monochromatic theme. True trend-setters will love playing with layers of knits in a palette of related colors such as shades of grey or brown. Throw in a few interesting textures such as tweed or lace to add a touch of luxe. If you play with various lusters in one color you will be a pro in no time. For instance; try a black silk dress, with knit black tights (they may have a pattern), and a pewter/silver cardigan. Then add pewter leather ballet flats.

Fabrics: Go for lightweight fabrics and lean silhouettes such as cigarette pants, a pair of second-skin jeans or a pair of leggings worn with a slim or softly pleated skirt. On top, layer a sweater or two over a blouse, then toss on a jacket or cape for a splash of show-stopping style. When in doubt remove a layer. Especially on the bottom half you want to keep it to two layers (skirt over leggings, dress over skinny pants). The brightest color or pattern should be the outermost layer like a jacket or scarf. The trick is to make sure layers are fluid and not clingy. Vary the fabrics. For instance head-to-toe cotton will be reminiscent of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."

The Big Toe Approach: To experiment with layering, start off with a base layer, which should be a slim, elongated, featherweight knitted top. Or if you are looking to tread lightly before jumping into this trend, start with a bright tank under a dark blouse or dress. Once you are confident with the shock of color, try a little more the next time.

Accessories & Makeup: The more layers you wear the more toned-down your makeup and jewelry should be. If you’ve become layer obsessed, let a scarf or a couple of necklaces be your last layer. Belts are also a major component of the layered look. Think medium or wide width and toss them over everything...including your jacket.

Layering combinations to try Read More