These 6 Fall Layering Hacks Allow Me to Get the Most Out of My Wardrobe

This fall, I'm trying to make more intentional buying decisions and am looking to my existing wardrobe for outfit inspiration. Turns out, I already have a lot of pieces that, when layered correctly, can make several fall outfits from thin air. While some may say living in L.A. isn't conducive to fall layering, that post-sunset temperature drop is real and would argue otherwise. Lucky for us, it's nothing another layer or two can't fix. 

Below are six outfit combinations I created with "boring" staples like a button-down shirt, a mesh top, and a slip dress—all of which you likely already have in your closet. These outfit templates have not disappointed me yet and can be remixed all season long to your liking. I was even able to repurpose some summer hero pieces into fall outfits, proving there's no reason summer ever needs to end. Keep scrolling to see the fall layering hacks I'm using to get the most from my closet this fall.

Collared Shirt + Crew-Neck

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(Image credit: @banniakabread)

After this summer, I'm convinced we all have a crisp white button-down in our arsenal. Lean into the preppy vibe and style it underneath your crew-neck sweatshirts this fall. I'm wearing it with a black tennis skirt and a vintage sweatshirt to balance out the Catholic-schoolgirl vibes.

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Turtleneck + Cardigan

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(Image credit: @banniakabread)

A turtleneck feels like an aggressive choice in L.A. (It's 84° as I write this.) However, when paired with laid-back track pants and a cardigan, the chill vibes are restored. Tonal layering, as seen here with the gray-on-gray pieces, is another hack that can be a lifesaver when you're convinced you have nothing to wear.

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Oversize Vest + Crew-Neck Sweatshirt 

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(Image credit: @banniakabread)

If presented the choice, I would choose an oversize vest over a blazer any day due to the layering potential of vests. This oversize tweed number from H&M looks amazing with sweatshirts, hoodies, and long-sleeve shirts. Simply switch out the inside and bottom layers for endless options. 

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Sweater-Vest + T-Shirt 

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(Image credit: @banniakabread)

I've been wanting to wear shirts over miniskirts for a while now, but every time I try on the outfit, something seems off. Turns out, the missing piece was a sweater-vest. A white sweater-vest like the one I'm wearing provides a bit more dimension to the outfit and is a nice contrast to the all-black outfits I've been gravitating toward lately. This outfit is giving philosophy major with a focus on Stoicism, which we love.

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Overalls + Hoodie

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(Image credit: @banniakabread)

I'm convinced this outfit will never go out of style, as I've been wearing different versions of overalls and hoodies for years now. This fall, I'm choosing utilitarian overalls and keeping everything nice and baggy.

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Mesh Top + Slip Dress

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(Image credit: @banniakabread)

Stocked up on second-skin tops and slip dresses over the past few months? Me too. By pairing these two pieces together, you'll be able to stretch those purchases into the winter months. Stick to solid colors to maximize your options.

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Next Up: By Far, These Are the 10 Most Important Trends for Spring 2022

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