The 8 It Girl–Approved Pieces to Layer With This Spring
No matter your zip code, chances are you've experienced the almost-universal feeling tied to this time of year, at least when it comes to dressing for freezing weather: fatigue. Winter has a way of making everyone weary, so it's no wonder why the most stylish people find themselves daydreaming about which spring trends they'll be wearing soon. Of course, reality, or rather forecasts, can tamper with those fantasies. Until frosty temperatures fully dissipate, having a few functional layering staples is imperative to transition your closet from winter to spring. There are some of the more "obvious" choices one could consider tried-and-true transitional staples for the task: trench coats, lightweight knits, and the list goes on. While all these layering basics are worthwhile additions to anyone's wardrobe, if we're being honest, they might not always hit the same way as whipping up something trendier (especially after an excruciatingly long winter).
What if you didn't have to choose between function and fashion? It's not a trick question, friends! From spring runway shows to social media feeds, there is no shortage of examples showing that you can strike a balance between pragmatism and idealism. The secret lies in having an arsenal of contemporary staples and creative layering techniques in your back pocket. Obviously, building that styling toolkit takes time, but luckily for you, we've got plenty of it. After hours of extensive research, we've rounded up the eight best layering staples for spring based on their presence in runway collections and the coolest people's closets. Plus, we've rounded up a few outfit ideas, styling tips, and shopping recommendations. Consider this your ultimate blueprint for how to layer in early spring like a style star.
1. Oversize Button-Downs
We'll admit that oversize button-down shirts are among the more obvious layering staples. Don't be fooled, though; spring collections served as a master class in making this "boring" staple feel exhilarating again by playing with shades, textiles, and, of course, styling. At Bottega Veneta, Loewe, and Celine, the simplicity of the Oxford shirt was turned on its head simply by appearing in variations of pale pink, cobalt blue, and other trendy shades, while other collections used studded embellishments or supple textiles like satin or leather to give the button-down shirt new depth (as shown at Boss, Hermès, and MSGM). But possibly the best example could be found at Ami Paris, where models wore doubled-up button-down shirts in contrasting neutrals, creating a visually dynamic new way to wear this layering staple.
How to Style an Oversize Button-Down (IRL)
Styling notes: While re-creating any of the layering formulas from spring collections is a great place to start, if you're looking for a more straightforward way to style this timeless layer, look no further than the outfit shown above. You really can't go wrong with styling an oversize button-down shirt with other staples—e.g., a leather bomber jacket, a turtleneck sweater, and a pencil skirt—just be sure they're in contrasting shades to make the look visually compelling.
2. Lightweight Turtlenecks
Spring might be on the horizon, but don't put your lightweight turtleneck sweaters in storage just yet. When it comes to foundational layers, others pale in comparison to what this particular item can do for you. Not convinced? Simply refer to the spring collections, which made the case for turtlenecks to be considered a statement piece in their own right. Brightly hued cobalt, citrus, and candy-pink turtlenecks transformed otherwise vanilla silhouettes into a visual feast at Alaïa, Yirantian, and Jil Sander. Similarly, we saw other creative directors take a bite out of this styling trend by using it to draw attention to the tactile elements of runway looks; woven leather, tweed, and even flannel popped even more when paired with this basic. If this isn't proof of this piece's rightful place in your closet, we don't know what is.
How to Style a Light Turtleneck (IRL)
Styling notes: You don't need to embrace bright colors or unique textures to create visual contrast with any ensemble—simply turn to your trusted turtleneck. Even the "simplest" trench coat can suddenly feel 10 times more sophisticated when styled with a black turtleneck. It's a straightforward way to trick yourself into being happy about having to still wear a coat for the foreseeable future.
3. Unnecessary Sweaters
Call us dramatic, but we’re currently praying for the day when wearing a sweater is no longer a necessity but merely a choice. Clearly, creative directors heard our pleas because across spring collections a surprising layering trend emerged: unnecessary sweaters. As the moniker suggests, the idea is to style sweaters solely for decoration; this manifested as knitwear tied haphazardly around the shoulders at ACNE Studios, Maria McManus, Brandon Maxwell, and many other brands. If knits weren’t tied around the neck or shoulders, then they were cinched around the waist in a way that felt reminiscent of when you were begrudgingly forced to bring a cardigan by your parents. There’s no lingering resentment here, though, as the addition of knits to ultra-sheer dresses or embellished bra tops and low-slung denim skirts (as shown at Nº21 and Versace) reminds us that we’re finally able to choose what we want to wear.
How to Style an Extra Sweater (IRL)
Styling notes: Frankly, there's no better way to spice up your knitwear than to draw inspiration from sultrier spring runway looks. Of course, not everyone can justify wearing a tiny bra top and low-slung skirt when it's super cold outside! If you want to cover up a bit, consider a slip dress paired with a bomber jacket and an unnecessary sweater.
4. Light Jackets
Even though the transition out of winter brings the prospect of warmer weather, it doesn’t mean that you won’t still be dealing with fluctuating temperatures. The solution to styling the perfect outfit for those days with fickle forecasts lies in turning to spring collections for inspiration. It’s not enough to invest in good outerwear; one must double down quite literally on their commitment to having a few light jackets in their layering war chest—or at least that was what creative directors seemed to suggest with their spring shows. From Fendi to Sportmax to The Attico, we saw designers send models down the runway with doubled-up anoraks, jean jackets, blazers, trenches, and basically any other jacket-and-coat pairings imaginable. It may seem antithetical to the whole anti-winter sentiment to suggest wearing more outerwear, but this specific layering trend is sort of like embracing your inner Goldilocks: You get to decide what's coziest for you.
How to Double Up Your Outerwear (IRL)
Styling notes: The key to double-layering your outerwear is choosing a single coat as the focal point of your outfit. For example, if you have two trench coats in different colors, consider pairing them together to tap into this styling trend. If you're worried that wearing two (or more) jackets will look too busy, keep the rest of your look simple, like a button-down shirt and baggy jeans.
5. Sheer Layers
If you’ve kept up with recent runway trends, then there’s one “risqué” trend that no longer shocks you: sheer clothing. Although we’ve seen naked dressing dominate runways, red carpets, and even real life for what feels like a really long time, designers have given us a new way to wear this trend this spring. No longer is it about bearing it all but bringing sheer pieces into the mix as strategic layers. That’s apparent in Prada’s spring collection, where brightly hued bloomers and button-downs were layered beneath sheer organza skirts—intentionally dialing up the vibrancy of the separates. Beyond that runway show, we saw other brands give opaque tops, trenches, and skirts a more approachable spin by layering them over other staples (tanks, trousers, and the works). It reminded us that the pieces we no longer find risky can feel so again if we take a chance with our styling.
How to Style Sheer Pieces (IRL)
Styling notes: When you want to add a little edge to your everyday staples, consider using sheer pieces as top layers. Your favorite pair of black leggings can go from "vanilla" to "spicy" when styled with a sheer skirt and statement jacket. Alternatively, you can make a simple T-shirt stand out by layering a sheer tank on top, or dress up your favorite tank and jeans with an organza trench. The styling possibilities of this spring layering staple are truly endless.
6. T-Shirts & Tanks
It could ring true that “not all superheroes wear capes,” but the same can’t be said for tank tops and T-shirts. The superpowers of these two base layers have remained largely unsung in recent seasons—until now. For the record, we’ve always seen these evergreen staples present in runway collections. However, spring shows elevated these basics to hero status through exaggerated styling, specifically two, three, and even four tanks and T-shirts layered on top of each other. Drawing inspiration from ‘90s styling, runway shows including LII, Aiayu, and TWP leaned into grungy elements of the era with oversize, often mismatched, shirts worn together, while brands such as Toteme and Lemaire gave the trend a more contemporary spin by leaning into minimalist-coded aesthetics with monochrome layers. And then there were other designers who decided to call all the avengers (of the closet) for a sort-of reunion with tanks, T-shirts, button-downs, and other layering basics stacked to the brim. It's safe to say that staples can save the day, after all!
How to Mismatch Your Base Layers (IRL)
Styling notes: Whether you acutely remember when this layering trend became popular or you're trying it for the first time, it's important to remember that you don't have to embrace as many layers as shown in spring shows. Start small by styling a long-sleeve T-shirt under a contrasting oversize tank (or tee), and then add baggy pants and sneakers. You could very well find that this layering formula becomes your very own batsuit—or signature spring look at the very least.
7. Polo Shirts
For those who find the notion of oversize tees layered together far too casual, there’s another piece that’s more suitable to their tastes—enter polo shirts. The staple has remained a must-have in the minds of the style crowd for some time, but even more recently as the cultural zeitgeist has grown obsessed with tennis, polo, and all things sport-adjacent. What makes versions of this layering basic a bit different from previous seasons, however, lies in the styling: We saw a shift away from the previous athletic-heavy aesthetic into different terrains altogether. Obviously, there were the more quintessentially preppy examples in shows like Fendi, Tory Burch, or Chanel, where polo shirts were layered under tailored jackets and prim cardigans or paired with baggy jeans and quilted bags. But then there were other collections that leaned more eccentric, pairing polos with unexpected pieces to create shock and delight—e.g., polos paired with sequin separates, layered underneath printed apron dresses, or even double-layered striped versions. The overall result is a layering trend that can be precisely tailored to one’s personal style.
How to Style Your Polo Shirts (IRL)
Styling notes: The beauty of this basic is that it can be paired with pretty much anything, but should you need a place to start, turn to your most trusted staples. You can make any polo shirt pop by layering a contrasting T-shirt underneath or adding an unnecessary sweater on top. Whatever pieces you choose to pair with your polo, you can rest assured they will look absolutely posh.
8. Statement Scarves
Hopefully by now, you've gotten ample inspiration on how to style your layering staples this spring. But if you still need that little something extra to make your ensembles truly stand out, consider [add dramatic pause here] the statement scarf. We know what you’re thinking: I’ve been wearing scarves all winter. We won’t fight you there! But hear us out: There’s a difference between wearing this accessory as a functional layer to mitigate frostbite versus wearing it as a decorative layer only for the vibes. Pragmatic? No. Fun? Yes. Spring shows unabashedly prove just how fun this piece can be as an extra layer, as printed, fringed, and embellished scarves made strictly tailored silhouettes feel looser (refer to Celine, Kallmeyer, and Ferragamo). Whether you choose to style your statement scarf around your neck, shoulder, or waist, it’s one layer you won’t regret wearing this spring.
How to Style Your Statement Scarves (IRL)
Styling notes: The forecast might not scream spring, but how you style your layers can do all the talking. When you're still forced to wear your winter coat, cinch a statement scarf around your waist to make it feel brand-new. It might not be a big change, but it's a small shift that will transition you slowly into the new season.
