Meet the Latest Micro-Trend to Capture the Fashion World's Attention

By this point, it should be obvious that trendspotting is what I live for. Whether it's a major runway theme or something more along the lines of a micro-trend, I'm always taking stock of what my fashion friends are wearing and while there are so many smaller-scale trends on the scene right now, the lastest micro-trend to bubble up is one that's simply too stunning to ignore.

The style in question? It's all about layered clothing. Think an exposed bra situation like we've seen from Jonthan Simkhai and Rosie Assoulin or even two plain tank tops layered on top of each other. What's great about this trend is that the styles on offer fall on a spectrum from riskier to more simple, so it's easy for anyone to get in on. In the market, you can find a single piece designed to look like there are multiple garments layered on top of each other but if you're feeling inventive you could easily achieve the look with a few good basics of your own.

Ahead, see evidence of the trend that I've charted from the runways to Instagram and shop my favorite layered pieces along the way.

layered clothing

Photo:

Jonathan Simkhai F/W '21

Jonathan Simkhai's fall/winter 2021 collection included this stunning knit ensemble featuring a sheer dress showing off a coordinating bra top underneath.

layered trend runway

Photo:

Jacquemus S/S '21

At Jacquemus this spring, the dresses were designed to look like there were several necklines layered on top of each other. Take this concoction of ruching and miniature buckles, for instance, which is really sending me.

layered trend Rosie Assoulin

Photo:

Rosie Assoulin S/S '20

On the more skin-baring end of the spectrum is this risqué prairie dress creation from Rosie Assoulin that consists of an unbuttoned dress that opens to frame a bra top underneath.

layered dress trend

Photo:

@chainkyr

Look familiar at all? This particular Jacquemus dress has been making its way around Instagram, but you could easily achieve the same look with coordinating separates (Zara is stocking them aplenty).

As I mentioned, layered looks can be refreshingly simple, too. I've been seeing plenty of knits like this that feature built-in layering and they couldn't be any easier to wear. When we talk about special basics, this is exactly what we mean.

Tackle two trends in one go with pieces that combine asymmetric cutouts with layering. They might look complicated, but I would argue that's part of their intrigue.

layered top trend

Photo:

@glossier

Bustier and corset tops have quickly become extremely coveted pieces, and this layered look combining two from Miaou is pure perfection. 

how to wear the layered trend

Photo:

@lefevrediary

I don't know what it is but knit pieces, specifically, that have this layered look are really something else. Not only does this Jonathan Simkhai set perfectly capture the trend in question, but it also comes in spring's buzziest hue, pale yellow.

The only thing better than a good white tank? Two. Racer neck tanks are the cult basic you'll find in every fashion girl's closet, so when I saw this double-layer version pop up in my feed, I just knew it would be destined for fame.

Quick question: does this top make your heartbeat quicken, or are you normal? When I first laid eyes on this unique creation from emerging NYC label Tae Park, it really did me in.