The Onion Theory- Layering 101

The onion fall outfit formula that never goes out of style - or practicality.

Now my mother despises Shrek, but if there is one thing that it taught me, it’s that onions have layers. How does this relate to getting dressed in fall you ask? Good fall outfits are like onions, they are full of layers.

The difference between a good fall outfit and an onion however, is the room for textures, exciting colours and the peeks of fabric that good layering brings. So I’m going to show you my layer hierarchy, from skin to coat, including my yearly loves and new finds.

1. The Undergarments

   Something we don’t talk enough about is underwear, but it can make a world of difference to your outfit and how you feel overall. For everyday use I love this Anine Bing lace number, we’re talking really pushing the wash boundaries with my love for it. I actually like a bit of lace showing through my t-shirt but if you want a really seamless everyday bra then look no further than this Skims number.

2. The Base Layer

   Something I discovered last year that made a world of difference to me was the thin cashmere long sleeve. I found mine in a really good store in Notting Hill called ‘The Store'.’ I’ve been back this year and they are still coming out with the same tops in multiple colours for £32. This COS number is basically the same thing if Notting Hill is a little far for you, it comes in white too. I recently found this Tibi navy version which I loved, I can’t tell you how soft it was, but a tad pricier. I do really love Tibi right now. My final base layer mention has got to be Renggli Studio - a brand created by Morgan Stewart. Arguably too good to be hidden as a base layer, these effortlessly cool tops hang between base and that added touch layer.

   

3. The Added Touch

   Depending on the weather, this could be your skippable step. However, this step is also the one where you can play around with textures before throwing a knit on top. Granted it doesn’t work that well unless you can see a little, but nevertheless! For me you can’t go wrong with a nautical stripe, I love adding some light to a darker outfit with a cool stripe. A great way to add texture is denim, this Khaite shirt is my ride or die, though I saw Helen post an outfit in the white version which I had to include. When I find my outfit feels boring or basic, I will go towards adding textures, this Corduroy shirt is a prime example. Or you can go daytime crazy with a touch of lace.

   

4. The Knit

   Starting with another Tibi mention, but I think this would look very cool over a simple black base layer. All I can think about right now is The Row Ophelia sweater, but all I can wear right now is this H&M sweater that has been such a good find. This H&M find has been the best The Row dupe I’ve come across.

   

5. If these were the options when parents said wear a coat, I think we would all be more obliging.

   The cherry on top of our layer cake, coats really do work hard. I’m suffering from a leather fever right now so let’s kick it off with this Max Mara beauty. Tried and tested (in store) that jacket is something else, size up for bonus points. This Suede coat has also been living in my mind, just a shame I need to sell my organs first. Finding a long black oversized coat is usually a mission for me but I have found two this year that have checked the box so much that it’s gone circle. See here, and here for the best coats. Notable mention for this leather COS coat.

   

   So, those are my picks to create the foolproof fall outfit, onion style. At the end of every article I will be sharing my pick of the week, this week it is this pair of cargo trousers.

   

   These are from the brand ‘Citizens of Humanity’ called the Marcelle trouser. They are the perfect khaki cargo, baggy but fitted and casual but cool. Size down however, for reference I’m usually a 26 and went for a 24, they’re still just the right amount of baggy. I think I may have to go for the camo version too.

   Have the best week!

   OW XX