Learn how to style the perfect shirt layered look from top fashion influencers like Emily Sindlev, Tamu Mcpherson, and Mary Leest.
Learn key pieces and layering techniques to easily elevate your style.
What is the shirt layering style?
Shirt layering is a styling approach that involves layering shirts for different styles and seasons, allowing a simple item to create multiple looks. Pairing oversized shirts with knits, vests, and more can create a minimalist yet sophisticated look. This layering style is especially popular among fashion influencers, so here are some practical and stylish styling tips.
The secret to the popularity of the shirt layering style
We love this style not just because it’s easy to pull off, but also because it’s a sustainable fashion that’s not too trendy, as layering allows you to change your look from season to season and personalize it to suit your personality. In spring and fall, you can wear a single shirt for a lightweight look, while in winter, you can pair it with a thicker knit or coat for extra warmth.
Shirt layering staples
Oversized shirts
The most popular shirt layering item is the oversized shirt. Their roomy fit makes them easy to layer with other pieces, and their flowing silhouette gives them a sophisticated look. Shirts come in a variety of colors and patterns, including white, pastels, and stripes, to create different looks.
Knits and vests
Layer a knit or vest over a shirt for a classic, elegant look. Knits can help you stay warm and casual, while vests can help you look formal and vintage.
Turtleneck and shirt combination
Layer a turtleneck under a shirt for a warmer, more stylish look. Depending on the material and color of the turtleneck, the look can range from casual to modern.
Fashion influencers who showcase shirt layering styles
Emili Sindlev
Danish influencer Emili Sindlev is known for her colorful and individual style, and she often mixes and matches bold colors and patterns, even when it comes to shirt layering. She often pairs colorful knits or patterned vests over her shirts to create a unique look, and has become a unique style icon in the fashion world.
Tamu McPherson
Tamu McPherson is a fashion influencer and photographer known for her colorful and creative styling. Her shirt styling goes beyond the typical shirt look, often showcasing bold color combinations and unique pattern mixes and matches, and she uses lots of layering to create a unique look. Whether it’s pairing an oversized shirt with wide-legged pants for a relaxed yet sophisticated look, or layering a vest or jacket over a shirt to create a calm yet sophisticated look, Tamu’s styling is very flexible and trend-setting. Even a single shirt is styled in a way that allows her unique personality to shine through.
Mary Leest
Mary List is a New York-based stylist who favors a minimalist style, often layering oversized shirts and knit vests. Her style is modern and clean, with a white shirt as the centerpiece and a variety of pieces to create natural layering. Simple yet structured styling is her hallmark.
Styling tips for layering shirts
1. Be mindful of color matching: When layering, it’s best to match colors for a tone-on-tone style, or add a contrasting color to change up your look.
2. Play with the fit: When using an oversized shirt, it’s important to style your bottoms in a slimmer fit to coordinate. This will make the overall silhouette look balanced.
3. Add accessories: accessories such as hats, bags, and shoes can help complete your look, especially if they’re on-trend, like a mini bag or a scarf with a unique pattern.
Shirt layering is a versatile fashion trend
Layering shirts is a useful styling trick that works no matter the season, especially if you follow the layering styles of fashion influencers, you’ll see that one shirt can create many different looks. Try using a basic shirt and different styles of knits, vests, and more to create your own personalized layering style.
