Let’s get back to basic layering techniques

Aya
Nov 23, 2025
3 min read

Hybranation season started earlier this week when all my fellow Londoners and myself included saw the snow. In November. That was not on my bingo card. So, this and yet another middle-of-the-night crisis hit me.

With winter coming, the only thing we have on our minds is to dress up as warm as possible, at least that’s what I keep hearing (rarely me though, I was built to commit to an outfit I imagined and pull through with it, and no temperature outside will pivot my ultimate level of stubbornness). But once we are in the semi-comfort of the London tube, especially the Central line, ifykyk, the urge to take all the clothes off rises together with sweat and a close-to-faint state. So today I wanted to talk layers with you.

I’ll be honest with you, we will be touching basic layer techniques during winter, as well as my middle-of-the-night-rebranding-crisis, where I am also layering all of me to the public. Without any particular idea of what that means.

Anyway, let’s get back to basic layering techniques.

One. Intentional Contrast Building

Layer by playing with contrast in attitude. Think of each layer as a distinct voice that contributes to the overall message that you came up with. Just like I am listening to the voices in my head that I call intuition, that are leading me to rebrand my entire identity and begin with another head-start, I guess. A grounded base, a lively middle, and a refined finish create a look that feels both composed and unpredictable, the way your style should whisper confidence and spark intrigue at the same time.

Two. Foundation Reinforcement

Start with a lightweight, fitted underlayer that anchors your silhouette. I am starting with archiving posts that I no longer like on my IG page, because I have free will, and I am trying to keep it more authentic. After all, the year of the snake was all about shedding old skin. So me a year ago and me now, are two different people. Everything else builds from this quiet architecture. Applies to both my brain and your closet. It’s one of the Fashion Scientist principles of stability, meeting the Hot Mama Bakery belief in gentle comfort. Your layers feel harmonious, not heavy.

Three. Heightened Proportion Play

Experiment with lengths in a way that creates movement around your figure. Go for that risk, girl! Speaking to you and to myself now. Short over long or structured over soft creates a dynamic dimension. This turns layering into a form of personal storytelling, shaping how your presence unfolds as you move through the city. Exactly what I am trying to do. Literally having a marketing meeting to see how I can pivot all of my 12 things I do into a structured and accurately layered yet that screams ME brand, because so far the only structure that comes to my mind is Neorospicy Diaries of a stylist. Do I TM it? Lol.

Four. Sensory Depth Crafting

Build layers through texture families rather than single materials. The conversation between soft and structured, smooth and weighty, matte and luminous creates depth without visual noise. Your outfit becomes an ecosystem where every surface contributes to the experience. You see why I keep having these middle-of-the-night crises? I want every little thing I do and take pride in to, like a beautiful puzzle, to compliment each other and give me that feeling of a finished maze. Will I succeed? I will keep you posted.

Five. Narrative Accessory Layering

Use your accessories as your crescendo. Begin with subtle pieces, then build toward a defining accent that guides the eye. Each addition deepens the narrative rather than decorating for decoration’s sake. It’s the final polish that captures your essence without overpowering your intention. Don’t be scared to play with all the accessories known to you. Expand your horizons. You’ve got this. And if that feels overwhelming, I’ve got you. Book your free consultation with me, and I can walk you through it. Just like my marketing besties walk me through my overwhelming state of “I want to do it all and now”.