Look Slim in Layers

Fall has arrived which means we get to add a few layers to outfits to keep out the chill and cover up any figure flaws. While layering is relatively simple to do, a few expert tips will help you make the most of this cozy look no matter your shape.
-- Emily Neill

Liz Linder

Esme Before
Esme just had a baby and still has an "apple" shape (thicker middle). Wearing a fitted shirt under a loose jacket to minimize her waist is on target, but Esme's shirt choice could be more flattering. The bulky tie at her décolletage also attracts attention to her middle.

Liz Linder

Esme After: Look #1
When we swap Esme's loose silk top for a Lycra V-neck one, we elongate her torso with the more open neck of the new shirt, and the fitted stretch fabric also creates a smoother, leaner silhouette for her.

Liz Linder

Esme After: Look #2
Using the same formula of a fitted V-neck shirt and a loose cropped jacket, Esme slims her torso and hides trouble areas at the same time. Proof that the combo works with both light or dark colors.

Liz Linder

Amy Before
Layering allows us to break up looks and create new shapes visually by mixing hems and color. But while layering sweaters is a great idea to stretch your wardrobe, this dark top over a light tank shortens Amy torso and makes her hips appear wide.

Liz Linder

Amy After: Look #1
A better color combination is two similarly dark colors (here, brown and wine) which looks more sophisticated and slimming. Amy looks leaner (in the same pants) since there is no break of color to cut her shape in half.

Liz Linder

Amy After: Look #2
For a more colorful look that still flatters, we play up Amy's blue eyes and blond hair by layering a blue bolero over a sculpting black V-neck sweater. The contrasting colors now work together to highlight her narrow waist.

Liz Linder

Elena Before
Elena is a high school art teacher who needs to look authoritative, but creative. Here, she dons a traditional sweater set that just hangs on her petite 5' 2" frame and makes her look straight and square.

Liz Linder

Elena After: Look #1
When we swap in a longer, thinner tee for her boring blue knit top, and pair it with a cut-away sweater (with elongating bell sleeves), we create new curves and extend the look of Elena's short torso with a graceful feminine line.

Liz Linder

Elena After: Look #2
Again, for Elena's second look, we create a tall, lean shape by using a long tee with a contrasting dark fitted jacket. The jacket's cropped shape also draws the eye to the curve of her hip while classic heels adds height to help lengthen her even more.

Liz Linder