Crash Course in French Dressing 7: The Art of Layering

Chloe Green-Vamos is a junior at Boston College, studying abroad in Paris, France for the fall semester.  Obsessed with fashion and French culture, you can imagine Chloe is absolutely in awe to be living in Paris!  When not in the classroom, she will be taking notes on the streets of Paris about fashion, style, and elegance.  This is a series about everything Chloe is learning from the women of France.

Whether you’re in Boston or Paris, there are some things you just can’t predict.  You can’t predict how long you will have to wait for the T or the Metro, you can’t predict the outcome of the big game, but most of all you can’t predict the weather.  Boston is notorious for its variable and unpredictable weather.  Does the phrase “Snowpocalypse 2011” ring any bells or conjure any vivid memories?  What about the Halloween snowstorm?  
 
Paris is very much the same way.  The weather varies so much from day to day.  It can be cold and rainy one day and hot and sunny the next.  Luckily, we haven’t had snow yet.  However, this variation in weather makes dressing- and more importantly, dressing stylishly- difficult.  The solution to this clothing conundrum is layering.  Parisian women have mastered the art of stylish layering.  You can add or subtract layers based on the weather and the look that you are going for.  Here is a step-by-step, or rather layer-by-layer, guide to the art of Parisian layering.
 
Layer 1:
For your first layer, choose something sleek and form fitting.  Also, be sure that this layer is comfortable since it will be directly on your skin.  Depending on the weather, this layer can be a camisole, short sleeve t-shirt, or long sleeve t-shirt.  Change up your plain cotton t’s for something a bit more special.  Try a layer that has silk or lace accents, or you can be very Parisian and choose stripes.  You want this layer’s accents to peek out from underneath your other layers.

Layer 2:
The second layer is a French woman’s closet staple: the button down.  Button down’s are a great layering piece, as they come in a variety of colors and styles.  Your second layer can be a super preppy pinstripe oxford for a more polished layered look.  If you are going for a more casual look you can layer with flannel.

Layer 3:
The third layer is the knit.  Depending on the temperature, you may want to choose a light sweater if it’s warmer or a really thick sweater if it’s cold.  This is what makes layering such a great style; it’s functional too!  You have a lot of knit options, such as cardigans, v-necks, crew necks, zip-up sweaters, or sweatshirts.  Layer with a chunky cardigan for a library chic look or a knit sweatshirt for a comfortable lounge look.  Feel free to experiment with colors and patterns, but be sure to choose complementary pieces.  If your other layers have a lot going on, choose a neutral color.

Layer 4:
Now it’s time for outerwear.  Again, this layer can be customized to fit the weather and your personal style.  The Parisian go-to is the blazer.  It’s a classic outerwear staple that is great for layering.  The trench is also a practical and stylish Parisian layer.  If you want a sportier look, layer with a ski vest.

Layer 5:
Scarves are a Parisian woman’s favorite way to layer and accessorize at the same time.  It’s an easy way to add a pop of color and pattern and stay warm.

With this step-by-step layering guide, you can build a Parisian layered look that is both stylish and comfortable.  Whether you’re in a Boston blizzard or a windy day in Paris, you collegiettes™ can layer away.  The options are endless, customizable, and perfectly Parisian.
 
Photo Sources:
mtdaysandnights.blogspot.com
jcrew.com
madewell.com
joannagoddard.blogspot.com