Layering adds zest to transitional dressing, and along with street style, there is no better source of inspiration than the runways for vibrant ideas on how to wear your go-to pieces in fresh and invigorating ways. The fall/winter 2025 season emphasized proportion play in a personality-driven manner by adding dimension and depth with artful stacks (shirts on shirts! belts on belts! knits on knits!) and flashes of color (notably, red) for levity and brightness to failsafe neutrals.

A favorite across the board was the classic poplin shirt; at Altuzarra, the sleeves peeked out from underneath a Fair Isle knit, while at The Row, the Olsen twins doubled up and tucked two into a pair of wide-leg corduroy pants for a timeless look that simultaneously felt totally right for now. At Khaite, a striped button-down acted as a grounding base for an asymmetric bustier top.

Belts got plenty of air time, too for a subtle styling accent that can leave a big impact. At Jil Sander, a duo of leather belts brought edginess to the lace skirt, while at Dries Van Noten, a corset belt gave shape to a fluid silk blazer. At Maria McManus, the art of layering came to life in shades of grey. And for particularly cold days, the memo was to embrace textures—and pile on the jackets. As the looks below prove, sometimes more really is more.

Vogue’s Layering Essentials

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Photo: Su Mustecaplioglu / Gorunway.com / Courtesy of Altuzarra

Poplin Shirt + Fair Isle Turtleneck + Pencil Skirt + Equestrian Boot

Altuzarra played with textures and proportions in this look, built around a Fair Isle turtleneck, pencil skirt, and riding boots. Recreate the ensemble with Arch4’s cashmere knit and Gap’s simple white button-down—just remember to tuck the sweater in and cuff the shirt sleeves for a polished finish. A statement belt cinches the waist, with a skull cap adding a wink of personality.

Photo: Courtesy of The Row

Corduroy Pants + A Set of Button-Downs

Simple yet dimensional, The Row doubled up on the button-down to make a subtle statement. Pair two neutral-toned shirts with corduroy trousers in the color of the season—brown. Keep your extras (belt, shoes, handbag) in the same neutral color family for a clean, tonal look.

Photo: Courtesy of Polo Ralph Lauren

Suede Jacket + Grey Suit + Oxford Shirt + Canvas Sneakers

Take note from this Polo Ralph Lauren layered look and pile on the textures and colors for visual depth. Staple pieces like the grey suit, white canvas sneaker, and baby blue oxford shirt get a new lease on life when teamed up with a red turtleneck and suede jacket—fringes optional!

Photo: Courtesy of Khaite

Bustier Top + Button Down + Opera Gloves

Khaite shows us how to make a strapless top feel daytime-appropriate by layering it over a striped button-down. Pair it back to relaxed wool trousers, then add kitten heels for easy polish. Leather opera gloves give it a hint of after-hours drama.

Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.com

Red Poplin Shirt + Black Turtleneck + Neutral Dress

A burst of red can do wonders for the mood on a dreary day. Rather than making it the focal point of your look, consider a primary pop of color as your finishing accent. Try it with a shoe, a pair of gloves, or a button-up shirt, as demonstrated in this layered dress look.

Photo: Alessandro Lucioni – Gorunway.com / Courtesy of Jil Sander

A Belt Duo + Lace Skirt + Over-the-Knee Boot

Two is better than one! From shirting to accessories, doubling up appears to be quietly emerging as a micro trend for fall. Turn to Jil Sander for inspiration on how to wear two belts at once—one wrap, one regular—and use it to give edge and dimension to a dress or skirt separates.

Photo: Umberto Fratini / Gorunway.com

Blazer + Waist Belt + Skinny Pant

All eyes are on the waist! Give structure to a loose jacket with a belt—slim or wide—to wear it more as a top. For a fresh perspective on proportion, Dries Van Noten showed a corset-like band over a silk-satiny blazer. Follow suit and pair it with skinny pants and a sliver of sequin.

Photo: Charlotte Stouvenot / Courtesy of Maria McManus

Scarf Coat + Belted Knit

Maria McManus’s all-grey look is the kind outfit that somehow makes looking cozy also enviably chic. A fitted crewneck with fluid trousers are your base, then wrap a second knit, like Éterne’s, around the waist for a more structured fit.

Photo: Courtesy of Loro Piana

Wool Coat + Herringbone Blazer + Longline Short + Tall Boots

You can never have enough layers, as proven by this Loro Piana look, which finds harmony in a mashup of materials and patterns. Herringbone, double-faced wool, and leather unite in this equestrian-inspired look—familiarity with the sport not required!

Photo: Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.com

Knit Skirt Set + Cami + Leather Loafers

Take cues from Miu Miu and pair a knit set with a white cami, leather loafers, and rivière necklace for an effortlessly feminine look.

Gregoire Avenel / Courtesy of Lemaire

Balaclava + Turtleneck + Sweater Wrapped Around the Waist

More is more in this Lemaire look, which can easily be recreated with a mix of a knitwear in your arsenal. Layer a turtleneck underneath a cropped jacket (Nour Hammour’s suede adds a hit of texture) then wrap a sweater around your waist. A pair of glove-like boots underneath a midi skirt—leather or otherwise—ensures not a single inch of skin is exposed. Top off with a pair of shades (winter sun can be bright!) and a balaclava to keep you warm (and your hair in place) on windy days.

Photo: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren

The Ruffled Top + Distressed Leather Jacket + Riding Boots

Bring Ralph Lauren’s Out West spirit to the city streets with a ruffled blouse and patinated leather jacket. Tuck trousers into knee-high riding boots and finish off with a wide belt.