Fall Layering | Tips & Tricks

Photo Credit: Tess Ware 

{Click the links for outfit details} 

Lush Perfect Roll Tunic: Nordstrom {comes in 4 colors} | Evergreen Blanket Scarf: ShopbellaC { under $30} | Leather Leggings: Express similar here {on sale} | Burgundy Wantagh Steve Madden Booties: Nordstrom | Tory Burch "Robinson" Pebbled Tote: Nordstrom | Karen Walker Sunnies: Shopbop | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Stella & Dot here, here, here | Ring: Baublebar 

When it comes to fall and layering..I can be rather picky. I'm 26 and at times I still find myself struggling on how to compliment my body shape while layering. I'm about to get a little raw..and well sometimes it takes a little willpower to do so. Side note: I struggle once in a while with my body image, but over the years with age have grown to appreciate my curves and that has since lead to more self-confidence. Plus...I'm not exactly the poster child of healthy eating... #Ilikemycarbs.

My body profile is 5"8, 135-140 lbs, and anywhere between a size 27-28 waist {some stores 29}. I often switch from small to medium tops and length is often an issue for me. After looking into all the different types of body shapes.. I've learned that I fall somewhere between pear shape and hour glass. I would love to take credit of having a body like Eva Longoria, but lets be real..she's a petite hour glass (a girl can dream).

So, where does of this body talk lead to? I wanted to provide some helpful tips on key steps to layering any body type. Real talk: I in no way consider myself an expert, but again love offering tips and personal tricks I've learned throughout the years to help you build the perfect layering look for any season. Disclaimer: This certainly doesn't include every body shape out there, but covers MOST body shapes. Keep in mind.. some shapes begin to blend closely with others.

• The "Ruler" or "Lean Column" 
• Your top and bottom often match in size. Example- Small top, Small bottom. Petite like.
• Layering Tip: Shy away from shapeless shirts or droopy styles. Baggy on top and on bottom.
• Layering Trick: Add extra layering to the top and compliment with a skinny/flared denim and some heels or tall boots to add dimensions instead of one straight line. Also add an edgy leather jacket or short sweater with high waisted denim. #jealous
• The "Apple" Shape
• You have roundness and fullness in the shoulders, stomach, and hip areas. 
• Layering Tip: Shy away from extra fabric in the mid section or bust area. Also busy detail in the full areas-stomach, waist, hip. Example: Front or double pockets. Also Jackets or cardigans that finish at your fullest points.
• Layering Trick: Wear a shirt/blouse with a line/seam directly below the bust. Example: Cap sleeve with a line directly under the bust area with a flare leading the eye down to the hip area or slits at the waist. Top it off with a short statement necklace. Avoid busy detail in the full areas-stomach, waist, hip. Boot cut denim with a cute mid-heel bootie or heel to create a longer leg. #curveperfection.
• The "Pear" Shape 
• You carry weight on your hips or thighs. Your top half is smaller than your bottom half. 
• Layering Tip: Shy away from short shirts/blouse/sweaters that hit way above your waist line. This creates the illusion that your hips are wider creating an unporportional top and bottom half. Balance is key.
• Layering Trick: Always have tops/blouses hit above or below the widest part of you hip and bottom. {Sometimes as pictured I can get away with high and low tops, but anything above my waist or a little below creates a widening effect. Layering on your top half example: a chunky blanket scarf or statement necklace will draw the eye up and away from your hips.  Fitted denim/pants around the waist are always best. #Idigit. 
• The "Hour Glass" or "Full Hour Glass"
• Defined or bigger bust area, defined or round waist, neat or rounded hip and bottom.
• Layering Tip: Shy away from straight lines or boxy jackets/sweaters. Avoid bulk around your curves. 
• Layering trick: Wear shaped and fitted lines. Tops/Blouses with a V Neckline. Crop top with high waisted denim. Fitted top with a pencil skirt and blazer. Shorter sweater with fitted jeans and a cute scarf/statement necklace. #Swag. 

As always thanks for following and if you have any further questions on layering or dressing your shape feel free to e-mail me at mandynicoleblog@gmail.com! I would love to hear from you! 

xoxo | Mandy Nicole