Video: How to layer + build everyday outfits

Layering is a great way to get the most out of each piece in your closet, but sometimes it’s easier said than done (especially when you’re in a style rut!). For this video I wanted to share some easy “formulas” to build practical, everyday outfits for work to weekends, using pieces most of us already own. Small touches like a pop of print, accessories, and mixing textures can help make these looks your own. Press play below!

YouTube video

To recreate each look (I found similar, petite-friendly options for sold-out items):

#1: Banana Republic shirt 00p (similar), Halogen sweater xxsp, Accessory Concierge necklace, Old Navy blazer 0p (similar), Banana Republic pants 00p, Zara heels (similar)

#2: SP black jeans sz 25 (similar), Talbots sweater petite p (similar), Blank NYC moto jacket xs (sleeves shortened), H&M; scarf, Sam Edelman Boots sz 5

#3: Ann Taylor dress (similar), dot shirt 00p + necklace, Express trench xsp c/o, Manolo Blahnik heels sz 35

#4: J.Brand jeans sz 24, Talbots tee, J.Crew chambray shirt xxsp, Express cardigan xs, Uniqlo vest xs, Gap military jacket (similar)

And here’s a Pinterest-friendly image! You should be able to easily pin any image from this site by hovering over the upper left hand corner, then clicking the red Pinterest “save” button.

How to layer and style everyday work casual outfits

P.S. – Banana Republic is having a huge F&F; sale… use code BRFAMILY to take 50% off up to 5 regular-priced items! In addition to workwear, I recommend checking out their maxi dresses which actually run short enough for petite women to wear with flats or low heels. I tried on some from this season and they hit right around the top of my foot. Also I love their straw or wool hats – the S/M all fit pretty teensy at the inner circumference, good for those who struggle to find hats small enough (I usually get L/XL for a more comfortable fit)!

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38 Comments

  1. Anonymous wrote:

    stripes ensemble, i love it! i have all pieces shown, so excited. i needed this for an upcoming trip. thanks!

    Posted 4.5.17 Reply
  2. Heather wrote:

    This is so helpful Jean! Please do more of these videos! The ideas are all practical and look great!

    Posted 3.14.17 Reply
  3. Washington area wrote:

    Thank you so much! I will definitely check it out.

    Posted 3.13.17 Reply
  4. Cam Nguyen wrote:

    Thanks you for the tips. Your videos are always so well put together.

    Posted 3.12.17 Reply
  5. nazita wrote:

    This tips are so hepfull, thanks Jean!

    Greetings from France

    https://nadiemelodijoblog.wordpress.com/

    Posted 3.12.17 Reply
  6. Jean wrote:

    Hi Mary, thanks so much for the kind words. Your daughter is lucky to have you! I definitely try to share ideas for a variety of body types, and most of the items that I feature in petite sizing usually come in regular or even tall sizing as well!

    Posted 3.10.17 Reply
  7. Miriam Ernst wrote:

    Great tips, helpful! And you're beautiful like always 🙂

    Posted 3.10.17 Reply
  8. Julia Mazzucato wrote:

    This video is so helpful! I love all your outfit ideas! You are the queen of innovative layering.
    Julia・Little Miss Haute Couture

    Posted 3.10.17 Reply
  9. Aria Di Bari wrote:

    I love those layering tips, it's so simple for everyone to follow!

    http://ariadibari.com

    Posted 3.10.17 Reply
  10. Carol P wrote:

    Great video!

    Posted 3.10.17 Reply
  11. Lynni wrote:

    Super helpful. Please do more videos like this!

    Posted 3.10.17 Reply
  12. Ewa Macherowska wrote:

    Nice post dear 🙂

    http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  13. b. wrote:

    Such a cute little video! I loved it!
    http://www.giltedgeblog.com

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  14. mybeautrip wrote:

    Great video! Thanks for all your tips!
    xx

    http://www.mybeautrip.com

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  15. Jessica H wrote:

    Ah!! This was so cute! I LOVED the turtleneck under the suede jacket but the end where you did 3 different looks with the stripes and chambray shirt was the best! Thank you for all the ideas! You are so so sweet!

    xo, jess

    alljessedup.com

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  16. MaryMary86 wrote:

    I love these type of posts and appreciate that you link to styles that are not just for petites. I started reading your blog to help guide gifts I buy for my petite daughter but stayed cause I love the looks. I want to buy for me too (I'm average height). I understand and appreciate the focus on petite styling but I'm so glad you're sharing the love!

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  17. Jean wrote:

    Hi Lynn – it's from Ann Taylor

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  18. Jean wrote:

    Hi Zoe – an aspect of layering that I didn't call out here is pairing pieces in your closet that fit you tighter vs looser, and pieces that are thinner versus thicker. Both the shirt and sweater I have on in that look are thin and more fitted. The blazer on the other hand is a stretchy knit blazer, so it's more forgiving and perfect for layering over other pieces. I think most of us would agree that not every item in our wardrobes fit the same way. I still buy some pieces even if they are slightly loose on me, since i know I can build and layer underneath in the fall / winter.

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  19. Jean wrote:

    When I went, I had browsed Etsy and Ebay for fascinators because there weren't a lot of options in mainstream department stores, but I saw Nordstrom JUST added a line of cute fascinators that are very Derby-chic! http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?contextualcategoryid=2375500&origin;=keywordsearch&keyword;=fascinator

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  20. Washington area wrote:

    Thank you Jean for the wonderful video. You have mentioned hats. Which place would you recommend to buy hats for Kent. Derby? Thank you in advance

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  21. pork & cookies wrote:

    It's always great to see new ways to wear clothing items!

    -Kirsten // pork & cookies

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  22. Sasa Zoe wrote:

    Awesome video, Jane! It gave me a lot of ideas about workwear. Thank you for sharing:P

    Shall We Sasa

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  23. Kaitlin Schubert wrote:

    Such a valuable lesson! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Katie | Willow and White

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  24. Daneisha Smith wrote:

    Wow! You turned some very simple looks into extremely stylish ones! I have to learn how to layer better. I'm usually a one piece and done kinda girl! Thank you for this video.

    https://officiallychic.com/

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  25. Zoe wrote:

    Can I ask how you manage to fit a sweater and a shirt under a blazer without feeling completely constricted around the arms?

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  26. Emily wrote:

    LOVE. THIS! and thanks so much

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  27. April wrote:

    Such a great video! I actually have almost all of these items in my closet and you've shown great ways to put them together for a unique and stylish look!

    April | http://thebluehydrangeas.com

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  28. Karen wrote:

    Thanks for the suggestions. Very helpful!

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  29. Suzie Q wrote:

    I love layering, since it can always elevate a look effortlessly. Love your video, great tips on layering and great variations on different types of looks!

    Suzie Q
    StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  30. Abbie E.//Abulous Life wrote:

    Love your color palette!
    Abbie E.
    http://www.abulouslife.com

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  31. Sweet Eve wrote:

    Very cute but practical ideas! Thanks for sharing!

    grownwomanglowup.blogspot.com

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  32. Lynn wrote:

    Hi, where is you necklace from in look #3?

    Posted 3.8.17 Reply
  33. Charmaine Ng | Architecture and Lifestyle Blog wrote:

    I really like the colours you've chosen for your outfits. They work well in a semi-formal setting like an office too, which is perfect!

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

    Posted 3.8.17 Reply
  34. pork & cookies wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 3.8.17 Reply
  35. pork & cookies wrote:

    This is so cute! And I love that chambray shirt.

    -Kirsten // http://www.porkandcookies.com

    Posted 3.8.17 Reply
  36. MizEats wrote:

    I just love these layered looks!

    Posted 3.8.17 Reply
  37. Serena wrote:

    Thank you so much for sharing! From someone who lives in LA, I tend to build up an abundance of sleeveless or layerable items, but have no idea how to make them all work together, especially when I travel to colder climates. These ideas are great!

    Posted 3.8.17 Reply
  38. La Bijoux Bella | by mia wrote:

    Beautiful video and great layering tips. Very lovely as always. 🙂

    ��LA BIJOUX BELLA�� | BY MIA | A Creative Lifestyle Blog

    Posted 3.8.17 Reply

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