So the good news is that technically it’s still summer for two more weeks. In California, we’re oh-so-lucky to have great weather year round. Maybe not where we live per se, but hey, we can hop in the car or take a short plane ride and be in a totally different climate in a couple of hours. Up here in NorCal, it’s going to cool significantly in the coming weeks and I can’t lie, I’m pretty ready for fall. Pumpkin everything, scarves and crunchy leaves - oh my!

I know I’m guilty of pinning layered looks on my Pinterest only to leave them on my board of “fashionista dreams,” but achieving them is easier than you think. I’ve broken down my top five ways to layer in style as summer leaves us and fall graces us with her presence:

Don’t eliminate color: Just because the 90 degree weather is fading away, that doesn’t mean your chartreuse and coral need to! Add your brighter pieces as pops of color into your sweater and jacket layers, and if they have a print on them, even better!

Do your best to achieve balance: I mean this literally. If you are going to be stacking on layers of tees, vests and jackets, that will add bulk to the top half of your body. You have to balance your top out with a more fitted bottom or you will be swallowed up by your layers.

Don’t stop wearing your summer denim: You know that denim vest that was your go-to all summer long? Those shorts that you wore to brunch over and over again? They can still have plenty of play this fall. Layer your denim vest under an anorak or a trench, or simply wear a long sleeved shirt under it. And when temperatures really start to drop, your shorts will gain a new life with fun tights, knee highs and socks. Choosing a bootie will automatically “fall-ize” your look.

Don’t wait until it’s cold to buy your key layering pieces: For the past month or so, sweaters, scarves, long sleeves and boots have made their way onto store shelves and racks and if you’re like me, you probably think it’s too soon. Well, it is! The weather is glorious right now. Well, don’t wait until it’s cold to buy the pieces that you want to be part of your fall wardrobe because as soon as it gets cold, everyone will flock to get their hands on it and you may be left without. It will be sad! 

Do get carried away: Layering can be lots of fun and a great way to develop your personal style. You can play with textures and patterns, and create your own work of wearable art. Sometimes when I’m getting dressed, I realize that a certain piece in my closet would look awesome with something I’ve never paired it with. Take a picture of the look laid out on your bed or floor so you don’t forget what you came up with when you were inspired.

I can’t wait to see what looks you all create. What rules that I didn’t mention do you think ladies should follow when layering their clothes?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kachet is the face behind the fashion and lifestyle blog The Lipstick Giraffe. She's a twenty-something lady with a love for all things pretty and delicious living in Sacramento, CA. Sale shopping is in her blood. Her mom taught her how to stretch a dollar at a very young age and it is something that has stuck throughout her life. Kachet uses the blog as a way to showcase her personal style and show others that they can look and feel like a million bucks without breaking the bank. When she's not blogging and being a contributor, Kachet can be found playing around in the kitchen, enjoying a glass of bubbly and laughing with loved ones.

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