I have to admit being a mommy I feel like no matter what I wear I look like a mommy.  And I’m only 31!  I am also plus sized and very self conscious about my body.  So when I left the freezing cold climate of the Lehigh Valley to go to the even more freezing cold climate of State College, layers of Penn State clothing became my norm.  In college I hadn’t yet figured out my style.  I would say it was college casual.  Then I became a nurse, so layering a long sleeve t shirt with scrubs and crocs or sneakers became my norm.  Now that I am in case management I can dress casually and I have learned to layer.  Here are my tips for stylish layering.

Mix styles.  I have seen women wear dresses as shirts with jeans and a tee underneath a summer dress, making your waredrobe strectch from season to season.  Pick timeless pieces.  White t’s and cardigans are great for every season.  Wear a scarf as a shirt.  Use safety pins and then wear a sweater on top.  Layer everything-even jewelry.  You can create awesome looks, even wearing a long necklace as a belt, or in your hair.  Mix paterns, a nautical style shirt with poka dot tights can look good together, just don’t involve too many colors.  Look back in time for layering inspiration.  International fashion mags can give you ideas also because women dress different for different climates.  Cami’s go great under clothes, but can also go great on top of shirts.  Shorts on top of leggings are also trendy.  Also, leg warmers on tops of jeans with cute flats look good but you can wear them on your arms too for great new looks.

I love layering and even layer my kids clothing as long as they can take layers off if they get cold.  I love little sweatsuits but often put a t shirt with a tank on top and then the zip up jacket.  I also layer them for outdoor winter activities as long as they can easily go to the bathroom.

I look to a lot of my coworkers for inspiration, because they are used to the business casual dress code and they always look great.  Being stylish and using clothing you are already have in your closet to acheive new looks is frugal and fashionable.