Autumn is the perfect season to experiment with layering – bringing texture, warmth, and dimension to your style. Not only does layering add visual interest, but it’s also a sustainable way to extend the life of your wardrobe and transition between seasons. Here’s how to make the most of layering while staying true to your authentic style. I’ll also be telling you about a very different type of layering I tried this week!

Why Layering is Essential for Sustainable Autumn Style

Person wearing a stylish and sustainable green puffer coat over a orange sari and casual maroon trainers. Layering her outfit and mixing styles to best represent her creative personal style. — You can’t see my trousers but my base layer is all leopard print! I bought this sittingsuits coat, made from recycled bottles, just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can’t wear bright colours!

With the constant shift in autumn weather, layering gives your wardrobe the versatility to keep up. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a mild afternoon, having adaptable layers lets you stay comfortable and stylish. For a sustainable wardrobe, layering also helps you maximise what you already own, mixing and matching different pieces to create fresh looks without new purchases.

A well-curated colour palette can make layering even easier. Whether you prefer bold colours or neutral tones, finding shades that mix beautifully will help create a cohesive wardrobe that looks polished yet effortless.

Top Tips for Sustainable Layering This Autumn

1. Start with a Base Layer
Your base layer should be comfortable and breathable, like a T-shirt, bodysuit, or even a sari blouse (one of my favourites!). Choose fabrics that feel good on the skin since this layer sits closest to it.

2. Add an Insulating Layer
Next, add a thin knit or lightweight cardigan. This piece provides warmth without bulk, making it easy to adjust your outfit based on the day’s weather. Lightweight jumpers, cardigans, or vests work wonderfully here and add texture to your look.

3. Finish with an Outer Layer
Your outermost layer, like a waterproof jacket, blazer, or coat, is where style meets function. Choose a piece that protects you from the elements while adding a finishing touch to your outfit.

Sustainability Tip: Extend the Life of Your Knitwear with Smart Layering
A simple sustainability hack is wearing a base layer under your delicate knitwear. This trick helps reduce the need for frequent washes, keeping your knits fresh for longer. For example, a lightweight sari blouse or white T-shirt works beautifully under a jumper, adding both style and practicality to your look.

Add Dimension with Layered Jewellery

Close up of layered jewellery. The jewellery is styled over a cream t-shirt with red writing on. — Natasha Ahmed’s jewellery stacks, dreamy!!

Autumn is also the perfect time to experiment with layered jewellery to enhance your outfits. I love layering jewellery over a long-sleeve top or jumper – it adds a bold, stylish touch without irritating the skin. Recently, I picked up some beautiful rings in Budapest and can’t wait to try stacking them this season. Layered jewellery adds depth and personality to your look and lets you express your style in unique, eye-catching ways. Natasha Ahmed layers her jewellery so beautifully.

Exploring Cultural Heritage Through Layering

Close up of person with grey hair wearing a mustard yellow sari. The sari is elegantly draped over their shoulder. — One of the saris that came back to Liverpool with me, and my mum forever fixing my pleats.

Layering isn’t just about style; it can also be about honouring heritage. When I wear a sari blouse or borrow one of my mum’s saris, I feel connected to generations of women before me. Just recently, while visiting my parents, I asked to borrow one sari and left with seven – my mum is always so generous, and each piece feels like a link to my cultural roots.

My niece and Mum at Off beat Sari Exhibition, Design Museum

Each time I drape a sari, I’m reminded of the love and strength woven into this traditional garment. I’m excited to experiment with the different ways to drape it; did you know there are over 80 ways to style a sari? I discovered this at the Offbeat Sari Exhibition, which features the sari series giving you tutorials on different sari drapes. Wearing a sari more regularly, not just for special occasions, feels like a way to celebrate my heritage while staying true to my personal style.

Ready to Discover Your Authentic, Sustainable Style?

If you’re looking to create a wardrobe that’s both stylish and sustainable, layering is the perfect place to start. By mixing and matching pieces, you can build outfits that reflect your personality while reducing waste and embracing conscious consumption. Book a Free Style Consultation to learn how you can incorporate layering and sustainability into your wardrobe. Let’s create a look that’s authentically you!

A Different Kind of Layering:

A very different type of layering I experienced this week was the layering of voices! I joined a session with Holistic Harmonies, a group that explores singing for well-being. It was powerful to come together and sing, and how Rachel skilfully layered our voices in harmonies and rounds felt magical. I hadn’t sung like that since I was a kid, but it felt deeply healing – especially on a day that felt a bit bleak after the US elections. This experience reminded me of how layering isn’t just for clothing – it can bring harmony and connection in many forms.

The art of layering