Summer's Most Counterintuitive Styling Take Calls for Piling on the Layers

Tanks over tees, sweaters over button-downs: This season's approach to fashion offers a modern twist on the more-is-more look of the late 1990s.

Jun 10, 2025 - 19:52

Summer's Most Counterintuitive Styling Take Calls for Piling on the Layers

PHOTOGRAPHY Aaron Lippman

STYLED BY Kimberly Nguyen

Layering instantly elevates a look, adding depth, texture, and that little touch of something extra. It’s one of fashion’s most personal forms of self-expression—unique, intuitive, and endlessly customizable. Rooted in the eclectic spirit of the late ’90s, layering is having a major revival as one of today’s most beloved trends.

The beauty of layering lies in its freedom: there are no rules. Often, the most compelling combinations are the ones that shouldn’t work. A bra over a blouse, a skirt over jeans, a tank over a sweater. It’s this play between unexpected elements that creates a look with character. And while it may appear effortless, good layering is always intentional. There may be no handbook, but the best layered looks tell a story—one that’s entirely your own.

Summer might seem like the season to strip back, but it’s actually the perfect time to get creative with lighter layers. Whether you’re vacationing abroad or navigating the hot, sweaty city streets, you can still build dimension without overheating. Think bikinis, sheer tops, silk scarves, mini skirts, or a breezy bra peeking through—it’s all fair game. Layering is about adaptability. As temperatures shift throughout the day, your outfit can evolve with it. A light button-down tied around the waist becomes a cover-up when the sun dips. A mesh tee under a camisole adds edge without weight.

Layering is more than just clothing, it lives in the details, turning up even in the way you accessorize. Layer bangles on your wrist, belts on your waist, anklets over socks. Layering goes beyond clothing; it’s about texture and contrast. These subtle choices add richness to an outfit, transforming even the simplest base into something with mood and movement. This summer, let your layers speak volumes. Below, inspiration on nailing the look.