The transitional fall season can be one of the trickiest times to dress for. In the morning it's cool, afternoons are warm, and unpredictable weather patterns can make it a challenge to feel both polished and comfortable. The secret lies in mastering the art of layering: building an outfit that adapts with you throughout the day, but also has more depth, texture, and dimension in your look. Intentional layering is not just something that will serve you functionally during this time, but will also help you to create more polished and pulled together looks.

Here are a few tips to consider when layering:

1. Start with a lighter base that matches the vibe of your look. Casual? Maybe start with a tee. Professional? A silk blouse or fine-knit sweater could be great options.

2. Play with contrasting materials: wool over satin, denim over cotton, or leather over knit. This not only keeps you seasonally balanced but also gives your outfit that intentional, styled finish that feels elevated, not accidental.

3. Don't be afraid to let your outerwear become part of the outfit too, not just a functional afterthought. A great oversized tailored jacket can also be a focal point of the look!

4. Opt for a monochrome color scheme if layering is a challenge. Add varying fabrics and textures to give the look depth and visual interest.

5. A layer with structure like a blazer, cropped jacket, or longline vest can add sophistication and polish to your look. I'm loving them this season paired with a lightweight turtleneck.

6. Purge any shapeless, drapey cardigans like this one. They are dated and aren't serving you. These are also commonly referred to as 'desk sweaters'. I often hear clients saying 'I'll just throw this on if I get cold' when we're in a closet audit and we always end up purging them. Here's the thing, if they're there for your 'just in case' then they do not look intentional. As soon as you throw that cardigan on, any work you did to style your look just went out the window.

This week I've styled 9 looks - all with very intentional layers. Shop the fall layers edit here.