Erica Davies on how to layer like a pro

If there’s anyone who knows a thing or two about how to layer, it’s Erica Davies. The fashion editor turned blogger enjoys a large following on Instagram, where her vibrant outfit posts are consistently relatable and inspiring. And it’s around this time of year, when we want to stay warm but look good, that we could all benefit from some tips and advice for when it comes to getting dressed.

Erica’s wardrobe is well-stocked with the easiest layering tool of all: rollneck tops. ‘They’re a great way to add seasonal longevity to summer pieces as well as keep things cosy in the winter,’ she explains. ‘I wear a lot of print dresses, so I try to choose patterned rollnecks that will work with the colours within the dress.’ What this means is sporting a black and white striped rollneck under a short-sleeved black dress, resulting in extra wear out of the latter.

But how do you master the often tricky balance of layering different types of sleeves? ‘Fluid fabrics always make this a little easier,’ says Erica. ‘Looser, fluted sleeves and a V-neck shape work well over longer-sleeved tops. Anything too tight and it may feel a bit restrictive.’

Layering doesn’t just apply to your top half; wearing a dress over trousers can look effortlessly fashion-forward. Erica has mastered this formula with shirt dresses and wrap styles. ‘You can undo the buttons from the waist down with a shirt dress, while a wrap style tends to be more fluid and have an A-line shape, so works well over different shapes of trousers. Think about the fabric you’re pairing though – satin and silk mixes work best with a similar weight of trousers – for example, wide-leg styles. Otherwise skinny jean shapes work as a good basic shape to layer.’

Erica also has some interesting advice when it comes to tights. ‘Don't be afraid to wear tights under cropped trousers. I stick to the same colour as the trousers and the shoes for a more streamlined look.’ This piece of wisdom also extends to tights on the whole, with Erica opting to match her tights to her footwear, be it shoes or boots. ‘My go-to shades are black, navy and maroon – the latter works well as a neutral if you don’t want something as heavy as black.’