We haven’t talked about layering in a while, so when Nordstrom asked me to take a look at the latest from Free People, I knew exactly what I wanted to talk about.  Free People clothes are made to layer, and I usually keep a piece or two in constant rotation.

I have two simple “rules” for layering:

1.  Apply the Rule of Three – you need three pieces to make an outfit layered.  (A scarf can count as one of those three pieces).

2.  If you peel back each layer, the outfit should still be able to stand on its own.  (Which means those ‘cuddleduds’ – remember those?  Yeah – those silky long-underwear things do. not. count.)

So here are a few formulas (if you will) for layering right now:

Coat + Denim Jacket + Thin Drapey Sweater

Here’s the “real” test.  Let’s peel back those layers….

THREE

My hair is helpfully telling us how humid it was that day.

TWO

The sweatshirt sleeves of this Free People denim jacket make this a really comfortable layering piece.  I always like the idea of layering jackets, but stuffing a stiff denim sleeve into a coat is not always comfortable – even if the combo looks good.  This?  Was both.

ONE

These thin little drapy sweaters are layering gold.  Thank you, Free People.

wearing:

jacket: old sweatshirt moto…this Trouve jacket is similar, or I also really like this Free People moto (it’s more like a winter coat – very cool)

denim jacket:  Free People Denim and Knit jacket (size S, but I should’ve bought an XS – it stretches to accomodate a bulkier sweater underneath)

sweater: Free People Sadie Sweater in gray (size XS)

jeans: Paige Denim Edgemont Coated Jeans (size 25) – now 40% off!

shoes: classic Vans

bag: old Kate Spade…but this faux-leather satchel by Poverty Flats is seriously cool and under $100, or WOW – this Marc Jacobs Jo Utility Satchel makes my heart beat fast and is on sale (33% off….)

mittens: I bought these at Target, and as much as I love mittens, I can’t hold my phone without dropping it (nevermind actually using it).  How do we feel about handwarmers?  These Topshop fairisle ones are cute….

sunglasses: Classic Ray-bans (50mm)

Interesting Long Sleeve + Sweater Vest + Faux Fur Scarf

And now for the test:

THREE

TWO

ONE

In case you can’t tell, I flipping love this shirt.  Not to harp on the whole “interesting basics” thing again, but they make it a whole lot easier to get dressed.

wearing:

faux fur scarf: old, but I love this similar Phase 3 Faux Fur Snood (that word just won’t die)

vest:  Free People Stand and Deliver Cape (size XS)  – now 40% off!  And BTW, this piece looks adorable over a silky cami for dress-up…..

interesting long sleeve:  Free People Snow Angel Pullover (size XS)

jeans: my old Rag and Bone standbys….love Rag and Bone’s La Paz wash

boots: Marc Jacobs bootie (only one size left)…BUT….I offer up instead…wedge Sorel boots.  No seriously.  My sister just bought them, and they are fabulous.   They have a lug sole and cool lace up detail and the vibe isn’t all that different from my MJs.  Except, of course, they’re legitimate winter boots.

And now for my favorite part!! THE SHOPPING.  Here are my very favorite Free People pieces, along with notes on how I’d style them.  Enjoy!

xo,

S

A huge thank-you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post.  As always, all product choices, thoughts, and opinions are my own.  (Or as Pax would say, “MINE OWN”.)  Thank you for supporting the retailers who help support The Mom Edit.

photography credit: by Mike Draugelis