Layering Circa 2010 Disney

Most of us can’t quit this toxic relationship. We can’t resist the impulse purchase expensed as retail therapy or a pick-me-up. A quick scroll down, a few accidental clicks, and a full cart. Who is it hurting, really? Though we pay the price of the clothing, the greater price is paid by garment workers trapped in systemic poverty at almost every step of the fast fashion supply chain. As we approach another season - the dreaded winter - our consumerist urges often point towards adding to our wardrobe. A potential “HUGE WINTER TRY-ON CLOTHING HAUL” in the works. 

There might be a way to get off this treadmill of fashion trends, one that is overflowing our wardrobes. Instead of capsule wardrobes, I raise you layering. This might be the key to recycling your current fall clothes as outfits suitable for temperatures negative and below. I realize layering might bring up trauma from our childhoods of the extremely bizarre outfits Disney Channel stars wore. To paint a picture, outfits circa 2010 were a 10-layered sandwich: stuffed with sequin berets, a cheetah print shirt, a polka dot skirt, plaid jeans, a denim vest, and hot pink converse. Disney invented looking camp straight in the eye. But to me, they also invented a new philosophy: a new way to wear layers is a new outfit for the day. 

Yes, no one would want to wear a kaleidoscope of patterns as layers in this day and age. So how do you layer your outfits yet still stay trendy? It’s vital to start off with a base layer: neutral-toned thermal clothing that will keep you warm. After this foundational step, you can get as creative as you want. This may include taking the path of pants, a turtleneck, and a loose knit sweater. Or, you may experiment with a skirt, stockings, legwarmers, and a sweater. When in doubt, just add more layers to ensure the outfit is intentional. After all, onions have layers, why don’t our outfits? (thank you fashion icon, Shrek).

Take a look at the outfits below for inspiration.