Here in NYC, the weather has been relatively mild lately. Perfect for another “light layers of fall” feature.

A quick, easy and unexpected way to add a little warmth and texture to your look on a mild day is by layering shirts. The trick here is to make sure the over-shirt is a heavier fabric than the shirt underneath it (as a general guideline – not rule – your fabrics should get heavier as you layer outward). Also, there is no need to size-up on the outer-shirt, you’d be surprised how much room there is under even your slimmest button-downs.

Here are three good outer-shirt fabrics, worn three different ways.

1. Cashmere Blend over Bowtie

When wearing two collars, it’s important that they contrast in silhouette. The under-shirt should be more pristine and closed at the collar, preferably with a tie, while the outer-shirt should appear loosely thrown on, quickly buttoned and be open at the collar.

I picked up this cool snap-front cotton/cashmere shirt for $18 at a mom-and-pop vintage store and it’s surprisingly versatile – I’ve already worn it with a blazer, under a down vest, and as outerwear.

Cotton/cashmere plaid western inspired shirt Vintage (size 38). Grey/White hairline stripe button-down by Michael Andrews Bespoke (custom made). Navy polka dot bowtie by Brooks Brothers. Brown leather woven gloves by Hilts-Willard (size Small). Watch by Montblanc. Jeans by Ralph Lauren Polo (size 34). Boots by Clarks.

2. Denim/Chambray over Necktie

To add a touch of nonchalant “disheveled elegance” to the look, try loosely half-tucking the shirt, scrunching (not rolling) the pants, and imperfectly rolling/pushing-up the sleeves. And remember, it’s supposed to look like you don’t really care (although we know you do) and just threw it together, so don’t overthink it.

Chambray shirt by Rag&Bone (size M). Plaid shirt by Ralph Lauren Polo (custom fit 15.5). Wool herringbone tie by Michael Andrews Bespoke (designed by yours truly). Stone cotton chinos by Helmut Lang (size 34). Wool blend socks by Land’s End (one size). Sneakers by Converse. Watch by Montblanc.

3. Flannel over Fine Knit

The shirt is heavier than the sweater, and the sweater is thinner than the shirt? Invert them.

It’s easy to turn a plaid flannel shirt into a lightweight jacket – you can throw it over just about anything from a poplin, to an oxford, to a t-shirt, to a fine-gage sweater (as shown here).

Buffalo plaid flannel shirt by J.Crew (size Medium). Black v-neck sweater by H&M (size Medium). White v-neck t-shirt by Jockey (size Small). Denim by APC (New Standard size 32). Watch by Montblanc. Watchband by Corvus. Shades (in pocket) by Persol. Sneakers by Heutchy.

Hope this helps give you some fresh ideas for the fall, before it gets too cold.

Thanks for reading.

Yours in style,

SB