Category: Style Notes

Practical style advice, wardrobe ideas and stories from Forme.

  • The Easy Guide to Layering: Looking Put-Together in Any Weather

    Layering is one of the easiest ways to make a small wardrobe go further. A shirt can be a top one day and a light jacket the next, and a few thoughtful combinations can carry you through unpredictable weather. Here’s how to do it without looking bulky or overdone.

    Start with a good base

    Your first layer sits closest to the skin, so comfort comes first. Choose a soft, breathable tee or fine knit in a neutral tone. It should fit close to the body without feeling tight, so the layers on top sit smoothly.

    Add a shirt as your middle layer

    A shirt is the most versatile layering piece you can own. Wear it:

    • Buttoned with trousers for a smart, polished look
    • Open over a tee for a relaxed, easy outfit
    • Tucked or untucked depending on the occasion

    Finish with an outer layer

    Your top layer sets the mood. A lightweight jacket or overshirt adds structure, while something looser feels more casual. Aim for a piece that is slightly longer or slightly shorter than the layer beneath it, so the lines look intentional.

    Keep the rules simple

    1. Vary the lengths. Let a hem peek out from under the next layer.
    2. Stay in one colour family. Tones that sit close together look effortless.
    3. Mix textures, not patterns. Cotton, linen and knitwear together add depth without clutter.
    4. Mind the proportions. If one layer is roomy, keep the other close-fitting.

    Don’t forget the finishing touches

    A belt, a scarf or a simple bag can tie the whole outfit together, and they’re an easy way to refresh pieces you already own.

    Want to try it yourself? Explore our Shirts & Layers collection for pieces that are made to be worn together.

  • Building a Capsule Wardrobe You’ll Actually Wear

    Most of us own plenty of clothes and still stand in front of the wardrobe feeling like there’s nothing to wear. The problem is rarely quantity. It’s that the pieces don’t talk to each other. A capsule wardrobe fixes that by focusing on a small set of items that mix and match easily.

    Start with what you already wear

    Before buying anything, pull out the clothes you reach for again and again. Look for the common thread: the colours, the fits, the fabrics. That is your real style, and it’s a far better guide than any trend.

    Choose a calm colour palette

    Pick two or three neutrals as a base, such as cream, charcoal or olive, and add one or two accent tones. When everything shares a palette, every top works with every bottom, and outfits come together without effort.

    Invest in the essentials

    A solid capsule usually rests on a handful of well-made basics:

    • A great tee or knit you can wear on its own or under layers
    • A good shirt that works open over a tee or buttoned for a smarter look
    • Well-fitting denim or trousers you feel comfortable in all day
    • A light layer for the in-between seasons
    • One or two accessories that finish an outfit

    Fit and fabric matter most

    Pieces that fit properly and are made from quality, natural fabrics feel better and tend to last longer. When you wear something often, those details add up quickly.

    The best wardrobe is the one that makes getting dressed the easy part of your day.

    Build slowly

    You don’t need to start from scratch. Add one considered piece at a time, and ask yourself whether it works with at least three things you already own. If it does, it’s a keeper.

    Ready to start? Browse our Essentials for pieces designed to work together.