ragamuffin loves...Lagenlook!

We have long been fans of layering - wearing lots of clothes in interesting textures, complimentary colours and in the right proportions - it has a massive following in mainland Europe where they call it "Lagenlook". One of the questions we get asked most often is how to get layering right. People also often wonder if the layered look is only for tall, willowy people but we think, "piff-paff!", anyone can layer up.

Here are our top tips:

1. Get the proportion right for your frame
If you are lucky enough to be tall and willowy, you can go to town and use a very long layer and lots of layers in between topped off by a little cropped cardi or shrug to pull it all together (like our model Dagmara).
If you are an apple use a leggings, narrow trousers or a bias cut skirt to show of slim legs and longer tunic with a shorter boxy jacket.
If you have an hourglass shape then (obviously) accentuate the waist - wear a pair of wide leg trousers to balance out the hips and add a belted wrap dress and finish off with cropped cardi or shrug.
If you have a pear shape go for long layers - a long skirt with a skimming tunic finished off with a 3/4 coat is good.
For petites use a calf length dress over a gauzy net skirt with a either a shrunken or boxy crop cardi or with a little fitted blazer.
If you have a boyish frame layer a bubble hem dress over a couple of t-shirt layers and a pair of leggings to add curves.

2. Play with textures and patterns. Mix fluid silks with crumpled, textured cottons; heavy hopsack linens  with silk/ linen knits. Mix patterns with plains and geometrics with abstracts - we absolutely love florals with polka dots and stripes!

3. Use accessories to create layers. If you don't want to wear lots of layered clothes try adding wristwarmers to a 3/4 sleeved jacket or wear legwarmers with a simple dress over leggings. Use a slouchy bag and tie a patterned scarf off the handles.

4. Use accent colours - buy a few vests in a range of colours and wear them underneath t-shirts, tunics and blouses. We would recommend M&S ltd collection or H&M for a good selection of colours and sizes. (If you want to splurge we do have these rather gorgeous silk, spotty vests!)

5. Own it! The layered look is all about individuality, creativity and a sense of style & fun. Wear it with confidence - you'll look great!

Come in and see us if you are unsure what to put together - we love layering!