LIFESTYLE
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LAYERING IN THE TROPICS Candice Chua
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et me first begin by saying that layering in Singapore is tricky but not impossible. I have worn three layers to school and survived with minimal sacrifices of comfort. The best thing about layering is that when the weather (Tiffany Hsu & Sarah Ruston/ swings from one extreme to vogue.com) another, you can modify your outfit to suit it while staying comfortable and looking chic. With the right style choices, you too can work the layered look in our (annoyingly) erratic weather. Material is everything when it comes to outerwear. It’ll determine if you’re going to look chic, or end up looking like a sweaty mess. If it’s a sweater or cardigan you want, materials like acrylic, nylon and cotton are best for tropical weather as they trap less heat. Wool and angora are major no-nos. For knitted options, go for those that are lightweight, sparsely knitted or (Exhibit at Far East Plaza) cropped. Loose-fitting sweaters allow for more breathing space and are less awkward to remove when the weather takes a turn for the humid extreme. It will avoid smearing any make-up on your face and staining your favourite knit too. The point of wearing a layered look is making it obvious that the layering is deliberate, and not just because the day is extremely chilly. With that in mind, you want the under-layering options to be sufficiently visible. For the boys out there, a collared shirt is hence the perfect choice. For (Exhibit at Far East Plaza) minimal discomfort (and less
risks of unsightly sweat patches), choose cotton or chiffon shirts due to their relative breathability. You might also want to wear a sleeveless shirt underneath or cuff the sleeves of a long-sleeved shirt to a comfortable length before piling a sweater or jacket over.
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Jackets and blazers are even better for layering in the local climate because they’re stylish and also easy to take off when the weather heats up. They might be a little thick though so unless you’re the sort who will persist and ignore discomfort in the name of fashion, faux leather jackets and suede should be avoided (except for when it is legitimately chilly, of course). Alternatively, you can still maintain the edgy(vanessajackman.blogspot.com) layered look by wearing sleeveless versions of a denim, leather or suede jacket over a simple thin Have overactive sweat-glands but item of clothing on top. still insist on layering? Opt for layering a sleeveless option over For the ladies, layering is not a sleeveless option, like a large limited to outerwear and knits. armhole muscle t-shirt (which is Consider layering simple short essentially a regular t-shirt with dresses, rompers or jumpsuits over the sleeves cut off) or a knit vest collared tops. You can even take over a crisp collared sleeveless it further by wearing a sweater shirt underneath. You could also or jacket over this combination. try lightweight crotchet ponchos That’s three whole layers, ladies. or throw-overs (which are usually Dresses with pinafore styles or an quite holey) over a sleeveless tank exposed back provide interesting or dress. detail as it exposes a lot of your under-layering and is cooling to Well even if this article is wear as well. about surviving in your layered clothing, do check the skies The last trick in the bag is before making your wardrobe balance. Worried that you might choices. If the temperatures are feel stuffy from wearing two or expected to soar, it’s best to leave three layers on the top? Wear those layers at home and save something short for the bottom. them for a rainy day (literally).