THE MODERN MIX

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Culottes add serious volume to your bottom half, so choose a simple tailored top to give the outfit balance. When in doubt, choose a fitted blouse. Shirt, $95, tristanstyle.com. Culottes, $110, banana republic.ca. Robert Marc glasses, josephson.ca. Shoes, express.com.

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Mastering a cropped top can be tricky, especially if your tummy is a trouble spot. Don’t think of this garment as a midriffbaring piece; instead, use it to layer over a structured shirt. Top, $185, tedbaker.com. Earrings, cocoajewelry.com. Bracelet and ring, baublebar.com. Bag, bananarepublic.ca.

If you’re of average height or shorter, you’ll need to choose your footwear carefully. A well-heeled pair of shoes is a must to balance the volume of culottes.

Unpredictable fall weather has us bundling up as a survival tactic—but layering can create an elegant ensemble. Follow our step-by-step guide for how to pile it on in style.

BY JULIA MCEWEN

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Give the look an edgier dose of cool with the addition of a supple navy moto jacket. The slightly shrunken boxy shape adds interest to the multiple preppy layers beneath. Leather jacket, $888, roots.com.

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Add a bohemian element by topping off this structured ensemble with a blanket coat. The rich tawny hue works well with the chartreuse-andnavy colour scheme. Poncho coat, $150, aritzia.com.

If you’re worried about this oversize coat adding too much bulk, try cinching it with a belt. Choose one that’s an inch or two in width and wear it on the smallest part of your torso.

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Start with a classic chambray shirt, a ladylike pencil skirt and a posh pair of nude pumps—these shoes are masters at elongating legs. Shirt, $116, jcrew.com. Skirt, $95, tristanstyle.com. Watch, michaelkors.ca. Shoes, bananarepublic.ca.

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Add some texture—and interest—by adorning your neckline with a statement necklace. Pull the office-ready look together with a smart blazer. Blazer, $185, gapcanada.ca. Earrings, bananarepublic.ca. Necklace, baublebar.com.

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Sleek and infinitely cool, an oversize vest has the power to amp up just about any outfit. We love the masculine lines of this sleeveless topper in a feminine blush shade. Vest, $134, banana republic.ca. Vince Camuto bag, townshoes.ca.

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Pull your ensemble together by topping it with a tailored wool coat in a rich autumnal hue like Bordeaux. Put a spotlight on the rosy tones found throughout the look with the addition of a slouchy pink tuque. Coat, $595, michaelkors.ca. Tuque, joefresh.com. Sunglasses, josephson.ca.

An oversize vest is a throw-on-and-go piece that takes the guesswork out of what to wear.

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A faux-leather sleeveless shell and burgundy anklecropped slacks take this look in a decidedly edgy direction. Top, $35, hm.com/ca. Pants, $95, aritzia.com. Earrings, bananarepublic.ca. Bracelet, baublebar.com. Shoes, jcrew.com.

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Slipping a dress over top keeps you warm and also makes your ensemble far more interesting. Choose a frock that isn’t too short or too long; a mid-thigh or knee-length hem is ideal. Dress, $185, and ring, bananarepublic.ca. Necklace, hm.com/ca. Watch, rado.com.

A pair of patterned pumps is the perfect way to add a print, even if you’re print-averse.

This season, we’re head over heels for the unusual colour combo of vibrant—almost neon—pink and a gorgeous shade of wine. 3

Long and lightweight, a drapey oversize blazer is the ultimate layering piece. Pull off the look seamlessly by choosing a blazer that dips one to two inches below the hem of the dress. Blazer, $65, reitmans.com.

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A tweed menswear duster tempers the hot-pink frock and works beautifully with the black accents. Take your layer game up a notch by skipping the armholes on your coat and slinging it over your shoulders. Coat, $370, banana republic.ca. Sunglasses, josephson.ca.

Think of the turtleneck as the button-down shirt of seasons past— it’s one of the most versatile layering pieces.

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When you want to look like you made all the effort while making as little effort as possible, a turtleneck is your secret weapon. We love this lightweight cashmere sweater paired with slightly distressed jeans and motorcycle booties. Turtleneck, $160, and jeans, $228, clubmonaco.ca. Earrings and rings, bananarepublic.ca. Kate & Mel booties, townshoes.ca.

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You can file striped shirts under “forever favourites.” This weighty nautical tunic with a boat neckline highlights the turtleneck while adding a touch of French sophistication. Top, $30, hm.com/ca.

The bucket bag has structured sophistication while still looking relaxed and effortless.

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For an unfussy bit of polish, drape a big blanket coat around you and sling a slouchy bucket bag over one shoulder. Scarf (worn as coat), $85, and bag, aritzia.com.

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Tame the volume of the blanket layer by pulling on an oversize letterman jacket. With the tiniest bit of slouch and a longer-than-usual hemline, it’s easy, statement-making and just what you want to wear all weekend. Jacket, $398, roots.com.