Layering clothes in Singapore

Layering clothes in Singapore

There’s no predicting Singapore’s weather – it can be blazing hot at 12PM and then heavy rain will follow after an hour or two. Plus, we’ve all been in that frustrating situation of feeling too cold under an aircon indoors, and then having to peel off our outer OOTD layer the moment we step outside. Just #Singaporetings.

But you don’t have to compromise style for the temperamental weather – smart layering will let you keep your outfit untouched from indoors to outdoors. To share 5 styling tips for layering clothes in Singapore, our team headed down to shop Robinsons SS2020 Collection.

1. Wear sleeveless dresses over tees

You’ve seen it popularised on K-Dramas: the inescapable dress over tee shirt trend. Instead of a simple long sleeve and skirt combo, try layering with a sleeveless dress instead. Not only is this Korean look easy to pull off, but it won’t have you breaking a sweat too,  since slip dresses tend to be light and airy.

CLASSIC: plain tops without layering

On her: Dolman Silk Mix Jumper from Whistles ($139), Skirt from Oasis ($89)
On him: Urban Tech Nylon Pocket Tee from Superdry ($59), Jeans from Blend ($99)

UPGRADED: For these looks, we decided to make it très chic by incorporating a strong contrast between black and white. The best part – you’ll be ready to hit the town while also being office-appropriate with just 2 articles of clothing!

To tie the look together, opt for a textured bag like this forest-green purse as a statement piece. 

On her: Dress from Core Women ($129), Dolman Silk Mix Jumper from Whistles ($139), Peep Toe Pumps from Itti & Otto ($89.90), Robin Bag from Suzette ($799)
On him: Zipped Cardigan from Bruun & Stengade ($149), Oxford Long-sleeved Shirt from Fred Perry ($229), Pants from Chesster Loren ($99), Business Lace-up Shoes from Rad Russel ($218)

The guys aren’t left out either – instead of blazers, pair a light bomber jacket over a white collared shirt instead. Throw on dress pants and formal shoes and you’ve got a classic vibe that never goes out of style.

2. Pair neutral-toned or patterned blazers with tank tops

Head to the CBD and you’ll notice many office workers decked out in formal black and white suit combinations that almost seem like a uniform. Sure, monochrome pieces might be easy to pull off, but it shouldn’t be your only option for a put-together outfit. 

CLASSIC: standard black and white combination

On her: Bree Suit from Reiss: Double Breasted Jacket ($406), Trousers ($219), White Shirt from Core Women ($49)
On him: Suit from Bertoni: Jacket ($299), Trousers ($129), Long-sleeved Striped Shirt from Selected Homme ($119)

UPGRADED: Instead of playing it safe with just a black and white fit for work, afford to add more pizzazz by adding neutral tones to the mix, like beiges and browns.

On her: Sonia Suit from Whistles: Single Breasted Jacket ($409), Trousers ($279), Pleated Blouse from Hobbs London ($230)
On him: From Selected Homme: 2-Buttons Checkered Jacket ($279), Checkered Pants ($139), Long-sleeved Striped Shirt ($119)

If you’re not adventurous enough with new colours, try experimenting with patterns instead. A dark-coloured plaid suit helps to refresh the formal look without straying too far away from work-appropriate attire.

A beige suit for example, still screams sophistication without appearing muted. If your office allows, you can even pair your blazer with a satin or lace dress to strike a balance between casual and serious. To stay cool, opt for a tank top instead of a shirt that will trap heat.

3. Go for denim on denim

Almost everyone has denim bottoms in their wardrobes – from jeans of different cuttings to shorts and skirts for the ladies. Instead of the usual top and denim bottoms look, adding another layer of denim to your ensemble can elevate your overall style. Of course, going overboard could also result in you looking like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s face-palm red carpet moment from 2001. 

CLASSIC: pairing denim bottoms with basic tops

On her: Woven Shirt from Jacqueline de Yong ($49), Denim Button Through Skirt from Whistles ($199), Scallop Edge Pointed Flats from Marble Ink ($99)
On him: Jeans from Blend ($119), Tee from Blend ($43), Supercourt Sneakers from Adidas Originals ($160)

UPGRADED: A denim on denim look can be of either the same shade of denim or a completely different hue – the choice is yours. As long as they are of the same colour family, you can make it work.

On her: Denim Jacket from Oasis ($109), Woven Shirt from Jacqueline de Yong ($49), Denim Button Through Skirt from Whistles ($199)
On him: Denim Jacket from 5cm ($299), Jeans from Blend ($119), Tee from Blend ($43)

Denim can also be multi-functional. A jacket with a detachable hood, for example, can shelter you from an unpredictable light drizzle, or give you extra shade from the blinding sun.

4. Don a sweater as an outer layer or accessory

On her: White Shirt from Core Women ($49), Front Button Skirt from French Connection ($169), Cloud Cashmere Jumper from Jigsaw ($159), Raffia Loafer from Schutz ($179)
On him: From Bruun & Stengade: Round Neck Pullover ($109), Short-sleeved Striped Shirt ($99), Bermudas ($79), Sneakers from Ecco ($299.90)

A sweater is the ultimate go-to for a preppy look, but it’s hard to find “sweater weather” with Singapore’s perpetual heat.

But to make the seamless transition from times you’ll be indoors under a full blast of AC to outside, a sweater can actually work wonders.

CLASSIC: Tops and bottoms in the same colour scheme

On her: White Shirt from Core Women ($49), Front Button Skirt from French Connection ($169), Raffia Loafer from Schutz ($179)
On him: From Bruun & Stengade: Short-sleeved Striped Shirt ($99), Bermudas ($79), Sneakers from Ecco ($299.90)

UPGRADED: Go for a slightly bigger sweater so it won’t tug on on the shirt you’re wearing underneath. To get ready to step out of the cooler indoors, simply strip off your sweater and wear it around your shoulders as a shawl. It’ll keep you cool throughout, while still ensuring you look fab. 

Alternatively, tying the sweater around your waist is an option to prevent your sweater sleeves from getting stained during lunchtime as well.

You don’t have to resort to a plain white tee under your sweater either – it can also be a patterned one! We went with a blue striped collared shirt to go with the navy sweater to show its versatility. 

5.  Take advantage of flannels to give your outfit a textured look

Those who watched Gilmore Girls will know that Luke Danes rocked the lumberjack look of flannel shirts.

Flannels are quick solutions for days where you can’t think of what else to throw on seconds before leaving the house, instead of throwing on the nearest pair of pants and t-shirt you can find. The material’s comfortable and light, while its patterns give you the extra oomph you need to spruce up your look.

CLASSIC: one-toned outfit

On her: Shirt from Oasis ($79), Denim Button Through Skirt from Whistles ($199), Thong Strap Heels from Marble Ink ($99)
On him: Long-sleeved Shirt with Floral Contrast Details from Robinsons ($99), Jeans from Blend ($99), Sneakers from Ecco ($299.90)

UPGRADED: Rather than a plain shirt, flannels add more depth. It complements jeans to a T, and will help make your casual look not pass off as sloppy.

On her: Cotton Flannel Checkered Shirt from Izzue ($159), Denim Button Through Skirt from Whistles ($199), Thong Strap Heels from Marble Ink ($99), Leather Backpack from Picard ($349)
On him: Flannel Shirt from 5cm ($179), Long-sleeved Shirt with Floral Contrast Details from Robinsons ($99), Jeans from Blend ($99), Sneakers from Ecco ($299.90)

For the ladies, this flannel jacket complements the midi denim skirt to showcase both a rugged, yet casual look.

Tips for layering clothes in Singapore

You never have to compromise your personal style for Singapore’s erratic weather. Choosing the right ways to layer will actually showcase the look you want while keeping you dressed appropriately for various occasions. 

From patterned blazers to denim layers, take a page from these styling tips to avoid looking basic the next time you’re headed out.

Upgrade your wardrobe with Robinsons Spring Summer 2020 Collection

Get out of your comfort zone with Robinsons’ Spring Summer 2020 collection that boasts a wide range of apparel including everything from casual wear like sweaters to formal options like patterned blazers. Don’t miss out on your chance for a wardrobe overhaul – there are even promotions in-store and online. 

You can shop for exclusive brands including Jacqueline de Yong, Whistles, Marble Ink, Aape By A Bathing Ape and Karl Lagerfeld among others. They’ve got 3 stores around Singapore too at Robinsons The Heeren, Raffles City and Jem, so you can head to where’s the most convenient. 

What’s more, Robinsons The Heeren includes a Personal Shopper Lounge where you can take your time to indulge in comfort while browsing your new look. If you’re looking for a particular style or clueless as to how you can accommodate new layering options in your closet, their dedicated personal shoppers will also be available to guide you through different options and dish out styling advice. 

Shop the Robinsons SS2020 Collection here

This post was brought to you by Robinsons.
Photography by Tan Wen Lin.