Layering Pieces for Women
Layering goes wrong in one specific way: volume on volume. Layers add width at the shoulder and the hip, so one of the two has to stay narrow. An open-front jacket over a fitted dress works. The same jacket over a full skirt doesn't — that's two wide points with nothing between them. Everything here is cut with that in mind: open fronts, defined shoulders, nothing bulky through the body.
Jacket dresses are the format worth knowing about. The Margarita Navy Velvet has a tuxedo lapel and an asymmetric draped skirt — it's a dress on its own, and reads as a coat over a slip or trousers. The Amalfi Positano Print Jacket Dress does the same in a lighter weight and is reduced to $198 from $398. Both solve the problem of needing a layer that doesn't look like an afterthought.
For jackets, the Allie Black Blazer and Fleur Blue Tapestry Jacket carry hand embroidery across the body and lift a plain dress instantly. The Sia Boho Jacket is $128 and the Silvia Blue Jacket $138, both down from $298. For the layer underneath, the printed tops start at $78 — Zaza Blue, Rose Red, Sunset Pink Ombre and Dahlia Blue all work under a jacket or on their own with trousers.
For colder weather, the Gaudi Teal Velvet Wrap and Barcelona Velvet Dress carry autumn and winter occasions without needing anything over the top. Every piece is designed by Sandhya Garg, Project Runway Season 13, in exclusive prints drawn in-house, sizes XS through 3XL.
Layering for travel
A packed suitcase is a layering problem. Planes are cold, destinations are warm, and evenings drop sharply — which is why a light jacket or a tunic does more work in a case than almost anything else. An embroidered jacket also looks deliberate folded over your arm, where a cardigan just looks like you got cold.
If a trip is what you're packing for, see resort wear, cruise wear, vacation wear, resort casual, resort evening wear and plus size resort wear. For warm-climate layers specifically: kimonos, kaftans, tunics and cover-ups.
Shop the full one-of-a-kind jackets and tops and jackets ranges, or browse velvet, long sleeve midi dresses, trousers and elevated basics. For autumn occasions: fall wedding guest and winter wedding guest dresses.
Read more: five perfect fall jackets, how to choose a dressy jacket, travel outfits for women, packing essentials, and how to care for velvet and embroidered pieces.
Any style can be made to your measurements for $50–$100 above retail. Check the size chart before ordering. Free US shipping on orders over $250. Afterpay available. Ships from Scottsdale, AZ within 1–3 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you layer without looking bulky?
Keep one layer narrow. Layers add volume at the shoulder and hip, so if the jacket is loose, what's underneath should be fitted — and vice versa. An open-front jacket over a fitted or wrap dress works well; a loose jacket over a full skirt creates two wide points with no definition between them. Structured fabrics also sit flatter than soft ones.
What is a jacket dress?
A dress cut with jacket detailing — a lapel or notch collar, button or belt front, and often long sleeves. It works as a dress on its own, and as an outer layer over a slip dress or trousers. It's a useful format for transitional weather and for travel, because one garment covers two needs.
What do you wear when it's cold in the morning and warm by afternoon?
Choose a layer you'd be happy carrying. An embroidered or printed jacket looks intentional folded over your arm, where a cardigan reads as a practicality. Pair it with a sleeveless or short-sleeved dress underneath so you're comfortable once it comes off, and avoid anything that creases hard when carried.
What should I pack as a travel layer?
A light jacket or a tunic in a crease-resistant fabric — viscose and viscose-linen blends recover far better than pure linen or cotton. It handles cold planes, air conditioning and cool evenings, and a printed jacket dresses up a plain dress for dinner. One good layer replaces two or three single-purpose items.
Can you wear velvet in warm weather?
For evening, yes. Velvet reads autumnal and holds warmth, so it suits cool evenings and indoor occasions rather than daytime heat. A velvet jacket dress works well for an air-conditioned restaurant or a cool evening on holiday, even when the days are warm.
Testimonials
★★★★★Gorgeous and Flattering
I recently wore this to a friends outdoor wedding and it was absolutely stunning! The fit was perfect the colour divine and I love the asymmetry. There are many accent colours to pair with these piece which makes accessorizing creative. I received many compliments thank you Sandhya! <3
Nina![]()
Austin, Texas
★★★★★Over the Moon
When I opened my package; I could not believe the huge smile that came on
my face. Not only was it beautiful, the quality was outstanding. I will be wearing many more designs by Sandhya Garg.Reba Aylward![Summer top for woman]()
New Bern, NC