With cool mornings, warm afternoons, and in-between evenings, dressing for the entire day can be a bit tricky. But learn the fine art of layering, and you’ll be comfortable in any temperature (even the office’s arctic A/C). To avoid looking bulky, use these tips to mix and match pieces for the most flattering shape. Bonus: you’ll create new looks you never even knew you had hiding in your closet.

1. Keep the underlayer (like a body-hugging tank or dress) fitted for the ideal outfit foundation.
2. Throw something loose on top (think: a flowy tee, button-down chambray shirt, or both).
3. Don’t let your shape get lost – add a belt to cinch your waist.
4. Tie on a summer scarf to finish the look. It will come in handy for the breeziest times of day.

 
And remember these two things when picking your layering pieces:

1. Be mindful of proportion and keep the bottom half of your outfit slim.
2. Pair long pieces with short, and short with long. If everything is one length, no one will be able to see your mix-and-match genius.

 
Our American Apparel Women & American Apparel Men Boutiques open Monday, May 13, at 11AM ET.

So, based on a selection of our Final Sale’s most coveted brands, let’s play… Name that Designer!

1. Though he’s been completely sober for several years now (and has the most insanely chiseled body to prove it), this designer still sails through the fashion world in skirts – and oh, how I love him for that.

2. This brand’s namesakes? They’re the sister/brother combo of everyone’s (okay, my) favorite 5(ish)-foot-tall twins.

3. 80%* of American women between the ages of 13 and 45 own one of this brand’s printed weekend bags. (*I made this statistic up, but it’s still probably true.)

4. This alterna-cool L.A. brand’s former CEO was notorious for showing up to work in very, shall we say, “progressive” attire (cough cough tightie-whities).

5. This denim line’s founder pretty much made my 2013 with his announcement of a much-awaited comeback. (Cue me crying a river of happy tears.)

(1. Marc Jacobs; 2. Elizabeth and James; 3. Vera Bradley; 4. American Apparel; 5. William Rast)

Our FINAL SALE Boutiques open Wednesday, January 16, at 11AM ET.

By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

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2. Lilly Pulitzer clutch. A shiny new shipment of everything Lilly Pulitzer? I’d take its word over the groundhog’s any day. Our Lilly Pulitzer Boutique opens Monday, January 7, at 11AM ET.

3. American Apparel sweater. I wasn’t the healthiest of holiday partakers this year. (I’m a sucker for peppermint cake balls!) That said, American Apparel – bring on the oversized tops. Our American Apparel Women Boutique opens Sunday, January 6, at 11AM ET.

4. Colonial Mills storage basket. Fashion magazines are an occupational hazard (horrible life, I know) – and this basket will be perfect for keeping those ever-growing stacks cleanly out of sight. Our Resolve to Get Organized: Chic Storage Essentials Boutique opens Sunday, January 6, at 11AM ET.

By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

Looking forward to something next week? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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We suggest adding these to your arsenal ASAP:

Our American Apparel Boutique opens Friday, June 11 at 11AM ET.