How to Master Fall Layering Without Looking Bulky

E! Illustration/ Abercrombie, Gap, Sam EdelmanAs fall temps start dropping, layering becomes an essential part of getting dressed. However, it requires a delicate balance to look polished and not overdone. Your outfit needs to feel streamlined, not bulky, and cohesive rather than mismatched. To figure out how to put together a chic layered look, we asked personal stylist Molly West Coe for some foolproof tips. Stylist-Approved Fall Look: Basic White Tee: Gap CloseKnit Jersey T-ShirtClassic Cardigan: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cardigan SweaterEffortless Denim: Levi's Loose Taper Women's JeansPolished Wool Coat: Quince Italian Wool Classic Single-Breasted CoatTimeless Loafers: QIY Penny LoafersTo ensure your outfit looks intentional rather than haphazardly thrown together, Coe recommends focusing on color and texture. "First, think about the color palette: pick two colors and build the whole look around them," she advises. The same goes for texture. "You don't want every piece to be the same material or texture," she says. She suggests reaching for classic white tee and cardigan combo. Then, throw on "a good pair of denim, some loafers, and a coat over the top," that are all within a similar color palette.Gap CloseKnit Jersey T-ShirtIn terms of base layers, Coe says, "My number one go-to is a fitted white tee," which she'll layer beneath a cardigan or v-neck sweater. This cotton jersey pick from Gap is body-hugging to prevent bulk.Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cardigan SweaterThe perfect combination of cozy and chic, this cashmere cardigan makes for the ultimate polished layer—and it's actually affordable.Levi's Loose Taper Women's Jeans These low-slung jeans feature a tapered leg and an adjustable waist tab that lets you cinch the waistband for a more personalized fit—meaning no more gapping at the waist—which is pretty major. Quince Italian Wool Classic Single-Breasted CoatWhen choosing a coat, Coe has advice."I would aim for something wool and something that goes past the knee, she says, just like this one classic one from Quince. QIY Penny Loafers These low-profile loafers come in smooth or patent leather and suede options, each one as chic and versatile as the last. At just under $50, they're a great way to try out the ruched trend. Another layering tip? Coe says that each layer added should be longer than the previous one. "Let each layer peek out a little and the base layer be the shortest layer you have," she suggests. "You don’t want the layers to be the exact same length because then they’re going to swallow each other." "I also love a white button-down with a cropped chunky sweater over top and a barn coat," she says.Gap Classic Cotton ShirtA simple white button-down like this one from Gap makes the ideal base layer because it is, "not seasonal and can pretty much be worn with almost anything you own," according to Coe.Abercrombie Textural Stitch Cable Crewneck SweaterTo add textural and visual interest, add a chunky cropped knit on top of your button-down, allowing the hem of the shirt to peek out beneath it.SCUSTY Barn Jacket"You want something that's not too boxy and doesn't add too much bulk," says of the coat you choose. This barn jacket fits the bill: it's lightweight and very on trend.Lastly, keep proportions in mind, or as Coe says, "the rule of balance." "You don't want a super oversized top or jacket and an oversized bottom. Try a fitted top with looser bottoms, or a looser top with more fitted bottoms." To help with this, Coe suggests opting for a coat with a waist-defining belt. "It adds definition so that your eye is not competing for the focal point in the look."ANRABESS Womens TurtleneckA basic turtleneck is a must-have in everyone's fall and winter wardrobes. This one is budget-friendly but made from a lightweight wool blend that feels expensive. Pair them with flowy, wide-leg trousers for contrast.Lulus Jayden Black Wide-Leg Trousers Simple yet chic, you'll reach for these easy-to-style flowy trousers over and over. The sleek pick is a versatile piece you'll be happy to have in your closet. Gap Modern Trench CoatCoe says a jacket with a waist-defining belt, like this timeless trench, can help balance proportions. "It gives the eye something to look at and prevents you from looking super bulky, even though you're wearing a lot of layers."Yes, sneaker mules are a thing—a stylist told us the best way to wear them.How We ChooseThe E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.