Kelly Klein

Kelly Klein

The Thing I’m Layering Under All My Jackets

And a very good TRR round up.

Feb 20, 2026
∙ Paid
The fringe top peaking out from beneath the collarless blazer takes this outfit to the next level. Full look linked below.

I keep thinking about longer layers worn under something shorter and structured. Pants on the bottom, a softer layer over that, and then a cropped jacket or knit to frame it. The proportions are a bit unexpected so it keeps it interesting. and I love that pop of fabric peeking out beneath something sharp.

The scarf under a jacket has been the real unlock for the post. Throw it around your neck and let one side hang longer so it peeks out beneath the hem of the jacket or sweater. It reads like an asymmetrical skirt or panel of a tunic (it’s a secret nobody knows whats happening under there). It’s giving the pieces I’ve worn a hundred times new life.

Same logic with tying something around your waist. When the tie peaks out under a jacket or the back hem, it acts like a mysterious piece like a skirt or an accessory. I love the mystic of it. essentially it is a great way to add depth and creates a break in the silhouette.

I’ve also been wearing this long fringe tee that creates the same effect with almost no effort. The fringes adds movement but the top layer adds structure to give the right amount of tension we all talk about so often. The push between fluid and sharp is what makes it work.

Consider this a part 2 to my previous newsletter, which you can read below.

The Third Layer That Makes Outfits More Interesting

The Third Layer That Makes Outfits More Interesting

Kelly Klein
·
October 3, 2025
Read full story

The Long Layer

The longer underlayer sets the vibe, and here it’s the scarf doing the work. I loved the ivory running through the plaid, so I popped it with an ivory jacket to keep everything feeling light. I did not want the bottom half to feel too heavy, so the yellow boot adds contrast but still offsets the darker scarf and pant.

Vintage Prada jacket from TRR (alt here), Madewell balloon jeans, these old Fendi boots (alts here and here), a old plaid fringed scarf (alts here and here), and this leather rope knotted belt.
Option 1: Short Dress

Maximize your wardrobe by repurposing your favorite mini dresses into this formula. In this context think of them as long tops instead of dresses.

Most will work, just avoid anything too voluminous or overly structured. Details are welcome, I especially love it with a lace edge. Asymmetrical hems or interesting trims add movement and visual interest, especially once they start peeking out beneath a jacket or cropped knit.

Shop my edit that work beautifully as a long underlayer beneath a structured jacket.

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