

As outside temperatures cool down, the clothing layers begin to stack up, finally allowing the opportunity to wear a few of our favorite items in one cold-weather outfit. With more than one approach, layering is strategic and tailored to our personal style, stacking color schemes, textures, or jewelry to create the ultimate layered look. While head-to-toe fashion has slowed this year, fall is the perfect opportunity to get creative and have fun with our wardrobes once again by learning how to layer your clothes.
A flattering layered look is a skill anyone can master, and it consists of balancing warm-weather essentials. When deciding on what and how to layer, start with stackable basics such as a white button-up, turtleneck, or basic tee paired with a skirt or pants as the foundation to your look. Once your foundation has been set, throw on a knit vest or pull-over sweater with the addition of a coat or jacket as the final piece to your outfit. It's also important to consider layers as "stand-alone outfits" in the event you begin to peel off garments throughout the day as the temperature may adjust around you.
We don't get the opportunity to experience traditional seasons while living in California, however, this layered look is a great transitional outfit idea no matter where you live. Follow me as I achieve three different looks in one day with the perfect layered combination.
How To Layer Your Clothes: One Outfit, Three Ways
Outfit 1: Friday 8:00am
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Peeking outside of my bedroom window, I am pleasantly surprised by the thick early-morning fog that crept into our neighborhood seemingly out of nowhere. As excited as I am to finally layer up on a few of my favorite fall items, I know there is a strong likelihood of temperatures rising throughout the day, so I'll need to be smart about my outfit selection. While hoping to avoid overheating by lunch, I start out with a white tennis skirt and calf boots paired with a white button-up underneath a pull-over sweater. I top with an oversized leather jacket for the win. Taking full advantage of the cool temperatures, even if only for a few hours, I'm ready to step out in my fall-ready outfit.
Outfit 2: Friday 12:00pm
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
The day seems to be heating up faster than anticipated but I'm soaking up today's outfit for all its worth. I ditched my leather jacket a little while ago and opted to continue the morning in my oversized sweater and tennis skirt. Although I'm disappointed in how quickly the temperatures are rising, I'm excited to show more details of my layered look.
Outfit 3: Friday 2:30pm
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Wow! Leaving the house this morning, the weather app stated a high of 75 degrees, and in no way did I think I'd be down to my last look so soon. Luckily, I had an additional layer to peel off and opted to go without a skirt for an oversized sweater-dress and button-down look. While still feeling a bit warm, I am committed to this outfit and plan to carry on accordingly! As I thought, this last look is the perfect transition into the low evening temperatures soon to come as I'm on my way to meet up for a curbside dinner with friends.
Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole