London, it’s time to turn up the street style heat. Copenhagen’s fashion crowd is setting the pace, spinning the trend cycle with playful polka dots, bold colour-blocking and oversized jorts that are cooler than ever.
Amidst the flurry of fads emerging from the Nordic fashion capital is double layering, the latest look to grasp the attention of boundary-pushing dressers across the board - and just in time for spring, too.
A clever design with maximum payoff, this trend centres tops that feature an integrated layer which mimic the look of perfectly styled, layered separates. Two for the price of one, if you will.
© Getty Images
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© ImaxtreeAn array of European cool-girl brands have already hopped on the bandwagon, including Gimaguas, Acne Studios, Nude Project and Paloma Wool - proving the inevitable rise of the trend in time for spring/summer 2026.
The appeal behind the look? The styling hack is steeped in Nineties nostalgia, championed by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston and, on the odd occasion, Cameron Diaz.
© Ron Galella Collection via GettyEnter the Noughties and the trend took on a new sartorial cachet, tapping into skater-girl rebellion. Punkish pop princesses such as Avril Lavigne took leisurely layering in their stride, creating dimensional looks with minimal effort and a touch of the unexpected.
Today, the trend exists as a practical answer to the need for nostalgia. Simple, comfortable yet quietly effective, the two-in-one top is a short-cut to instant cool-girl status.
© ImaxtreeDiscover our favourite picks below and step into the new season in style.
Double layered tops to shop for 2026:
Layered Appliquéd Ribbed Jersey T-shirt
Acne Studios
Designed to look like a tank layered over a matching T-shirt, Acne Studios' ribbed jersey top is set to become a staple in your year-round wardrobe. Plus, it's crafted from low-impact materials, making for a stylish, sustainable choice.
Samm T-Shirt
Gimaguas
Introducing the colour combination of the season - chocolate, white and pink. Showcased in Gimaguas' long sleeve, the palette is accentuated by a subtle layering effect with a faux V-neckline, making the piece a must-have for spring.
Palier Double Sleeve Shirt Blue
Nude Project
Nude Project is brand you need to keep firmly on your radar this year. Vibrant graphic tees, statement jorts and neutral staples pepper the brand's collections - which house the label's double layered long sleeve shirt that is topping our wish list.
Women's Dew Top
Sandy Liang
If preppy-chic is on your spring sartorial agenda, look to Sandy Liang. Carefully crafted from 100 per cent cotton, the brand's sumptuous polo neck merges traditional rugby shirt styles with on-trend stripes. Add to bag with immediate effect.
Grey and Black Polka Dot Layered Long Sleeve Top
Glassworks
Not willing to let go of the polka dot trend yet? Well, neither are we. Glasswork's adorable double layer tee is a dotty dream - ideal for casual days in the office and playfully dressed coffee dates.
Manon Layered 2 in 1 Top
Damson Madder
Designed for effortless layering, Damson Madder's 2-in-1 offering is perfect for those wanting to inject their spring wardrobes with a shot of vibrance this season.
Double Layer Long Sleeve Top
Fruity Booty
Your everyday hero pieces never need to be boring - take Fruity Booty's blue-black tee for example. A staple in every sense of the word, the luxuriously soft top showcases colourblocked overlaying for a modern, dimensional look.
Huggie Layered Long Sleeve Top
Sisters and Seekers
Crafted from breathable cotton jersey, this pocket-friendly gem by Sisters and Seekers features a timeless navy-cream colourway, elevated by a body-kissing fit that promises ample comfort with every wear.
Seline Knit Top
Reformation
Casual and sporty, Reformation's plain white offering is a throw on piece that marries comfort and practicality. Ideal for weekend wear, the layered vest can be paired with baggy jeans or a mini skirt for a low-key, effortless look.
How we chose:
- Style: Each item features the double layered effect all the cool-girls are pining after for 2026.
- Price: From Nude Project to Acne Studios, the list includes a range of prices to suit all pockets.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. Best Quality Designer Handbag may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
