Slay your closet monsters

Level up your autumnal layers

September 8, 2025

Hey, Style Slayers — Happy Moda Monday!

Welcome Inside the Closet! In this edition, we’re sharing 1 quest, 2 tips, and 3 looks to help you embrace your unique style superpowers — Let’s step in! 👇

1 Quest for you to try

Last week, we talked about shifting your closet into fall mode, so this week, we’re focusing on how to level up with those autumnal layers. Just like in your favorite RPG, your outfit starts with base armor and builds with upgrades that boost your (style) stats. Layering not only keeps you comfortable and flexible—it’s also how you transform a basic look into a personal, unique one. But there is more to leveling up your character and your closet than just throwing layers or boosts on – you have to make sure they’re balanced for YOUR preferences and gameplay style/lifestyle needs. Let’s step in and learn how to balance your IRL “playable character” with your closet creations!

How to participate

  1. Choose: Select your base armor (aka, first layer, like a henley, t-shirt, or midi dress), then add 2-3 “upgrades” (layerable items like a sweater, jacket, or accent scarves or hats) to it.
  2. Create: Combine your upgrades to boost your style stats (aka put together a cool/cozy/autumnal outfit that functions for your ideal Fall day and vibe).
  3. Capture: Share your outfit with #VostraModaQuest, or reply to this email with your entry.

The most inspiring outfit will be featured next week! Please let me know if you would like to remain anonymous.

2 Tips to help you slay

For this week’s quest, and because we’ve been having cool mornings but some very warm afternoons, my look is a sleeveless dress as my base, and added tights and a flannel shirt that I tied at the waist to show off the dress – the flannel is easy to remove when the temperature increases, or add back on when it cools off again, or I could easily replace the boots with flats if it’s especially warm out – all without needing to change my base layer dress!

— To use a “character creation” theme, think of your base tee, tank, or long-sleeve as your “armor class.” From there, add mid-weight sweaters or light outerwear to scale your defense (or you know, stay warm or protect your skin from those stray UV rays so you don’t take radiant damage).

Our style suggestions

  1. Mod your modular pieces: A button-up can be the equivalent of multi-classing when it comes to gear. You can wear it buttoned, open, layered, or tied. It adapts to any quest (IE, weather), and could be a bonus tourniquet in battle…I mean…a cute shrug or accent tied around your waist…
  2. How about those hems: Layering a long tunic under a cropped jacket? Throwing a dress on under a sweater? Pairing that hoodie with a cool leather outerlayer? Think of these pairings as your cape-and-armor combo—it can be dramatic but strategic if you pair them intentionally and think about where the hemlines of each item sit compared to the other for a more striking fit.
Bri shows off her fall layering technique with a color block sleeveless dress as her base layer, and upgrades it to fall fashion by adding tights, tall black boots, and a red flannel worn over top that she'd tied at the waist to create a crop style outer layer!

3 Looks for you to shop

Upgrade your wardrobe with just one click! Shop these fresh looks to trend the multiverse and never go out of style.

The Mr.

Leveling up your Mr autumnal layers - The base layer for this look is a simple white t-shirt and black jeans. I've layered them with a black and orange plaid shirt, which can be buttoned all the way and paired tucked in for a fitted look, or worn unbuttoned like a jacket instead. Paired with black, brown, and gold floral print sneakers, a black and brown watch, a black denim cap, and a burnt orange and black ring to continue the color palette throughout the entire outfit for a full fall feel!

The Mx.

Leveling up your Mx autumnal layers - Our true base layer for this look is a white sleeveless top paired with an orange printed denim pant. Our bonus layers for autumnal inspiration include a burnt orange cardigan, which can be worn casually open as is, or the belt can be worn over top of the cardigan to cinch at the waist and create a more distinct silhouette. Additional layering accents include orange loafers, gold details like a watch, ring, and a layered chain necklace, and a white felt hat balances the white and gold belt no matter how it's being worn!

The Ms.

Leveling up your Ms autumnal layers - Our base layer for this outfit is a green midi dress with bonus layers added of a fit and flare white button down paired with an additional layer, a floral printed sweatshirt over both. This allows you to focus on playing with the hemlines of the shirt tails beneath the sweatshirt, as well as the length of the dress for points of interest in your outfit! All accessories and accent items are gold or a matching green to complement the base layer of the dress!

Shop These Looks

👉 Share your quest success with #VostraModaQuest or reply to this email for a chance to be featured in next week’s email. Please let me know if you would like to remain anonymous.

“Reaching success is like playing a video game. You have to go through obstacles to level up and you have to enjoy the process.” — Anonymous

Stylishly yours,

— Bri

Start your style quest for free.

Step Inside The Closet

  • 1 quest to conquer your closet monsters
  • 2 tips to instantly impress your mirror
  • 3 looks to inspire effortless style

Join the queer community discovering confidence one legendary look at a time. Let’s roll for style!