We all know the basics of layering: a tank or blouse under a sweater or jacket. Maybe a dress instead of a tank! So exciting. For days when the temperature will start out cold and creep steadily upward (you know, like in the spring), layers can be the perfect solution. But how do you break the cardi-over-tank or blouse-and-blazer rut?

With a dress. Of course!

Gap striped button-front dress, $59.50

Dress + blouse: Wear your favorite spring dress over a blouse, for a cool jumper effect. Keep styles similar; pair a silk blouse and wool sheath dress, or a cotton button-down and a smock-style dress.

Dress + sweater: Oh sure you can toss a cardigan over your dress, but why not a crew or V neck sweater? A crewneck will turn your dress into a cool skirt; a V-neck with a belt can play up curves.

Dress + pants: Pair your shirtdress with trousers or skinny jeans for a tunic-y look. this works best with shorter hemlines and higher heels (or longer legs, if you are so blessed). Mix fabrics: cotton shirtdress over wool trousers, or silk sheath over jeans.

Dress + long sleeved tee: Take your look from work to weekend by combining a classic shape -- a sheath, say, or short sleeved shirtdress -- with a cotton tee. Add footless tights and ballet flats, or bare legs and sandals for a chic casual look.

The dress, after all, is the perfect wardrobing piece, no matter what the season. Make yours work for spring!

Karen Amato Schwartz at FashBlog wonders if the layering vogue is all about getting us to buy more stuff.

I AM Fashion has found the perfect spring dress, at H&M, for next to nothing. Layer away!

Who What Wear Daily (tag line: "We don't care who you're dating or if you eat. We only care about what you wear.") has a terrific little video tutorial on spring's best dresses.

Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and The Working Closet and Fashion Find. Have a pressing style question? Email her at fridaystyle.susan@gmail.com.