Dressing for fall is a ton of fun, but it can be a bit of a challenge. In most places, it’s just chilly enough to constitute warm outer layers, but not quite cold enough to justify a bulky winter coat. The result is weeks of thin sweaters and cardigans, and while both of these are completely valid autumnal options, there is another way to add layers to your outfit without utilizing cumbersome trench coats and parkas. The vest is the perfect way to stay warm and comfortable without overheating in the fall, and there are so many styles to choose from!

Quilted

The quilted vest is a classic; it’s probably one of the first things you think of when the topic of vests comes up. These vests are exclusively casual outerwear that can be left open or zipped up in especially frigid weather. For the more temperate days of fall, pair a cream vest with a black tank top and blue jeans to take an otherwise simple ensemble to the next level. If the weather is a little less forgiving, wear a long-sleeved shirt or knit sweater underneath a mustard vest.

Denim

A denim vest looks super chic on anyone, and it comes in all sorts of colors and silhouettes! If you’re a fan of high-waisted bottoms, you won’t want to skip out on this short, washed denim vest! Pair it with black pants and a crop top for fiercely fashionable results. If you’d prefer something looser and less form-fitting, an oversized denim vest is a great choice. Plus, this particular vest has an opening in the back, so you can still show off the shirt you’re wearing! We’re big believers in the idea that you can absolutely mix denims, so wear your denim vest and blue jeans with confidence. If you want a little more contrast in the pieces, try a pink denim vest instead of a typical blue one.

Fleece

You’ll be fighting sleep in the warm embrace of a fleece vest. Cozy and soft, this type of vest is essentially a blanket with convenient holes for your arms to go through. The thickness of fleece material can sometimes cause pieces of clothing to feel excessively thick and difficult to move in, but a vest keeps the material contained to your body’s center, giving your arms the ability to move freely. Pair an open-front fleece vest with a warm-colored top, jeans, and boots for a great casual look you can wear on a day out with friends! Or, leave the hat at home and put on a black fleece vest instead!

Faux Fur

It’s hard to compete with the comfort of fleece, but faux fur does it with relative ease. A faux fur vest is the go-to option when the temperatures dip in the latter half of fall. If you want a natural look, and want to keep the fur contained to the inside and/or collar of the vest, a mauve suede and faux fur vest will make your desires a reality! This style can be worn with short or long sleeves; it all depends on you (and the weather). If you’re not afraid to experiment with colors a bit, a lime faux fur vest might be the outerwear you’ve been looking for! Pair with dark ripped jeans and a black graphic tee for a punk rocker look, or stick with pinks and blues to achieve a more whimsical aesthetic.

Long Vest

Up to this point, we’ve been relatively focused on vests that fall anywhere from the waist to a few inches below the hips. However, the reality is that there are also fashionable long vest options that fall well below the knee! For a vest that works well as professional wear, try combining a black shirt and a pair of marigold-yellow slacks with a sophisticated long black vest with trim. If you want to keep your look patriotic, a USA Accent kimono vest is an easy layering piece that can be paired with a warm fall sweater and boots!

The versatile vest is a thing of beauty. Made to be layered, this outerwear is the perfect blend of comfort and warmth for the fall season, something every wardrobe and boutique needs. We here at WFS are hopeful that these tips will encourage you to try out fashion-forward vests that suit your style. Visit our website to see other examples of on-trend vests and be sure to drop a comment below telling us what you’d like us to write about next! It’s always a pleasure to hear from our readers.