The Best Women’s Vests For A Casual Wardrobe
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During our quick trip to the coast last week, I noticed vests of all kinds were de rigueur, and with good reason. They’re the perfect third layer when you need a bit of extra warmth without overheating. They come in all shapes and styles, from grandpa sweater vests to tuxedo vests. Today, I’m sharing a few of the best women’s vests that are perfect for a casual lifestyle.
Insulated puffer vests are more popular than ever these days and are perfect for so many activities. I find them super handy for an early morning game of Bocce or a walk in the neighborhood. They come in varying thicknesses and filling types…right up to the ones that make you look like a polar bear. I find the quilting pattern makes a big difference in how flattering a puffer vest can be. Big boxy squares enlarge the look of your torso, and smaller diamond-shaped ones tend to be more slimming.
Sporty Diamond Quilted Vest
This Nic+Zoe puffer vest is lightweight enough for mild weather but keeps the chill at bay if needed. I love the diamond quilting and princess seaming down the back, which enhances its shape and slims the silhouette.
This vest has a snap front closure with snaps on the pockets with a synthetic filling that’s light enough that you don’t feel overheated when you pop into the supermarket to grab some things. I chose navy, but it also comes in three other bright, happy colors that will be cheery on a dreary day.
I’m wearing it over this cozy Nordstrom cashmere turtleneck in charcoal heather. Gray is one of my favorite neutrals for winter, but this also comes in 8 other options for the woman who loves color. My Nic+Zoe jeans have a comfy high waist and bootcut leg jeans in a great dark wash.
Water Resistant Vest
This Vuori Canyon Insulated vest has been a happy part of my wardrobe for two years. It has lightweight insulation that retains warmth in wet or dry conditions and a water-repellent outer layer that’s free of poly-fluorinated chemicals. I’m very careful of the chemicals I put in my body, so it only makes sense to pay attention to the ones I wear, too.
This vest isn’t quilted…it has three horizontal seams that are so subtle that you almost don’t notice them. The stand collar comes in handy if the wind picks up, and the shorter length works well for my height. I chose the bone color, but it also comes in black and a gorgeous sage green shade.
I’m wearing it over my Vuori ankle pants, which are incredibly useful for my increasingly active lifestyle. I can wear these for a brisk morning walk, then continue with my day to run errands, etc, and I don’t look or feel like I’m wearing workout clothes. I’ve had such great luck and comfort with my black Vince retro sneakers that I decided a softer, neutral shade in these Oasis runners would make a great addition to my wardrobe. And they have. The tongue has an unfinished edge, which initially bothered me, but I find it makes it softer against the top of my foot, and comfort is key for my feet.
Long Hooded Puffer Vest
VUORI LONG SLEEVE TEE size L
I featured this Zella Long Hooded puffer vest in a post several weeks ago, and so many of you bought it, so I decided I needed to find out why. Well, now I know…it’s super cozy and warm, stylish, and perfect for so many occasions at a great price point!
It’s made from a recycled fabric that’s super soft and pliable, so although the filling is puffy, it’s not stiff. The longer length is great for sitting on bleachers for your grandchildren’s sports or any cold bench.
VUORI LONG SLEEVE TEE size L
The zipper side vents allow you to unzip for ease of sitting or just to adjust its warmth. The drawstring hood is also a great asset when walking. Its front zip has a storm flap to keep the wind out. This vest is 32″ long and comes in 4 colors. I found it runs large, so I sized it down to an XS.
Bouclé Sweater Vest
I love the Grandpa cabled sweater vest trend…on other people. It’s been popular for several seasons, but the look falls flat on me. This Caslon Wool Bouclé Sweater vest does ring my bell.
The fuzzy knit is stretchy, cozy, warm, and the perfect layer over my lightweight tops. Its zip front and stand collar look great, open or closed, and it can be dressed up or down. I love that the knit is super stretchy, and the bouclé gives it a fun texture without any added bulk.
MORE VESTS FOR A CASUAL LIFESTYLE
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Love vests and this post. Different vests serve different purposes, at least here in New England. I wear lighter weight snap ones in the house in the late fall and winter. Heavier ones, especially those with a placket, are great for wearing over sweaters or even under a parka when it gets really cold. I haven’t tried a really long one — maybe that should be next on my list lol.
Around the house is a great idea. I hadn’t thought of that. Our house gets pretty drafty in the rainy weather, I’ll have to try that
I like vests. I don’t wear them because in Mass the time frame when the weather calls for a vest is too short.
Like Joanna, I have vests I never wear. I will try to wear one and my back will get sweaty and my arms will be cold. I guess they just don’t work for me. You look great in all of your choices. I’m glad they work for you.
That boucle vest is almost identical in style to two I have owned for upwards from 12 years. Warm, comfortable and best of all not bulky. I wear mine a lot in the winter and they still look pretty good after dozens on washings. I’d buy the one you featured except gray is not a good color for me.
I love the Nic & Zoe vest. Put a sale alert on it in case I can purchase it at a lower cost. Doesn’t look bulky like so many vests do.
It’s not bulky at all! You’re very smart to put the sale alert on.
I don’t wear vests because if it’s cold enough for one, I need arm coverage. If it’s a rainy, drizzly day, again I need arm coverage. They would work well for another layer under your jacket for added warmth. I’ve bought two in the past years but they just sit in my closet. I really should pass them on…
I didn’t used to understand the need for a vest because I always thought my arms would be cold but I now I’ve been wearing a few. I started wearing them for golf because it added a little extra warmth but not bulk. These are all really cute!
Exactly!! I overheat so easily in the shoulder seasons…pardon the pun
My mom wears vests all the time to add an extra layer of warmth & I’m just getting into them. The vests you styled all look so chic! I also love your blunt haircut – it looks great on you!
My wardrobe has a surprising number of vests now and I love them.
Hi Jennifer, I have fallen in love with vests & my favorite was a gift from my daughter; it has a battery pack and you can turn it on when it really gets chilly. This is ideal; sometimes you think you don’t need a “whole jacket” but then the temperature drops. Just turn on your vest. There are many brands. You can find them on Amazon and I think maybe REI, too. Jo
What a great idea!!
I live in the Pacific Northwest and I wear vests all the time! My favorite go to store for vests is Eddie Bauer. They always have a sale going on so I can pick up a useful and cute bargain.
I love vests and have quite a few. They truly are a great third layer. My favorite casual vest are the J Jill down vests with the side zippers. They’re warm and flattering, and I love the side zippers.