Here's a product that has become such a winter essential for me that I've purchased it for three years in a row: J.Jill's Side-Zip Down Puffer Vest. What sets this vest apart are three features that make it more comfortable for sitting/more comfortable for those with apple tendencies, while also being dressier than other puffer vests. Specifically, the vest has a two-way zipper; it has side vents that you can zip/unzip; and, it's thinner/less poufy than the typical puffer vest. It's also an incredibly versatile length; it's not too long to wear with jeans, but it's long enough to cover the rear end for those who want to wear it with leggings.

I've worn these to the office on most casual Fridays, over turtlenecks and straight-leg jeans; I wear a black one over a knee-length black knit floral dress with Aquatalia moto boots; I wear them underneath lightweight wool-blend winter coats, as an extra layer when at an outdoor mall in winter; and this winter I'm layering them over jewel-neck long-sleeve tees and lightweight turtlenecks with jeans in my chilly basement work-from-home setup, so it's practically a uniform for me right now. I have a super-puffy down vest from L.L. Bean that I use to watch kid soccer games and other outdoor excursions; the J.Jill vest feels like it's in a different category and for me serves the purpose of a cardigan. I often wear these with coordinating scarves.

After three years I have a great collection: Black, red, light pink, navy, and a red/black check. I duplicated the red, since they don't carry that color every year, and it's a slightly washed-out red that I think is flattering on a variety of skin tones. J. Jill sometimes alters the side-opening feature (last year it was a snap-tab on each side) and the quilting pattern. The pockets are lined with a warm, soft-to-the-touch fabric.
Sizing is generous. I am consistently an 8P, though half the time I go up to MP in knit tops so they aren't clingy, and I always buy a Petite Small in this vest. There is extra room in the bust, but I don't think it looks too bad because the quilt/puff lines hide some of the extra space, and I can't go any smaller because of my broad shoulders and because it would then pull tight over my hips. I'm 5'3".

J. Jill has great on-again, off-again sales this time of year (earlier this week there was a random 50% off sale), so if you're looking to pick up a great winter vest, this might be something to consider stalking. I also have some of their waffle-weave tunics from past years that I've paired with the vest.

Thanks for reading!