Vests? Who knew? - YouLookFab Forum

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Vests? Who knew?

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Never was much of a vest person--last time I really wore them was the 80s/90s, sort of the lightweight ones from Contempo Casuals that you might pair with a brimmed hat.

In HS, the rich kids were always going around in North Face puffy vests over their long-sleeved shirts. As I said before, I did not realize until recently that vests like this are very practical for warmth. I thought the whole point was to show how preppy you are!!! I now realize they are an in-between-seasons piece.

I am very interested in a vest for warmth, and am wondering if anyone has ideas. Puffy is okay, fleece is also cute. Any other materials or ideas welcome. Modest to loud, warm to warmest, eclectic to classic.

Thanks!! (and yes, a reminder: looking for a vest that does WARMTH)

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18 replies

Latest reply was from Carol

Indigoprint

Veteran

I wear vests a lot. I like the warmth they offer but leave my sleeves free for doing stuff.
I wear them under cardigans, winter coats and as a layer over cotton turtlenecks or flannel shirts when it is coolish outside and our heater is not kicking on just yet.
I have sweater vests, half zips, hoodies, traditional menswear cables in cotton and wool fabrications which are my favorites. I do have fleece and puffers, I reach for the fleece before the puffer. For some reason puffer is only outerwear for me.
I also have denim and linen vests that I use as a "third piece" in the warmer months over linen tops that seem too sheer.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I have a collection of Uniqlo lightweight sleeveless puffers in different colours. I wear them under jackets in transitional periods (late Autumn, early Spring) for extra warmth. They are easily tucked away if the day gets warmer and I start to overheat. I like the little pop of puffer texture peaking out from under my jacket. It looks especially nice (IMO) around the collar because it creates a sort of double collar effect, similar to as shown in the photo but with the puffer under the jacket.

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Staysfit

Veteran

I discovered the wonderful insulating properties of vests when I was running. A polar fleece vest is amazing for season change and those mornings that start out a bit too cold, but not so cold that you need a coat. No overheating, but with a warm torso, you remain comfy. The same is true for cross country skiing and snow shoes. Perfect layer. My last polar fleece vest wore out this winter and I will look for a replacement. Mine was from Eastern Mountain Sports and it lasted 15 years! The EMS in our community closed so I am not sure where I will look yet, maybe REI. Vests are also great indoors when temps are iffy. I have two puffy vests at present. One from Athleta (now on its 10th year) and one made by Bernardo (2 years). I also have a merino wool vest from JCrew. It’s old, maybe the oldest JCrew item in my wardrobe. The Athleta and Bernardo vests fit under my jackets. They work under my lighter raincoats so I can have waterproofing when it’s cold. They also work under my lighter weight outdoor jackets and coats for added warmth. Vests with zippers are easy to remove and adjust. The Athleta vest is synthetic down and compacts to a small size. I can carry it in my pocket if needed.

kkards

Veteran

I have mixed feelings about how much warmth vests actually provide. But I think I’m sort of wired differently and that my personal thermostat runs thru my wrists. That being said, I do own this vest that I use for layering warmth.

I will also add that my mother swears by vests as a warmth layer wears them year round.

Joules Women's Padded Vest

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JAileen

Veteran

I like to wear vests in winter. I wear them around the house, and also out into the world, They add a bit of warmth, but not too much, and layer nicely under coats. We have lots of days where a vest is all that is needed. For me, though, they are no good for walks because if you need to take them off, there are no sleeves to tie around your waist!

Some vests I have had: Columbia makes a lightweight, inexpensive fleece vest. The fleece feels nice around my neck. Patagonia’s Nanopuff vest is also lightweight. It’s great because all three pockets zip shut, and it can be packed in its inside breast pocket, which is nice for travel. They tend to be pricier, but we have a Patagonia store in town, so I’ve bought things there on massive discounts. Lands End is in Wisconsin and they know cold. But the Lands End vests I’ve had were less functional for me because the pockets just had a snap instead of a zipper. If you catch a sale, they can be very reasonable.

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Roberta

Veteran

I bought a Uniqlo vest on eBay last fall and wore it a LOT. It was like wearing warm air. The one I have has a subtle houndstooth print and is quite a sleek fit. I don't feel like Marty McFly in it.

Women Ultra Light Down Vest

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Summer waistcoat outfit formula post comes out on Friday! If that helps.

For more warmth, you'll find outfit formula posts in the archives.

cat2

Veteran

I am with K Kards; I don’t find vests very helpful. I have a couple of puffer vests I thought I wanted for the cabin, but never wear them.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

FWIW, vests don't keep me warm either. For, me they are a Summer Seattle item!

Lisa

Veteran

I normally wear vests in my gear capsule for horseback riding and other outdoor activities. I have found that Columbia Omniheat, Eddie Bauer Microlight down, and LL Bean Primaloft are all a version of a vest that has warmth without the bulk.

They work well layered over hoodies, fleece, and plaid shirts for cool days, then when it's cold these styles are all thin enough to layer over a shirt and underneath a jacket for extra warmth without having bulk around the arms.

Bonnie

Veteran

I like vests as a third piece to add interest to an otherwise boring outfit.

RobinF

Veteran

I have a few puffer vests but they don't get a whole lot of wear. I do find they can warm me up a bit and sometimes throw one on but I tend to forget about them. I recently added a think black one for layering so that may change.

I love a vest as a look, not as outerwear, and always have. But for me they will replace a third piece in an outfit.

DonnaF

Veteran

Call me Queen Vest! I run cold and keep my house cold so I layer over and under and sometimes both. Of course, some vests are easier to style than others:

Cropped vests like the first black puffer and the similar cream corduroy puffer balance out wide legs and full skirts well and show a waist. The sweater vests hit me lower so aren't quite as flattering but work with slightly narrower pants.

The faux shearling hooded vest is more outerwear and hits me at 3/4 length or below mid-thigh and has double zippers and side zippers which make it highly adjustable.

The moto vest is quite warm due to the collar and is wind proof.

The very cropped denim vest is great over dresses. Plus, I would never wear a vest by itself even if my bra didn't show. Sorry, not a good look for this 72 y.o. woman.

I like extended shoulder vests because I like the '80s and those shoulders give me presence. Unfortunately, it is quite a challenge to layer over them so it is either no layer, a big scarf, or a topper I may not prefer.

The longer vests like the houndstooth and the Madden Clare vest I've discovered I like only with my pencil/jean skirts because my legs are super short and my proportions look off when I wear pants with them.

And the traditional waistcoats? I look forward to Angie's Friday post. I've had to kiss a lot of frogs to find ones that fit. I'm glad I bought ones with texture versus a menswear pattern that would not have given me as much wear. Also, I like the more summery fabrication now that I have so many sweater vests.

I also have the packable Uniqlo down vest that many YLFers have and a Bernardo down vest that is more outerwear but is starting to shed.

Thread & Supply Crop Puffer Vest

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Free People Easy Street Sweater Vest

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Madewell Stripe Waffle Knit Sweater Vest

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Treasure&Bond Stripe Sweater Vest

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Zella Cozy Insulated Hooded Faux Shearling Reversible Vest

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Noisy May Thea Belted Vest

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Steve Madden Clare Vest

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Thread & Supply Crop Corduroy Vest

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Free People Charley Crop Vest

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Free People Charley Crop Vest

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Free People Untamed Denim Crop Vest

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Treasure&Bond Crop Cable Knit Cotton Blend Sweater Tank

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Free People Charley Crop Vest

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Topshop Crop Faux Leather Biker Vest

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BP Oversize Houndstooth Sweater Vest

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Free People Free People Keep It Simple Vest | Nordstrom

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Halogen Open Stitch Cotton Crop Sweater Vest

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Bijou

Veteran

I have two vests. My puffer vest is quite bulky, so I only wear this layered under my loose anorak. The warmth depends on whether I wear it open or shut. This vest is reversable, so I have a houndstooth floral one side and a black and white paisley print on the reverse. It makes a great travel piece, lightweight, warm and wind and shower proof.

My denim vest is a nice piece to wear over a boho dress or when I want a light summer layer. This layers well under coats and jackets.

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Val MN

This vest (Find) was something I wore last winter and the winter before. It went well over bodycon ribbed sweater dresses. It was an extra fuzzy fleece, almost like faux fur. I liked the cropped length, the side entry pockets, and the high, warm collar. Unfortunately I can't recommend the item/brand because the quality of the fabric didn't hold up. It was ratty-looking by its second season.

Sunday Best fuzzy vest

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Carol

(website)

Veteran

Indigoprint--all your description makes me want to go buy some vests right now! I love your styling of vest-over-turtleneck--that is totally up my alley. And I somewhat agree with you on puffers being only outerwear. The tastemakers of the world (Europeans) probably don't go around indoors in a puffer vest.

Brooklyn--puffer vest does seem like a good starting point, if I start somewhere. I love what you say about just "tucking them away" as needed--I bet if you had the right bag, you could just put it in there.

Staysfit--your post made me want to check out the Athleta website. I did not know much about it. They do have a lot of nice, affordable vests in a sporty style. Or I guess....the winter ones are on sale, which makes them affordable. I love how unfussy they are.

Kkards--it is a nice-looking vest. Not going to click on it now, because I will lose my comment. It is an interesting point about warmth, and having basically never worn these, I wonder if it will work for me! I bet it will. I live in northern New Mexico, which is basically a slightly warmer version of Colorado.

JAileen--I grew up with Patagonia in my town as well, so I will definitely consider their stuff. Lands End seems...honestly affordable all the time now. I never had a bad experience with them, and they seem to constantly run sales of up to half off. So that is a good option.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Roberta--I don't know--Marty McFly was SUCH a great look. But...I feel like Uniqlo has come up a bit, so maybe they make great vests? I will have to keep that in mind.

Angie--and the summer waistcoat post is here today! But now it is HOT, so I might try that with shorts and sandals.

cat2--funnily enough, I never wore vests, and am not close to anyone who really does. Maybe they, too, don't find them effective for warmth.

Angie--I just looked up summer temps in Seattle. Much different from the scorchers of the Midwest/West. A good summer vest might come in handy there!

Lisa--love those specific ideas, and horseback riding--wow! It has been a while for me. Also, someone else mentioned flannels/plaids. I think that is a look I would really enjoy.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Bonnie--you know, and that is how I always interpreted them. The preppy/Abercrombie look was very in when I was growing up. And you put that vest with a great sweatshirt and some crisp cargo pants--cool look.

RobinF--vest as third piece. So you must really enjoy today's blog post. Those lightweight ones are great for mixing and matching with other things.

DonnaF--Well, that post is out now, so hopefully there are some goodies in there for you. I am so sorry I never got back to this post until today! You have given such a complete collection of photos and descriptions. I love how well-rounded it is. Of these, what is new to me are the cropped vests--so cool and useful. The moto just looks like a showpiece. And that salmon one is so cute--sometimes it is great to have a bright color.

Bijou--wow, such cute pieces. And if one is reversible, it is kind of like two vests! Though the first is so colorful, the denim actually looks like a great "starter" for me because you could do so much with it.

ValNM--too bad it fell apart, but it sure is cute. You know, I have been totally feeling cream lately as a color, and have bought a couple items. Pretty sure it is not right with my coloring, but I will make it work.