A puffer vest is hands down the most versatile piece of clothing in my closet.

I can throw it over gym clothes, pair it with a chic sweater + body-hugging jeans + heeled booties, or even style it with drapey trousers. It’s become the common denominator in all my California winter outfits. And with the right combination of layers, a good-quality puffer vest works well in other climates, too.

For all these reasons (aaand more), the In A Bubble Puffer Vest from Free People is easily my most-worn piece of clothing these days.

This Free People Puffer Vest Is The Best Layer For My Mom Uniform

I’ve been challenging myself lately to look through my wardrobe and figure out what it is I’m really wearing the most.

Sometimes it’s easier (and arguably, more fun) to highlight a new statement sweater or round up the latest and greatest in footwear, but it’s been more helpful for me as of late to focus on wearability and wardrobe staples above all else, and I want to be the most helpful for you, our amazing reader, too. 

So while my mom-iform (aka mom uniform) is leggings & a cute sweatshirt, I discovered that it’s a beautiful vest layered on top that really pulls it all together in a useful, and yet very pleasing way.

vest | hoodie | leggings | shoes

When I moved to San Diego just a few short months ago, I was really struggling with how to adapt my wardrobe. I’ve come to find out that layers are my very best friend. 

A puffer vest can be layered over a lightweight top, but the right vest also fits over the bulkiest of coats and sweatshirts as well.

There is a really good selection of vests on the market to choose from, so while your style might not be the oversized look that I adore, there are a ton of amazing options. 

vest | hoodie | leggings | shoes

A Colorful Water-Resistant Puffer Vest For Running Errands Chasing Seagulls

As someone who is drawn to neutrals, I felt very inspired to grab a vest in a bright color. This was maybe one of my best fashion decisions of all time.

Since my wardrobe is mostly nuetral, a colorful vest has proven to work with just about everything I own! I get a happy little surge of dopamine when I wear it (but then when I do want to pair it with something else colorful? It feels very “Emily In Paris”).

The bright color also makes me really excited to wear the vest. I actually own a black puffer vest, but honestly, I seem to forget about it with the red one hanging next to it.

vest | hoodie | leggings | shoes

Rain or shine, we don’t often miss a chance to swing by the beach. My hubs and I love the salty air while little man can’t get enough of pushing his toy trucks through the sand (and he looooves chasing seagulls).

The In A Bubble puffer vest puffer isn’t waterproof, but it is water resistant, and has held up surprisingly well on these rainy days weeks California has been experiencing.

vest | hoodie | leggings | shoes

Oversized, slouchy and relaxed, the In A Bubble Puffer Vest from Free People hits all my favorite marks. The vest is warm, squishy, has adjustable snaps at the hem, and the pockets are deep enough for an iPhone Pro as well as every seashell and rock your toddler hands you.

Fit Notes: Although oversized, I’m still wearing my true size medium. You could size down, but I love the longer length that the medium provides me!

Xx,
Amy

Let’s be friends on Instagram! Sharing life from a California beach town, daily style, clean beauty, Gilmore Girl binge-athons, and endless cups of coffee – all with a good dose of adorable toddler content, too.