Perfect Fall Transition Piece: Vests (How to Wear Them Now, and Later)

While I'm am SO ready for Fall, Denver, clearly, is not.  The constant 80 degree temperatures are starting to drive me crazy.  Although, being 8 months pregnant might have something to do with it.  But while I'm dreaming of cozy sweaters, tall boots, scarves, and cute little gloves, my reality is still flip-flops and tank tops.   

However, I've been eyeing up a new momdrobe necessity, something along the lines of a more interesting sweater:  the sweater vest.

While the term sweater vest conjures up images of school-boys in argyle, the modern sweater vest is a cool and cozy way to add a bit of warmth (and style) to summer's basics as we ease into Fall.  And once Winter hits in full force, vests can easily be layered for maximum warmth.

So here's how I'd wear it now…and later:

Now (Early Fall)

Throw a cozy knit vest on over a tank.  Since your arms are bare, this is a perfect opportunity to add some kid-friendly chunky bracelets.  Vests look good with virtually any type of pant (skinny, flare, whatever)…but if your vest is on the swingy side (like the camel one pictured below), I'd stick to skinny or straight-legs.

Later (When It's Cold)

Once the weather turns chilly, the easiest way to add a bit of warmth is to simply layer your vest over a long-sleeve shirt, add a stylish coat (vests fit perfectly under coats since they aren't as bulky as a sleeved sweater) and boots.  Voila!  Looking good, staying warm…but layered so you won't roast once inside.

Try layering your vest over a simple turtleneck or long sleeve tee…or a cozy boyfriend flannel.

Vests-WinterOptions by aintnomomjeans featuring faded jeans

WinterVestOption2 by aintnomomjeans featuring a babydoll coat

Aaaand lastly, for those of you who are still in the "I Hate Skinnies" category (despite my best efforts to sway you)…I wanted to include a cold-weather option for a vest with flare jeans.

Inspired by the J.Crew pic at left, I love the idea of layering a vest over a hoodie.  The trick is to vary the texture.  So…either layer a suit-style vest over a cashmere hoodie (see the outfit on the left side of the below pic)…or layer a chunky sweater vest over a knit hoodie (see the right side of the below pic).

Just make sure the neckline of the hoodie echos the neckline of the vest.  For example:  a v-neck vest should be worn over a hoodie that is unzipped a bit to echo the vest's v-neck.  The J. Crew pic at left does this perfectly.

WinterVestOption3 by aintnomomjeans featuring ankle boots

FYI – that big metal bow above?  It's a bracelet.  LOVE it.

xo,

S