Winter is finally making its presence felt. The weather has taken a turn toward frigid leaving many of us to bust out everything from our winter coats to bulky sweaters. It's also making us look into other ways of bundling up. Turns out stylish outerwear vests that provide extra insulation and a sartorial exclamation point to any outfit do exist.
As opposed to traditional three-piece suit vests or sweater vests, these sleeveless creations are meant to be worn as an outer layer. You can even wear one like a coat. Especially if you're planning on rocking a particularly chunky knit underneath. The alternative, one favored by quite a few street style stars, is to sport your choice over your coat. This strategy works especially well when your coat is the trench variety.
The most common type of outerwear vest is a puffer. If you love the warmth but hate the extra padding of those gigantic puffer coats, the sleeveless versions may just get your vote. Another option is a faux fur or shearling-lined creation. Length is also a consideration. You'll have to decide if you want to go cropped, long or somewhere between. Of course, that decision will most likely be based on how you intend to wear it. The shorter takes look great as jacket substitutes or over an extremely long overcoat. The longer versions are the perfect partners to maxi sweater dresses or waist-length coverups.
Since they're outerwear, these vests aren't exactly bargains. It's basically like splurging for another coat. But that splurge is definitely worth it if you wear it all the time and it does its job, which is keeping you cozy while looking oh so cool. (Although we definitely found a few deals.)
Keep reading to see the preeminent outerwear vests to wear all winter long.
Canada Goose x Reformation Cypress Vest, $650 at Reformation
Mango Double-Face Leather-Effect Vest, $139.99 at Mango
Zara Water and Wind Protection Cropped Quilted Vest in Ecru, $49.90 at Zara
Sacai Wool-Blend and Shell Vest, $1,125 at Net-a-Porter
Gucci GG Cotton Canvas Padded Vest, $2,800 at Gucci
Chloe Long Gilet, $3,774 at Chloe
Norma Kamali Reversible Sleeping Bag Vest, $170 at Norma Kamali
COS Hooded Sleveless Puffer Jacket, $175 at COS
Isabel Marant Gwendalia Oversized Wool-Blend Bouclé Vest, $476 at Net-a-Porter
Bottega Veneta Quilted Glossed-Leather Vest, $3,100 at Net-a-Porter
Burberry Beige Check Vest, $1,790 at SSENSE
Mango Long Quilted Vest in Khaki, $139.99 at Mango
La DoubleJ Printed Mohair-Trimmed Jersey Vest, $1,075 at Mytheresa
The Frankie Shop Seray Faux Leather Puffer Vest in Beige, $134 at The Frankie Shop
Marant Etoile Toby Printed Nylon Puffer Vest, $730 at LuisaViaRoma
Akris Reversible Patchwork Suede and Shearling Vest, $2,495 at Net-a-Porter
Moncler Luzule Down Vest in White, $1,585 at Moncler
Everlane The Re:Down Vest in Kalamata, $118 at Everlane
Stanley Raffington Brown & Blue Leather Vest, $1,630 at SSENSE
MSGM Nylon Down Vest, $550 at LuisaViaRoma
S Max Mara Tregil Jacket, $1,465 at Matches Fashion