(We Got To Have It)

Transitioning Your Wardrobe To Fall? TZR Editors Swear By These Lightweight Vests

So cute, so comfy.

Sep. 17, 2023

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Confession: Up until a few years ago, I disregarded lightweight vests as a practical outerwear option. Don’t get me wrong, I always liked the look of them. But as someone who isn’t a fan of the cold, I used to think, ‘Doesn’t it make more sense to throw on a jacket with sleeves?’ I admit I was wrong. After adopting multiple iterations, including a surprisingly warm, fuzzy Madewell version, I’m kicking myself for writing off the versatile, easy-to-layer silhouette all these years. Perhaps I’m making up for lost time, as vests are now a pillar in my chilly-weather wardrobe. And after tapping my fellow editors for their favorites, it seems they share a similar affinity for the transitional closet staple.

Some team members, including Deputy Beauty Editor Erin Lukas and Beauty Writer Jessica Fields, are leaning towards comfy puffer styles. Lukas, for instance, has her eye on Madewell’s quilted oversized puffer iteration, as it would make for the perfect topper to wear on walks through her Brooklyn neighborhood; Fields, on the other hand, is loving J.Crew’s excursion vest, mainly because of its cocoa hue and utility pockets. Then there’s Executive Editor Angela Melero and Director of Newsletter Revenue and Marketing Rebecca Iloulian, who are both drawn to vests rendered in soft textures. Their top picks on the market include FP Movement’s fleece style and Ulla Johnson’s sherpa look, respectively.

No matter which vest category piques your interest, I have a strong feeling you’ll resonate with one (or more) recommendations below. Depending on where you reside, you may only have a short window to wear a sleeveless topper before puffer weather arrives — so don’t take too long to decide on a look.

Marfa Stance

Parachute Vest

$1,095

“Nylon had never looked so luxurious until I came upon Marfa Stance's collection of water repellant, 100% Italian nylon vests that come in fun colors and are reversible. I love that this one is lightweight, easily packable, and provides just the right amount of warmth on a crisp fall morning worn alone or as an added layer under a blazer in winter.” — Kathy Lee, editor-in-chief, TZR

A.L.C.

Willow Vegan Leather Vest

$495

“I like the idea of a buttery vegan leather vest as a fall transitional piece. It will keep you warm in the early mornings and should it get hot later in the day, it's not a bothersome piece to take off and carry around. This deep brown shade is giving me all those feel-good autumn vibes, and I can see myself wearing this over a light sweater or long-sleeve tee.” — Marina Liao, senior fashion news editor, TZR

J.Crew

New Quilted Excursion Vest

$148

“Big puffer vests aren’t the most becoming on me, so I gravitate towards quilted versions from J.Crew. I love the cocoa bean color and appreciate the fact that it has extra utility pockets and isn’t too thick. I’d layer it under a light jacket for the fall and, maybe even a wool car coat come January.” — Jessica Fields, beauty writer, TZR

Orvis

Women’s Outdoor Quilted Vest

$109

“A quilted vest fulfills two of my most critical fall/winter needs: it can be used to fashion all sorts of New England-y, horse-girl-grown-up outfits, yet it’s still lightweight enough to deal with my area’s ever-fluctuating temperatures. This would be my first year experimenting with the cold-weather staple since the Great Fur Vest Trend of 2011, and a piece this versatile is just the thing to finally pull me back in.” — Amanda Ross, beauty editor, TZR

FP Movement

Scout It Out Fleece Vest

$98

“As temps slowly cool, I typically don't require heavy coverage during the day. However, at night, when the chill really sets in, a versatile layering piece is essential. This fleece vest is ideal in that it can be tossed over a t-shirt or tank and offer some added warmth without overheating me. The cool blue shade and chic oversized boxy fit are simply bonuses.” — Angela Melero, executive editor, TZR

Madewell

Quilted Oversized Puffer Vest

$158

“I'm not typically a vest girlie, but I'll admit they do come in handy for those crisp fall mornings or evenings when you need an extra layer. This quilted one from Madewell will look great thrown over a hoodie or sweater when I'm going on my daily walks or a weekend hike upstate.” — Erin Lukas, deputy beauty editor, TZR

Sandy Liang

Marius Vest

$675

“Girlier embellishments are not usually my bag, but something about the addition of bows on this aggressively outdoorsy puffer vest — in a serious black shade, no less — throws the femininity off-kilter in the coolest way. It’s a bit of a statement piece, so I’d likely wear it without much more than a sleek white turtleneck and baggy carpenter jeans.” — Alison Syrett, deputy fashion editor, TZR

North Face

Women’s Lhotse Reversible Vest

$200

“I've been into North Face's outerwear since seeing EmRata in a puffer last fall (yes, on that night out with Pete Davidson). I definitely don’t need another winter coat — but a vest? 100% yes. I’d layer this reversible style over a knit pullover for low-key weekend outings with my pup.” — Kelsey Stewart, associate fashion editor, TZR

Ulla Johnson

Tariet Vest

$450

“I've never found vests to be particularly practical — however, when running around in athleisure and in need of layers, a versatile layering piece can come in handy. This Ulla Johnson beauty is the perfect intersection of style and function. The fashion-forward sherpa, cinched waist, and structured shoulders are balanced with technical fabric and pockets to complete the look.” — Rebecca Iloulian, director of newsletter revenue and marketing, BDG