What is the proper outerwear to put on when the weather goes from surprisingly warm to disappointingly cold at the drop of a hat?
That is the question many people ask themselves as they figure out how to dress in the spring. Summer is waving from afar, but the cold chill of the previous winter season hasn’t 100 percent left the building just yet. That confusion left me sweating during daycare dropoffs, as my trusted wool Max Mara coat was just too thick for days above 50, but my Adidas windbreaker pullover and Old Navy jean jacket were too light. If I tried to just go out in a regular degular Champion sweater for playtime in the park with my littles, I’d hear DJ Khaled in my head: “Congratulations, you played yourself.”
So, I decided to try a vest. Over the years, I’d invested in so many cute jackets and coats, including trendy cropped pea coats and heavy anorak outerwear for a NYC winter that doesn’t hit (re: freeze) like it used to, but never a vest. While I had never thought of one before, it’s been the best style and comfort decision a girl could make at this time of year. I’ve been blessed with this Canada Goose Spessa cropped vest, which is hearty in price but is sure to impress. It regulates the changing weather, keeping you warm on a cold day and comfortable on a warmer day.
Plus, it’s super stylish and can be tightened around the bottom and zipped up around the neck like a turtleneck to make you feel tucked in. Keep it open when you want to feel the breeze. In addition, the Spessa has deep pockets to carry all your essentials.
I’m aware that a $750 vest is not everyone’s first price point when looking for outerwear, but a vest during this complicated season is certainly a must. I’ve compiled a list of options, including for as little as $40 (perhaps just $10 if you catch the vest I’m talking about on sale), for you to comb through as you consider adding a vest to your coat closet.
Cropped jackets and vests are the trendy pieces that aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Get with the cool kids in this loose-fitting and fun vest to throw over your favorite long-sleeved shirts, sweaters and hoodies. (Note: If you visit the retailer’s site, the vest may be on sale at a significant price cut depending on what overall sales are taking place at the time.)
Available at Old Navy
This sporty vest is great for throwing over your workout clothes, for errand running after the gym, or just for being your go-to piece of outerwear as the weather balances itself out. It’s water resistant, filled with down, and can be packed up and put away in an included pouch for easy packing when you’re traveling.
Available at Net-a-Porter
ON is beloved for their sneakers, but get into their vests, too. You can’t go wrong with a light and lovely shade of yellow, nor can you miss with recycled material, a feature that evenly distributes heat for you to stay comfy cozy, and a ventilation zip on the back of the vest that helps you play with the temperature.
Available at Net-a-Porter
We had to add at least one fabulous faux fur option. This piece from Kobi Halperin would look amazing over your business casual wear for work, a turtleneck for the weekend, and as your chosen outwear for a formal event. However you rock it, it comes in a rich hue of blue (or black if that’s more of your style).
Available at Neiman Marcus
Dress it up or down, this water resistant shell vest keeps you cozy and chic. What makes it stand out on this list is that it’s one of the few crafted as a loose fit, and is even more unique thanks to a pointed collar and pockets that aren’t at the sides, but on the chest.
Available at Net-a-Porter
For those more heavy-duty days when it’s just too cold to wear anything cropped, this look from Lucky Brand is a must. It’s stylish in shades of pecan and black, is quilted and lined throughout, and is found in the chic anorak style (plus it comes with a faux fur hood if that’s your vibe!).
Available at Macy's
An investment vest, this Canada Goose piece has a muted shade (no matter the color you choose) that is beautiful. More importantly, it keeps you warm, provides ventilation when needed, and is the perfect transitional outerwear to withstand different elements. Did we mention it’s cute?
Available at Canada Goose
Stay warm and look fantastic thanks to this gorgeous vest. It’s made of down that provides the best kind of insulation, and you can never be cold when you wear velvet (unless we’re talking “cold” in a good way!).
Available at Net-a-Porter