I know we still have several months of winter left, but I cannot stop thinking about spring! I think it is these gloomy days that is making this winter so difficult. I grasp onto those few hours of sunlight; it is like sunbathing at home. Any who, with spring on my mind I thought why not share some great third layering pieces that are not jackets. If you are in a cold climate you can still wear these now and just add your favorite coat over it! So, let’s get started.
A puffer vest is a staple for your casual winter looks and this year I have seen some new versions of this vest pop up. A puffer vest originally was worn with athletic wear. Perfect for those chilly days when you are out on a hike. Pair this vest with a long-sleeved tee and some colorful leggings. Nowadays the puffer vest has become super popular for everyday casual wear, think Patagonia or the North Face. These are easy to slip on with a thin sweater or long sleeve tee, jeans, and booties. Not to get sidetracked from puffer vest, Patagonia and the North face also have fleece vest which offer pretty much the same function as the puffer vest in that they can go from athleisure to more casual looks. Make sure to snag one of these in a winter white this year. Okay, so if you are looking for something a little trendier there are fun longer puffer vest options that I have seen a lot of this year. They hit right about at mid-thigh to knee length and are most seen in camel, black or faux leather. Pair this longer vest with straight leg denim, a fitted turtleneck tee, lug sole boots, and an oversized scarf for the ultimate cozy look. The options are really endless for what you can pair a puffer vest with.
If you are looking for something a little less casual, then the sweater vest is your best bet. The sweater vest has really made a full circle the past couple of years. They were quite popular during ‘90s and early 2000s for those preppy looks. And, just within the past two years or so they have become trendy once again. They come in many styles and patterns. You can go with an oversized argyle option for an ode to the 90’s. Pair this with mom or dad jeans, a chunky boot and mock neck long sleeve tee. Or you can go with another trendy option, the cropped cable knit sweater vest. This will look great with a crisp white button down, leather pants, and boots for an everyday pulled together look. My personal favorite (probably because it’s the most classic) is a cashmere sweater vest. Imagine a V-neck sweater vest in a classic color paired with an oversized button down. Oh, and I almost forgot about the cable knit, turtleneck vest! I do not know what it is about this vest, but something about it seems so chic (see picture attached above). And, if you get it in a longer length you can pair it with leggings. Are you ready to bring back the sweater vest in your wardrobe now?
Another great layering option that will transition well into spring is the quarter zip. Let’s start off with the most casual version of this first. The most casual version of the quarter zip is the fleece options from athletic brands. You can easily throw these on with your leggings or joggers for a to and from the gym outfit. I think I wrote about this in my last post, but there are some cute, cropped quarter zips if that is your thing, they are an updated version of the classic length options. Something else I have seen a lot of this year are quarter zip sweaters. You can find this in anything from a cable knit material to a fantastic color block option. Slip this on over a basic tee to elevate your casual outfits.
For a super cozy option go with the ruana/wrap. This one can be a little tricky to style, since you do not want it to look like you are wearing a blanket, I warned you (great for travel though). But it can be fun to wear if you are wanting a super cozy look. With this option you may want to go with a patterned wrap for a little extra something, this will make it appear like you are not wearing a blanket ? This is easy to slip on with a tee, denim, or leggings and then to complete the look you will need some knee-high boots. Or, you know what pair this with a pair of UGG boots for a grocery store run.
Last, but of course not least is the cropped cardigan. Holy cannoli you look left and right and all you see these days are cropped cardigans. I prefer the French play on this cardigan. Not too short and not too long, it hits right about at your hips and you wear it fully buttoned up as your shirt for the day. There are chunkier styles available, and these look great layered with a tee or my favorite a turtleneck. And, then there are some fun cardigan sets that will come with a cardigan and sweater like camisole to pair with it, the camisole is probably more cropped than the sweater itself. Oh, and I cannot forget the puff crop cardigan, you know I am all about puff sleeves, but I am not quite sure if I am fully on board with this style. I think I would stick with the classic version of this as it seems a little sleeker to me.
I know spring is not quite here yet, but these styles can still easily be incorporated into your winter wardrobe by adding that extra layer! I of course cannot wait for the warmer weather to wear these pieces alone. Until next time.
XO