Let’s be honest: few wardrobe pieces have made a comeback quite as cool as the vest. Once written off as your mom’s practical outerwear, the humble vest is now the darling of fall fashion—spotted on runways, style influencers, and that effortlessly chic woman at your favourite café.
Unlike bulky coats or plain cardigans, vests give you freedom. They keep your core cosy without overheating you, they’re light enough to layer, and—let’s face it—they just look put-together. Whether you’re dashing through London’s chilly streets, cosying up in a mountain lodge, or meeting friends for brunch, a vest gives you that “I-just-get-fashion” vibe with minimal effort.
This fall, it’s all about finding the vest that fits your personality—whether that means sleek and structured, soft and cosy, or bold and patterned. Below, we break down the top vest trends of 2025, how to style them, and the pro tips you’ll wish you knew sooner.
Why Everyone’s Obsessed with Vests Again
According to Vogue’s “11 Key Fall 2025 Fashion Trends” piece, layering is no longer about bulk—it’s about balance.
And the vest is the key to mastering it.
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It’s versatile. The vest can top a crisp shirt, warm up a knit, or even replace a jacket on milder days.
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It’s flattering. Cinched, cropped or tailored silhouettes create shape without clinging.
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It’s sustainable. Many brands are now making vests with recycled or vegan materials—from faux-shearling to plant-based insulation.
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It’s stylish. Designers from Uniqlo to ALO are proving that comfort and sophistication can live in the same closet.
“The vest is like your favourite fall latte—warm, comforting, and a little indulgent,” says stylist Tasha Nguyen.
So when you pick a vest, consider it not just as “something to throw on when it’s chilly,” but as a style cornerstone. Now let’s explore the top vest types you’ll want to consider this fall.
1. The Houndstooth or Classic Print Gilet — A Nod to Classic Cool
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Prints are trending again, and houndstooth makes a strong statement without being too loud.
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It bridges preppy and contemporary in one piece: layer it over a crisp shirt for work, or a chunky knit for weekend.
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Because the silhouette is a little relaxed, it avoids looking too “grandma utilitarian” and nods to modern styling.
How to style it:
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Office upgrade: Wear the print gilet over a white button-up, tuck into tailored trousers, add loafers.
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Weekend casual: Layer over a fitted tee + high-waisted denim, add ankle boots.
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Evening twist: Belt it at the waist over a midi dress; muted metallic jewellery adds edge.
Tip: If owning one print version feels limiting, look for neutral prints (black/white, grey/ivory) so the vest can pair across multiple outfits.
Price pointers (global): A quality print wool-vest in this style might retail for US $120-$200 / UK £95-£160, depending on brand and fabric quality.
2. The Puffer Vest — Street-Smart Meets Cozy Chic
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The utilitarian-meets-chic look remains strong. A puffer vest is practical for colder temps but is no longer just “sporty”; it’s now a street-style essential.
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Neutral tones like beige, camel or muted olive make it easy to dress up or down.
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The cinch or drawstring details allow you to shape the vest for a more tailored fit—important for style credibility.
How to style it:
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Casual outing: Over a hoodie or chunky knit, with slim jeans and sneakers for comfort.
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Smart casual: Layer over a turtleneck, tuck into a midi skirt and finish with heeled boots—balance the sporty with the polished.
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Travel friendly: Choose a vest with packable features (see next section) so you’re ready for spontaneous layering.
Tip: Make sure the shoulders and armholes allow for movement; you want underneath layers to show just the right amount, not bunching.
Price pointers: Expect global pricing around US $90-$180 / UK £70-£140 for decent quality mid-tier puffer vests. High-end designer versions can run higher.
3. The Ultra-Light Down or Packable Vest — Effortless Functionality
Why it works this season:
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Travel and transitional weather (when mornings are chilly but midday warms) make this style super practical.
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With sleek design and slim profiles, they’ve transcended “outdoor gear” and are now a legit lifestyle piece.
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They work well as mid-layers—under a heavier coat or over a base layer.
How to style it:
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On the go: Layer over a long-sleeve tee, add slim joggers, boots and a beanie for urban exploration.
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Smart layering: Under a tailored blazer or coat for extra warmth without added bulk.
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Weekend active: Over a thermal top, with leggings or jeans, and a stow-able hat.
Tip: Colour matters—opt for seasonal tones (deep forest green, muted navy, rust) rather than loud neon unless you’re going bold on purpose.
Price pointers: Many packable down vests sit around US $80-$150 / UK £65-£115, while premium brands may exceed that.
4. The Stand-Collar Quilted Gilet or Zip Vest — Everyday Sophistication
Why it works this season:
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The stand-collar adds structure without requiring a heavy jacket.
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Ideal for after-dinner walks or casual errands when you want warmth but not full outerwear.
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Quilting offers texture and style without the bulk of a full puffer.
How to style it:
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Daily errand look: Over a Breton stripe top or sweatshirt, with straight jeans and white trainers.
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Layered warmth: Over a lightweight knit, under a blazer or trench when the temps drop.
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Weekend brunch: With a blouse, skinny jeans, and ankle boots; let the collar pop for detail.
Tip: Choose one with interior pockets or zip details for added utility—fashion meets function.
Price pointers: Typical pricing is US $70-$130 / UK £55-£105 for this type of vest.
5. The Shearling (or Faux-Shearling) Vest — Cozy with an Edge
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Heritage and outdoor influences are strong this fall—this style nods to old-school cabin chic but with modern tailoring.
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The extra texture elevates your outfit—vests are no longer just the base layer; they can be statement pieces.
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Great for layering over dresses, knits or even a simple tee when you want to turn up the fashion volume.
How to style it:
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Cabin-to-city: Over a flannel shirt + leather pants + chunky boots for a luxe outdoorsy look.
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City luxe: Combine a shearling vest with a silk blouse, wide-leg trouser,s and a structured bag.
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Weekend cosy: Over a fitted turtleneck, dark denim, and riding boots—let the shearling shine.
Tip: Shearling adds visual weight, so balance it by keeping the bottom half simple and streamlined.
Price pointers: Faux shearling versions might start around US $150-$250 / UK £120-£190. Luxe real shearling could be much higher.
6. The Knit Sweater Vest — Classic, But Cooler
Why it works this season:
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Sweater vests are back in full force for 2025—seen on runways and street style alike.
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They’re transitional: not quite summer, not full winter—ideal for early autumn days in Manila or mild UK mornings.
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Easy to layer or wear solo; adds texture and interest without heavy bulk.
How to style it:
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Office smart: Over a crisp white shirt, with tailored trousers and loafers.
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Weekend casual: Over a midi dress or with high-waisted jeans and sneakers, letting the vest pop.
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Sub-urban cool: Pair with boots, a long-line coat, and statement earrings.
Tip: Choose a neutral shade (cream, oatmeal, charcoal) for maximum versatility—or pick a bold colour (forest green, berry) to be the outfit’s focal point.
Price pointers: You’ll find options from US $30-$80 / UK £25-£65, with higher-end materials costing more.
Featured Vest Picks
Here are six vest options that reflect the different categories above—mixing tailoring, utility, knitwear and layering.
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Uniqlo Pufftech Cropped Vest: Lightweight puffer design, perfect for everyday layering when you still want warmth but minimal bulk. (~US $45 / UK £35)
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Love, Bonito Ji‑woo Relaxed Belted Vest: Sleek tailored vest that nails the modern suiting vibe—great for smart occasions. (~US $95 / UK £75)
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ALO In Motion Vest: Performance meets fashion—ideal if you’re on the move and want a vest that keeps up. (~US $125 / UK £100)
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Rihoas Preppy Cable‑Knit Sweater Vest: Knit layering piece perfect for that sweater-vest comeback. (~US $25 / UK £20)
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Striped Sweater Vest 2025 V‑Neck: Affordable, preppy vest ideal for global budget shoppers. (~US $30 / UK £22)
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SHEIN Women’s Tweed Button‑Down Vest: High-street tweed vest, great for layering with attitude. (~US $15 / UK £12)
Note: Prices are approximate conversions and may vary depending on shipping, duties and region.
How to Pick the Right Vest for You
Consider your lifestyle
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Do you need something for commuting between the US and UK? You’ll need layers that adapt between ~15 °C and 0 °C easily.
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Weekend city outings vs countryside cabin trips? Choose accordingly: performance or fashion statement.
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For your content-publisher life, you’ll want something photogenic, versatile and day-to-night ready.
Size & Fit
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Armholes should allow your base layer to show slightly but not gape.
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Length matters: hip-length often works best with trousers/jeans; longer styles pair well with dresses.
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Shoulders should sit correctly—if they droop, the vest will look sloppy.
Color & Texture
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Neutrals = maximum versatility (black, charcoal, camel, olive).
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Prints/textures = statement pieces (houndstooth, shearling, quilted).
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Choose finishes that match your accessories. If you wear metallics + bold jewellery, lean toward simpler vest textures.
Layering & Temperature
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For transition days: knit vest or light down works well.
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For colder weather: insulated or shearling vest layered under a coat.
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For indoor style: tailored vest worn over shirt or blouse, without heavy outerwear.
Care & Quality
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Insulated vests: check fill power / down quality or quality of synthetic alternative.
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Knit vests: look at fibre composition (wool blend, cotton) and weight.
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Keep an eye on practicality: packs into a pouch, machine washable, easy storage.
FallStyling Tips & Trends
Layer smartly
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Start with a base layer (long-sleeve tee, blouse, or turtleneck).
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Add your vest layer for core warmth and style.
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If it’s chilly, finish with a light jacket or coat—the vest ensures mid-section warmth without adding bulk.
Play with proportion
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Pair a slightly oversized vest with slim trousers and heeled boots to elongate the figure.
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Use a cropped vest with a high-waisted skirt or jeans to emphasise the waist.
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Layer a long vest over a dress or tunic for a dramatic effect.
Mix textures
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Vest textures (wool, knit, quilted, shearling) add depth—pair with smooth trousers or a satin skirt for contrast.
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Don’t shy from mixing black + brown tones—2025 fashion is embracing blended palettes.
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A printed vest (houndstooth, plaid) becomes the focal point—keep the rest of the outfit simple.
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A plain vest allows freedom with accessories—you can do more with statement bags, shoes, and layered necklaces.
Color direction
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Fall 2025 colour trends lean warm: mocha, caramel, deep greens, muted blue–greens.
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Consider a pop colour vest (berry, rust) against a neutral base for high impact.
When in doubt—monochrome
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Wear the vest, blouse, trousers, and shoes all in similar tones (e.g., all charcoal) for effortless sophistication.
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Accessorise minimally: let the vest speak.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
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Too rigid fit: If your vest hugs you like a corset, it limits layering and looks dated. Choose a relaxed fit.
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Wrong length: Too long for your body type? It can look heavy. Too short? It might look like a shrug.
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Mismatched textures: Pairing a high-shine vest with matte fabrics everywhere else can clash. Keep a balanced tandem.
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Ignoring season: A heavy shearling vest in late summer? You’ll overheat. Conversely, a lightweight knit vest on a freezing day? You’ll underperform.
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Forgetting pockets: Especially for travel/commute—zip or flap pockets add practicality.
Sustainability Spotlight: Eco-Conscious Choices
If you’re leaning greener this year, opt for vests made with:
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Recycled polyester insulation (look for the Repreve or PrimaLoft labels).
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Vegan leather or faux shearling instead of animal-derived materials.
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Natural fibres like organic cotton or wool blends for breathability and longevity.
Brands like Patagonia, Everlane, and Arket are leading the charge in eco-conscious vests—proof that you don’t need to compromise ethics for elegance.
From Desk to Date Night: Outfit Inspiration
Here are three foolproof ways to make your vest work around the clock:
1. The Creative Pro
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Tailored houndstooth or print gilet + crisp shirt + wide-leg trousers
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Add loafers and a leather tote. You’re ready for meetings and cocktails.
2. The Weekend Explorer
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Beige puffer vest + ribbed turtleneck + straight jeans + Chelsea boots
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Perfect for markets, errand runs, or scenic drives.
3. The Cozy Minimalist
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Knit sweater vest + silk slip dress + knee-high boots
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Add layered gold necklaces for subtle glamour.
Final Thoughts: The Vest Is Your Fall Hero Piece
Here’s the truth—vests are no longer just layering afterthoughts. They’ve earned their place as wardrobe essentials for women who want to look polished, stay comfortable, and feel effortlessly stylish.
Whether you gravitate toward a soft knit, a puffed-up silhouette, or a textured shearling, your vest can transform even the simplest outfit into something distinctly you. The best part? It’s versatile enough to carry you from crisp autumn mornings to chilly winter nights without skipping a beat.
So, as you update your fall wardrobe, let this be your guiding mantra: one great vest, endless possibilities. Layer smart, play with proportions, and don’t be afraid to make your vest the star of your outfit.
Because this season, the vest isn’t just back—it’s better than ever.
