How to dress up a vest for a casual chic outfit

One of the oldest, but still-used items in my wardrobe is this burgundy puffy vest from J.Jill. It’s got to be at least ten years old. This year I’m singing its praises even louder than when I first purchased it.

I love the classic color, the sheen, and the large-scale, box quilt design. The nearly-standup collar makes me feel practically regal while also keeping my neck warm. When it comes to quilted vests, this one looks less traditional and more sophisticated, good for a city girl and just my style.

Wearing the vest in private over pajamas

Sure, I’m happy wearing this J.Jill vest around the house. I slip it on over my pajamas in the morning as I head to my writing table to do my Morning Pages. It’s great for cutting the morning chill in the house.

I throw it over my pajamas at the end of the night, like a bed jacket, and sit in bed reading for an hour.

But this vest is restless. It wants to be out and about in all the other parts of my life. I can’t argue with that.

Taking my vest public

So how do I create an outfit to showcase this wonderful utilitarian piece? I bring on the jewels. My plan is to bring in some elegance.

Before I add jewelry, I reach for my Tippi burgundy thin, wool sweater in a deeper shade of burgundy. I plan to create a color impact by layering only burgundy tones on the top half of my body. I don’t want contrast or prints. The teamed up solid colors will help me create that sophisticated casual look I’m going for.

I’ve got my burgundy sweater, burgundy vest, and now I add a necklace that relates to this luscious color. I choose my double-layered Sol Sisters beaded leather tassel necklace. It brings shine that relates to the shine of the vest. The necklace has presence and creates a soft, dramatic focal point. I love how it extends nearly the full length of the vest.

Eyewear keeps with the color story

It doesn’t hurt that I’m wearing my Uber Optics red and burgundy frames. Along with my lipstick shade, all color roads are leading to my face, which is where I want the eye to land.

Skinny jeans balance out the puffy vest

To keep this casual outfit looking a little fancy, I’m wearing my darkest indigo skinny jeans. The puffy top half of my outfit makes the skinny jeans a natural choice. I like wearing puffy things with skinny things.

Now that I’ve created some elegance, I’m going to funk up the outfit with my beat-up looking Lucky Brand booties (they came like that) and my suede, fringed Liebeskind little shoulder bag. The warm tone in the boots and bag creates the casual feel that I want. The bag is big enough to hold money, a small journal and pen, my lipstick and my phone.

See how easy that was?

Now I’m ready to meet you for coffee at Sunflower Cafe in Sonoma. Would 2:30 work for you?

Are you a fan of vests? How do you wear them inside or outside your house? We’d love to know!

XO