Hello there from snowy Pennsylvania! We actually didn’t as much snow as I would have liked, but it’s still a beautiful winter wonderland outside. I realize some areas were really walloped, so if that’s you, I hope you’re staying warm and dry.
I always like to kick off the new year with “5 Ways to Style” posts—they’re a great way to get inspired and make the most of what’s already in our closets. This season, vests are a major trend, and I’ve added a few to my winter wardrobe. Today, I’m sharing 5 ways to style a black vest for the season ahead! First, let’s talk about what styles of vests look current for Winter 2025, and then I’ll show you how I like to wear mine.
What Vest Styles Are In for Winter 2025?
Vests are having a big moment this winter, with several styles standing out as both practical and on-trend.
Rowan Puffer Vest (S) // Halogen Funnel Neck Sweater (S) // PAIGE Laurel Canyon (29) (similar for less) // Marc Fisher booties (8) // YSL sunnies // similar belt // similar earrings
Puffer vests, both short and longline styles, are leading the pack. The longer versions, in particular, feel fresh and modern, offering extra warmth and a touch of drama.
Quilted vests remain a timeless choice, but to keep them looking current, opt for more tailored silhouettes and slim fits that add a polished feel to your look.
And textured fabrics are another key trend this season. Faux fur, vegan leather, and sherpa finishes are especially popular, giving vests a cozy-meets-stylish vibe that’s perfect for winter layering. I also love the idea of this wax fur reversible vest; it’s a clever way to maximize cost-per-wear.
Shop Layering Vests for Winter
The idea of this post is to shop your closet, but if you’re looking to add a vest to your winter wardrobe, I’ve rounded up some of my favorites below.
Black Vest Outfit Ideas To Try
For my first look, I’m styling this classic quilted vest from Evereve with grey jeans and a deep red turtleneck sweater. (I linked a few alternatives to this sweater below, since it’s low in stock.) I chose casual black Chelsea boots that tie in nicely with the black vest, and then I finished the look with a black belt and bag.
STYLE TIP: Matching your belt, shoes, and bag is an easy way to create a cohesive and pulled-together look.
Evereve Cooper Quilted Vest (S) (option) // Nordstrom turtleneck (S) (similar options here, here, here and here) // MOTHER Weekender in Wanted! (29) (option) // similar boots // Hammitt VIP crossbody // YSL sunnies // similar earrings // similar belt
Another modern way to wear a vest this winter is by creating a monochromatic look with shades of grey and black. This vegan leather puffer vest has a bolder, trendier vibe compared to the quilted version above, making it perfect for layering over casual hoodies or chunky knits.
Here, I paired it with washed black straight-leg jeans and a grey v-neck sweater for a sleek, understated look. For a sporty touch, I added my adidas Spezial sneakers, but black boots would work just as well.
Evereve Rowan Puffer Vest (S) // Jenni Kayne Flynn (S) (similar for less) // AG Mari (29) // adidas Spezial (8) // Hammitt VIP Foldover Crossbody // similar earrings // Anna Beck necklace // similar belt
This next look with the Evereve Cooper Quilted Vest is one I’ve shared before, and it remains one of my all-time favorite color combinations: black, camel, and denim. A camel sweater is one of my winter wardrobe essentials because it always adds a touch of class to an outfit. Plus, its versatility cannot be overstated; I wear mine so many ways. As a “winter,” I just make sure to look for cooler camel tones that complement my coloring.
For this look, I went with caramel brown suede boots and a coordinating glazed leather bag, and I skipped the belt this time, but adding one would definitely give the outfit a more polished finish.
Evereve Cooper Quilted Vest (S) (option) // Nordstrom sweater (S) (option) // MOTHER Weekender in Layover (29) (option) // Dolce Vita Azalea (8) (option) // HOBO Render Shoulder Bag // similar necklace // needs a belt 🙂
Here’s a similar look featuring the same quilted vest, but this time it’s styled down a bit with a camel ribbed sweater hoodie and suede Oxford sneakers in a deep burgundy hue.
STYLE TIP: Layering a hoodie under a vest or jacket with the hood flipped out over the back creates an of-the-moment look that adds interest and a casual, sporty vibe.
Cooper Quilted Vest (S) // Nordstrom sweater hoodie (XS) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) (similar for less and less) // Vince Oasis (8) // Madewell tote // Celine sunglasses
Back to the vegan leather puffer, this time I layered it over a charcoal grey ribbed funnel neck sweater for a sleek and cozy base. I added flares in medium indigo wash and pointy toe heeled boots to level up the look, making it perfect for a casual dinner out with my husband or girlfriends. Of course, you can wear any color sweater with this outfit, but there’s something about charcoal grey and black together that feels effortlessly chic.
DEAL OF THE DAY: This sweater is a great find at under $20, and it’s also wool-free, making it a nice option for anyone with allergies. It also comes in a bunch of other colors and a few stripe color ways. Another good option is this Caslon rib turtleneck sweater. Both sweaters run true to size, or size down if in between; I have them in the small.
Rowan Puffer Vest (S) // Halogen Funnel Neck Sweater (S) // PAIGE Laurel Canyon (29) (similar for less) // Marc Fisher booties (8) // Hammitt VIP // YSL sunnies // similar belt // similar earrings
5 Bonus Outfits with a Black Vest
I know this post is supposed to be about 5 ways to wear a black vest, but you know me—I can never leave well enough alone! Plus, I wanted to add a little more variety to the photos, so here are a few more ways I’ve styled a black vest this season…
Another option for the quilted vest and grey jeans is to wear a bold stripe, like this brilliant green and navy stripe pullover. (The navy stripes are so dark, they look black when paired with the black vest.)
Cooper Vest (S) // Thea Crew Pullover (M) // MOTHER Weekender Wanted (29) (option) // similar boots
For more of a sporty, dressed-down vibe, I wore the black quilted vest with an ivory henley tee, medium wash flares, and red Puma sneakers for a casual dinner out with Paul last fall. I don’t wear these red sneakers a lot because they’re pretty bright for my understated style sensibilities, but I’m keeping them in case we go to a Phillies game this spring.
I also love this monochromatic look with a black hoodie, washed black jeans, and my adidas Spezials in the Aluminum/Core Black/White.
LEFT: Cooper Vest (S) // Faherty henley (M) // MOTHER Weekender Fray (29) // Puma sneakers // Hammitt VIP
RIGHT: Cooper Vest (S) // Zoey Rib Inset Hoodie (S) // AG Mari (29) // adidas Spezial (8) // Hammitt VIP
Another fun monochromatic outfit I’ve worn recently features a trendy black hooded sherpa vest layered over a classic black crewneck sweater, paired with grey flares. This time, I chose black boots to bookend the look.
And finally, the last look is very similar to some shown above, but I thought I’d include it to show how mixing and matching the same pieces can create completely different outfits.
LEFT: Camdyn Sherpa Hooded Vest (S) (similar option) // Vince crewneck (M) (budget option) // MOTHER Weekender in Wanted! (29) (option) // similar boots // similar bag
RIGHT: Cooper Vest (S) // Jenni Kayne Flynn (S) // MOTHER Weekender (29) // similar boots // similar bag
I hope this post gives you some fresh inspiration for styling a black vest this winter!
