Work It | Puffer Vest 2 Ways

How was your weekend, friends? Ours started with a family trip to the State Fair, and ended with preparations for our son’s first Homecoming. #gulp Almost overnight, it’s as if time hit the fast-forward button, and he’s literally growing and changing before our eyes. It’s amazing to watch him become a young man, but I’d be lying if I said my heart wasn’t aching just a little at losing my baby boy. #doublegulp

Let’s move on to the topic of puffer vests before I start bawling! Ya’ll know I’m a fan, especially considering I named them one of my Fall’s Essential Seven. They provide an extra layer of pattern or color, but not necessarily a lot of bulk or too much warmth.

It’s easy to pair a vest with a striped or plaid top, jeans and booties…but today I want to share two ways of dressing up your weekend puffer for casual work days.

Swing Dress (longer option) | Plaid Scarf | Quilted Vest | Booties

Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings | Bag c/o | Watch | Cuff c/o

This little swing dress is the perfect base for so many outfits this Fall, including a puffer vest and scarf. I lean towards quilted vests for less bulk and more styling choices (as opposed to the puffier, frost-free styles), and these booties dress it up a bit, while still remaining comfortable.

Swing Dress (longer option) | Plaid Scarf | Quilted Vest | Booties

Sunglasses | Bag | Watch | Cuff

I’ve received lots of requests for a scarf-tying tutorial…so I’m working on a new one for Fall, but you can start with this post.

Ring | Scarf (smaller version) | Quilted Vest | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings

Fit Tip: The dress is a soft ribbed knit, with a fun pleats and a peek of skin in the back. It runs a tad small, so I sized up for more length and room (I’m wearing a Small). It’s not too thin, and will look darling with tights and knee boots a few months from now!

Just as in home decor, mixing metals in your style adds depth and interest to an outfit. I love how this sterling silver Multi-Band Cuff (from Nambé’s new jewelry collection, available at Macy’s) pops against the gold and brass. Simply paired with a watch, it makes a great little arm-party!

Swing Dress (longer option) | Quilted Vest | Booties

Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings | Bag | Watch | Cuff

For a second look, I paired the plaid vest with my favorite bootcut jeans and a turtleneck sweater. Alone, the jeans and sweater are a cute outfit, but the vest works that Power of Three magic.

Again, the Nambé cuff pairs beautifully with the gold accents, and the sculptural lines are easily dressed up or down. It’s become a daily piece for me since it looks great with virtually every outfit.

Ring | Necklace | Watch | Cuff

Bootcut Jeans | Monogrammed Bag | Similar Leopard Heels | Watch | Cuff

Fit Tip: Are you sick of these bootcut jeans yet?! #toobad (See them here & here) They do run large, so I recommend sizing down…I’m in a regular 0. The petite length is perfect for flats for me, but long enough for heels if you’re under 5’2″. But beware, they’ll give you legs for days! 😉

Where do you stand on puffer vests? Are you a fan? What about mixing metals in your jewelry? I vote yes to both! Oh, and thanks for all the love on Friday’s Dressing Room Diaries! I think Mama Sugarplum will have to start making regular appearances! What do you think?!

See more Work Wear styles here, and Work to Weekend inspiration here.

{Shop Outfit One}

{Shop Outfit Two}

{More Favorite Puffer Vests}

*This post is created in collaboration with Nambé, but all styles, ideas, and general puffiness are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*