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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

 Turtleneck (similar in cashmere) | Puffer Vest | Bootcut Jeans
Monogrammed Bag c/o | Similar Leopard Heels | Sunglasses

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
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!*

Leave a Comment

13 Comments

  1. Cute outfits, really love the dress. Sophie x

    sophiehmstewart.com

    Posted 10.24.16 Reply
  2. Christina wrote:

    Very cute…the best really does complete the outfit! Happy Monday. ❤️

    Posted 10.24.16 Reply
  3. Don't ever take off those boot cut jeans. You are like 5'8" in them!!!!

    Posted 10.24.16 Reply
  4. Jenny wrote:

    I was a late-adopter to puffer vests, but I love them! All of the warmth without the bulk! Also, I'm a big fan of KUT jeans, so I might need to give these bootcut ones a whirl!
    ~Jenny
    http://www.introvertsguidetosobriety.com/

    Posted 10.24.16 Reply
  5. Legs for days, yes please!

    Posted 10.24.16 Reply
  6. June Pope wrote:

    Great outfits Cassie. BTW, as per your last years ORC I am getting a commissioned painting by Dara Burriss. She's working on it now and I can't wait to get it. Yours is the first one I ever saw and I became obsessed. She is so talented…..just like you.
    Also, great color choice on the bag in this post. The red zipper pops. Also, per your inspiration, I've been searching for the perfect leaopard clutch. Ordered yesterday from Mark and Graham. It's red leather with a leopard flap. Awesome! See, without ever knowing it you are inspiring people everywhere. You're super relatable also.

    Posted 10.24.16 Reply
    • I'm thrilled to hear you find inspiration here, June!! Thank you so much…and Dara is amazing!! You won't believe when you see her work in person! xo

      Posted 10.24.16 Reply
  7. Totally thought the dress look would be my favorite but I was not expecting the pink + leopard. Both looks adorable as always.

    Posted 10.24.16 Reply
  8. I super love the second outfit!! You look great in that lavender!

    Posted 10.24.16 Reply
  9. Joanne wrote:

    Just bought some boot cut jeans. Love them! I think they make you look taller and slimmer. More outfit inspirations featuring them, please 😉
    Yes, to more mama sugarplum! I can see where you get your good looks and sweet nature.

    Posted 10.24.16 Reply
  10. Brenda wrote:

    That vest does look great with both outfits. I never thought of pairing a vest with a dress, but it looks really nice. I understand it being hard as your kids grow up – my daughter, the middle child, will be 18 on Wednesday!

    Posted 10.25.16 Reply
  11. So fun! Love the plaid scarf with the plaid vest. Adorable! Plus those booties look amazing. I've been itching to try out a pair, but I'm afraid my toes are going to be so chilly!

    Posted 10.25.16 Reply
  12. Minau wrote:

    I like the first look!

    Posted 10.30.16 Reply