Fall Fashion: The Best In-Vest-Ments For Women Over 50

Depending on where you live, vests may never truly go out of style. That’s because a down vest or fleece vest might simply be practical for your climate. These are usually not the chicest looks out there, and a big puffy one isn’t always the best vest for women. It may not be most flattering or event-appropriate option. 

However, vests make excellent layering pieces and they can be the perfect solution for in-between weather during the late fall and early wintertime.

Best Vests For Women Over 50

This might be the season to invest in a vest (see what we did there) since there are tons of options. With various casual and dressed-up versions of vests in fashion and in stores, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Here are some of our favorites…

Quilted Vests

While the quilted ski vest is a perennial fall and winter favorite and there’s no denying how practical it is, most of the options on the racks aren’t exactly fashionable. But that’s changing and there’s no shortage of elegant quilted vests out right now. We like this one by J. Crew for its luxe gold hardware and this one by L.L. Bean for its sleek diagonal lines. 

Menswear Vests

If you love menswear inspired looks in general, then this trend is likely for you. Do a pinstripe, houndstooth, or herringbone for a suiting inspired look, or keep it simple with a solid neutral like this off-white version from H&M’s Conscious line. Pair it with matching trousers for a day-to-night look, just switch up the accessories. We love this look worn with a classic button down or a tissue-thin turtleneck, or even worn on its own for evening.

Safari Vests

There’s a fine line between rocking a safari-inspired look and looking like you are ready for an actual wilderness trek, but this pared-down style from Beyove via Amazon is a great choice, and it comes in tons of colors. Throw it on over jeans or even leggings to add some visual interest plus bonus pockets to your casual outfits. 

Long Vests

A long vest can be a great third piece or topper that adds some interest to an outfit. We love versions like this camel knit sleeveless cardigan from White House Black Market or this waterproof black Via Spiga vest from Nordstrom Rack – wear them belted to cinch your waist, or open with the belt tied in the back for an entirely different silhouette. 

Sweater Vests

While the preppy sweater vest will probably never go away (at least as long as school uniforms are a thing), doing a v- necked variation with an elegant drape is a great way to make this classic style work when you’re a grown-up. This cashmere sweater vest from COS at Nordstrom is an excellent example. Or go with a high necked variation like this cheap and chic Amazon steal. We love this shape paired with wide leg trousers for a cozy fall/winter look.

Fur Vests

While we love a good faux fur coat, a fur vest like this lush hooded Via Spiga option might be the most luxuriously modern way to update your outerwear selection. You could throw this over everything from jeans or joggers to a little black dress, so it solves a number of cold weather style challenges.

Shop The Best Vests for Women Over 50

Pictured above from left to right:

J. Crew New Quilted Excursion Vest, now $119.50

L.L. Bean Women’s Fleece-Lined Primaloft Vest, $99

H&M Suit Vest, $34.99

Beyove Womens Lightweight Sleeveless Military Anorak Cargo Vest Hooded/No Hood, $42.99

White House Black Market Sleeveless Cardigan, $130

Via Spiga Water Belted Packable Vest, $89.97

COS Women’s Cashmere Sweater Vest, $250

UANEO Women’s Basic Round Neck Sleeveless High Low Pullover Knit Vest Sweater, $25.99

Via Spiga Hooded Faux Fur Vest, now $149.90

Do you love to wear vests or would you rather wear a coat or jacket with full sleeves? How about layering with vests? What are your favorite pieces to wear under vests, and what bottoms do you pair them with? Let us know in the comments or in our Growing Younger Facebook Group! 

–Jacqueline Zenn

You may also like to read more of Jacqueline’s fashion posts like Best Ways To Wear The Retro 90s Trend For Women Over 50 and The New Way To Wear A Button-Up Or Button-Down Shirt.

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