Fall Essential: Down Vest

Today I am wearing one version of what I affectionately call the "fall blogger uniform."  A down vest,  printed collared shirt, light sweater, dark skinnies, neutral pumps, statement necklace, and tote are all essential pieces in the fashion blogger's fall closet.  The last few weeks I have seen many cozy, chic variations (some with boots, some with skirts and tights, some with crossbody bags, etc) on the Blogosphere and have been so inspired!  I wore this outfit for a lunch and shopping date with my Grandmother last weekend, when the wind was blustering and warm layers were a must.  For today's post, I am focusing on the outermost layer: the down vest.  I love the rich color of my purple Eddie Bauer version, but whatever color you choose the down vest is an extremely versatile piece in any fall/winter wardrobe.

Down vest: Eddie Bauer (old)

Shirt: J Crew Factory (old), similar "Polka Dot Chambray Shirt" in chambray and white dot, $49.90 at The Limited here 

 Sweater: Banana Republic (old), I am loving this Halogen "Roll Neck Cashmere Sweater" in oatmeal/stone cobbler combo, $98 at Nordstrom here

Denim: Banana Republic (old), check out the Joe's Jeans "Skinny Ankle Bevan" in dark blue, $63.14 (62% off!) at Amazon here

Pumps: Tahari "Livvy Pump" in nude, $49.95 at DSW here

Necklace: "St. Tropez Mademoiselle Bib," $38 at Baublebar here

Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs "Henry" in gold, $250 at Piperlime here

Bag: Phillip Lim for Target (no longer available), similar "Marbled Tote" in grey, $66.99 at Need Supply Co here

There are many options available for down vests this season, but my preference is for bright and cheerful colors/patterns.  Check out my picks for standout down vests below:

Left: North Face "Aconcagua Down Vest" in passion pink (also available in black), $99 at Nordstrom here

Middle: "Factory Quilted Puffer Vest" in maraschino cherry (also available in cranberry punch), $78 (on sale!) at J Crew Factory here

Right: "Women's Regular Dot Core Down Vest" in moonlight navy dot (also available fuschia plum dot - can these get any cuter?), $54 at Land's End here

What is your favorite way to style a down vest for fall?  Thanks so much for reading!