It’s felt like endless summer. Don’t get me wrong, I love summer in the mountains. But having grown up in Southern California, where seasons are more of a suggestion, I’ve come to love the shift in fall: crisp mornings and a good excuse to break out the layers.

Basic, I know. But I love a cozy layer almost as much as I hate being cold. Fall is my Goldilocks season: cool enough to bundle up, but not so cold that getting dressed and out the door requires Arctic-level prep.

Enter the vest. It’s the perfect in-between layer, adding warmth and interest to an outfit. And today’s styles go well beyond the standard puffer. Think playful fleece, puffy pullovers and rugged workwear, all proving that mountain style isn’t boring.

The Evolution of the Extra Layer

Vests weren’t always the go-to layering piece for chilly fall mornings. Instead, they started as anything but casual.

In the 17th century, the waistcoat was introduced to add a touch of refinement to the English court. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the three-piece suit had become a fixture of men’s formalwear, neatly sandwiched between a dress shirt and a tailored jacket.

For centuries, the vest stayed firmly in formal territory. Then the 1970s came along and loosened things up. Influenced by the free-spirited counterculture movement, vests shed their formal button-up reputation for fringe, embroidery, patchwork and eclectic embellishments. Suddenly, they were less about dressing for the occasion and. more about expressing yourself. Women, too, began wearing the traditionally masculine staple, making it their own.

Fast forward to today, and the vest has earned its place as a wardrobe workhorse that pulls double duty: keeping you warm while adding dimension to an outfit. Here are three fresh takes on the modern vest.

A Snappy Update: Skida High Pile Polartec Fleece Snap Vest

We all have a trusty zip-up vest (or two) in our closets. But let’s be honest: the style can feel a little predictable, leaning more utilitarian than fashion-forward. For hiking and skiing, that’s perfectly fine. But when you want a piece that adds personality to your wardrobe while keeping you cozy, it’s time to rethink fleece.

Enter the button-up fleece vest. Swapping a sporty zipper for snaps gives this outdoorsy staple a more polished feel without sacrificing its laid-back appeal. One that caught my eye came from an unexpected source: my favorite ski buffs.

I’ve been a loyal Skida fan, collecting their soft, stretchy neck gaiters in colorful prints to coordinate with my ski kit. So when Skida brought its signature patterns and cozy fleece into vest form, I was already sold on the concept.

The Skida High Pile Polartec Fleece Snap Vest hits that sweet spot between mountain town casual and effortlessly chic. Slightly cropped and made from plush, high-pile Polartec fleece, it delivers warmth without the volume of a traditional puffer. Think cozy enough for fall mornings, but polished enough to wear beyond the trailhead.

The standout detail is the contrast piping in Skida’s colorful floral print. It gives an otherwise simple fleece vest a subtle spin without feeling out of place in the mountains. But that’s the kind of clothing I love most: pieces that are built for warmth without looking like you’re trying too hard.

I’ve always found vests to be very versatile. I’ve worn this one buttoned up over a thin sweater, or layered over a button-up shirt, snapping only the top button and letting the rest hang loose for a casually undone vibe. The easiest way to style this vest if you’re not going the neutral route is to pair it with another color in the pattern, like watermelon pink, apricot or butter yellow.

One styling lesson I’ve learned the hard way? Sometimes you have to order the wrong size to achieve that coveted oversized look. I’ve always been a true-to-size shopper, usually reaching for a small or extra small. But lately, the cool-girl aesthetic requires a little extra breathing room, and the confidence to size up.

I ordered an XS/S, which fits my frame perfectly with room to spare, but the S/M would have given me a more slouchy, relaxed vibe. Sometimes the best fit isn’t the one that fits perfectly; it depends on the look you want.

The Pullover Puffer: Mountain Hardwear Seek Out Snap Vest

A puffy vest is practically part of a mountain-town uniform. But if your go-to standard is a black zip-up, consider this a reason to switch things up. A hooded pullover puffy feels a little more unexpected, with the same warmth appeal and a more relaxed, streetwear-inspired silhouette.

Mountain Hardwear’s Seek Out Snap Vest puts a fresh spin on the classic puffer. Its lightweight, quilted construction features a zigzag pattern that adds subtle texture. I’m a pocket gal, so the bigger the better, which is why the oversized kangaroo pocket earns extra points — it’s perfect for warming your hands.

The adjustable drawstring hem is another important detail. I like to cinch it up for a shorter fit that sits at the hem of my high-waisted pants. Alternatively, I’ll leave it loose so it hits at the upper hip when I’m layering and want everything to lie neatly. Snaps at the neckline make it easy to pull on and off and fastening them creates a high collar for extra coverage.

I recently brought this vest camping, but you’ll have to take my word for it since I failed to document it. I usually pack pieces that are already dirty and stained for camping, but I forgot I had this on while I ran around to meetings and packed for a cold, rainy weekend in Fruita. Don’t worry, I didn’t let it near the fire since I was already wearing four layers. Despite its puffy appearance, the vest feels surprisingly lightweight and thin, making it an easy extra layer without the bulk. The hood deserves a mention too. It stayed in place without restricting my range of movement.

And then there’s the color. The rich chocolate brown feels current without being a one-season trendy hue. It’s a versatile neutral that pairs with almost anything in my closet. Black puffer vests will always have their place, but this one makes a pretty compelling case for switching sides of the color spectrum.

Workwear, Reworked: Royal Robbins El Cap Canvas Vest

Workwear has always had its place in the mountains.  This season, it’s getting a colorful makeover.

Royal Robbins puts a fresh spin on the look with its El Cap Canvas Vest. Think vintage shearling-lined trucker jackets from the 60s and 70s, reimagined with a little more personality and no sleeves. The straight cut and slightly oversized silhouette give it that borrowed-from-the-boys appeal. At the same time, the deep aqua color swaps traditional workwear neutrals for one of the season’s richer, more saturated hues.

Made from natural materials, the fabric is rugged and practical. Durable stretch canvas made from organic cotton meets a thick, soft sherpa lining, creating a substantial layer that feels built for the realities of mountain-town life. It’s a cozy option for crisp fall days and roomy enough to layer a chunky sweater or fleece. Love the look but prefer a little more coverage? The style also comes as a jacket.

You have options when it comes to fastening. Zip it up and fasten the buttoned wind flap when the temperature drops, or leave a few snaps undone for a more relaxed look.

And then there are the pockets. As someone who believes you can never have too many, I appreciate the oversized front pockets for dropping a phone in, the side pockets for warming cold hands and a small zippered pocket for keys. I reached for this piece when styling an editorial shoot because I wanted the drop-in pockets (not the side pockets) to hold my phone and clothing clips. I get it, photo shoots aren’t a daily thing for most people (or me), but we all have those moments when we need things handy.

Fashion points are great. Functional pockets are better.