Spark

Dressing for September weather can sometimes leave us feeling a little stumped. How do you plan your outfit when the day starts out with a frigid chill, then slowly transforms into blazing sun and soaring temperatures? Our secret weapon is the vest. It’s the perfect item to throw on over your outfit for a touch of warmth, without committing to the heaviness of a fall coat. Stylist Allana Schmidt of F2SE.ca, who put together these two looks for us, says that choosing a key piece like the vest is all about functionality. “If it can be paired with several of your pants or skirts or can be worn under various toppers, ranging in formality, then you've got a winner!” That’s why we’re pumped to see vests in so many Centre stores. From this sleek khaki style to the cropped denim version – it’s THE piece of the season.

Here’s a little peek at two ways we’ll be wearing the trend:

Monday morning @ 8:30am carpool to school: On carpool duty this week? Then cozy and comfy are the words of the day. But you can still look pulled together during the busiest time of the morning with a few strategic layers and choices. A simple tee and your most reached-for soft denim make a great base. “Adding a vest to an otherwise plain shirt can give it a totally different feel,” says Schmidt. Throw on a bright pair of sneakers to add some personality and allow you to run in any forgotten lunch boxes. After all – you are supermom, right? The sleek vest is your final layer for a little warmth (thanks to the longer length and cute funnel neck), a little practicality (hello pockets!), and a lot of style.

Friday evening @ 7:00pm date night at Chaise Café & Lounge: TGIF! Time to relax and unwind over drinks and appies after a long, busy week. It’s fun to get dressed up, but it’s also nice to do it your own way – by keeping it easy. That casual vest you wore for running around moves easily into evening territory when worn over a flirty dress and topped with layers of fun jewellery and a flowy scarf. Cage booties bring the after-dark sex appeal, and a simple black coat fights the fall frost. Schmidt says it’s easy to get tired of cardigans as your go-to layer, but the vest’s laid-back yet slightly edgy appeal is a great way to try something new.

We want to hear from you – is the vest a yay or nay for your closet? How do you wear your vest for fall? You can also chat with us on Instagram – follow us at @stvitalcentre for more looks and inspiration.

Love what you see? Visit these St. Vital Centre retailers to shop the looks:

Look #1 (carpool):
Black tee: RW&CO, $29.90
Patchwork jeans: American Eagle Outfitters, $59.95
Vest: Bootlegger, $49.50
Nike Free 5.0 running shoes: Sport Chek, $129.98
Assorted bracelet set: Call it Spring, $14.99 (set of 6)
Bow earrings: Aldo, $16 (set of 6)
Starbucks: Food Hall and Chapters locations

Look #2 (date night):
Dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA, $310
Jacket: Le Chateau, $189.95
Cage sandals: Le Chateau, $119.95
Necklace: Call it Spring, $14.99
Silver chain bracelet: RW&CO, $20
Assorted bracelet set: Call it Spring, $14.99 (set of 6)   
Drop earrings: RW&CO, $18
Gold ring: Aldo, $12 (set of 3)
Scarf: Melanie Lyne, $30

*Product availability may vary; please check stores for details.