Well-Vested

© Flickr / Idhren

On a cool(ish) fall night in Miami, you can do without the wool jackets and heavy overcoats the rest of the nation dutifully dons, but you may still want a little something to keep the chill off those suntanned shoulders, so used to the warm weather that even a balmy breeze might cause a shiver. So, you reach for your favorite lightweight cardigan or wrap, again, and again, and again.

Maybe you even envy those in cooler climates, who so effortlessly layer sweaters, scarves, and peacoats into elegant, autumnal ensembles. You look at yourself in the mirror, perfectly outfitted but for that last layer, which adds so much structure, style, and overall polish to your look.

Fear not, tropics-dwellers, because one of Fall’s latest trends was made for Miamians to transition from the lingering summer to the moderate winter months ahead; enter the vest, reinvented. This season’s overcoat-alternative is simply a sleeveless version of traditional blazers and jackets. Seen in suede and shearling at Maison Martin Margiela, in puffer plaid and stipes at Thakoon, and in sleek, humble wool at A. Détacher: with the sleeves removed, there’s no reason you can’t do a layered look.

© Alexander Wang, Rachel Comey, Bally, Suoli, Burberry, Ann Taylor

A loose, tuxedo-style jacket in simple winter white from Alexander Wang, the Oversized Sleeveless Dinner Jacket is a boyish way to bulk up your look. Contrast the menswear-factor by wearing this over a black, body-skimming dress and booties, or go the androgynous route and wear it with a tank or tee, boyfriend-trousers, and leather brogues.

The dramatic shape of Rachel Comey’s Dunn Coat is sure to turn heads; in on-trend charcoal, this side-split, swing coat is a versatile option. It’s chic worn open over a striped sweater and skinny jeans, or buttoned up with a simple tank and leggings worn underneath. Platform shoes with an ankle strap add welcome height to this oversized silhouette.

This Burberry Sleeveless Trench Coat is another dramatic piece with all the exquisite tailoring of a classic Burberry trench - check the femme ruffle detailing at the shoulder instead. Easily worn on its own as a structured dress, it’s also great worn loose over a full skirt with movement – a classic look easily updated for the Miami-climate, sans sleeves.

We can’t get away from gray this season; this austere neutral is our latest obsession. The Sleeveless Trench Topper from Ann Taylor is a delicate dove gray coat that creates a flawless shape when buttoned and belted.  Wear it with jeans and a jewel-toned cowl-neck top for contrasting colors and textures. Or, check out this Suoli Blazer, with perfect lapels and slit pockets, this deconstructed piece foregoes traditional button closures in favor of a sweet, self-tying ribbon belt. Try it over a colorful, loopy knit and extremely slim-cut pants, or over a flowing, drapey dress in a lightweight fabric.

And finally, for a real femme-fatale look there’s the Bally Sleeveless Wool-piqué Blazer. This cropped, belted, two-toned beauty is dying to be paired with a slick black pencil skirt and suede, cut-away pumps, or a streamlined pair of richly hued pants in plum or Bordeaux.

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