Winter layers: petite-friendly faux fur vest

faux fur vest outfit4

Mossimo vest (wearing juniors xs), J.Crew sweater (similar), Converse shirt (similar)
BP Trolley boots (review), J.Brand Maria jeans on sale (mine are frm 2013, sz 24 hemmed)
Chanel wallet on chain, leather gloves (similar good for short fingers – my review)

It’s been a hectic few weeks at work so please bear with my sporadic posts! I had been looking for a faux fur vest since last fall but never found one that felt quite right. It’s easy for me to to feel like the abominable snowman in too much furry volume. I wanted good coloring and texture of faux fur (which can often look cheap), plus hip-length coverage and slinky fit. The right vest can truly become a wardrobe staple since layering options are endless! I had an H&M; one years ago which was adorable, but the very shrunken/cropped style wasn’t substantial so I eventually parted with it.
faux fur vest outfit
My friend Ping recommended this one from Target of all places and I ended up loving it! I love her simple + chic pairing with a longer cowl-neck tunic sweater. XS in this vest appears to be sold out online, but try the “find in a store” button which is a nifty feature I use often. There were quite a few at the Boston South Bay location just a few days ago. Closeup and back view below:
faux fur vest outfit1

Back:

faux fur vest outfit3I keep going back to basics this season and this outfit is full of them. For those who want to build a wardrobe of pieces that you can style and restyle, a chambray shirt, layering vest, slim black jeans and neutral boots are in my top 10 must-haves for cold weather. These BP boots are now 50% off and I can’t recommend them enough (please note from my past review they run about half size small in the foot area)! 
faux fur vest outfit2Unlike the vest market, petite chambray shirt options looks to be quite plentiful. If you don’t own a good one yet, here’s a few that caught my eye around the web that all come in petites and are all on sale today (including this affordable one at J.Crew factory with nice dark coloring):

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73 Comments

  1. Jean wrote:

    Hi C – I think it would be pretty difficult, except maybe a side slimming alteration if that is all that your vest needs. It would be tougher to shorten the length or alter the armholes on one, but again there is nothing a good tailor can't do for the right price!

    Posted 1.21.15 Reply
  2. Jean wrote:

    Hello! Chambray comes in all weights, or at least I've seen a variety ranging from paper thin to a thick and sturdier material. Also it depends on what type of winter climate you're talking about. In the Northeast you would definitely need a coat or jacket of some sort over a chambray shirt.

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  3. Jean wrote:

    Thank you! Oh, I didn't see the black one. I don't know how old you are, but honestly think vests like this can be very chic and age-appropriate even for an older demographic when paired simply like Ping showed it in her IG!

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  4. Jean wrote:

    Hi Rachel – good question! I would say it depends a lot on what "needs" you have in your closet (ie. how often do you try to put together an outfit and think "it'd be perfect if I had ___ piece to complete the pairing!") , and also if you'd buy something if it were closer to full price versus the sale price. I usually include just a few select suggestions with each big sale vs. a laundry list of things just because they are cheap. I already have plenty of animal print in my own closet but I thought for anyone who doesn't, the cheetah print skirt was one of the more classic-looking pieces out of the entire sale selection and would pair well with lots of colors. Of course there are always hits and misses with shopping decisions, but you can always edit seasonally but donating or selling the items that you didn't end up loving as much as you thought you would. Selling existing pieces that you don't wear very much (through sites like Twice or consignment) before buying new ones can definitely also help with staying on budget.

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  5. Jean wrote:

    Hi Tara – my most worn shoes have got to be my tall black boots, my short black BP ankle booties from Nordstrom, leopard Halogen heels, navy Ann Taylor high heeled pumps for work, and my neutral-colored flats. Black is obviously a safe bet for winter and neutral like brown/tan go with everything in the summer. I like navy pumps for work since they are a bit softer than classic black and work both with cold and warm weather palettes. And leopard print I feel adds a bit of oomph to just about any outfit – can't get enough of it in shoe form!

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  6. Jean wrote:

    Thanks so much…this one is J.Crew but very old. I think I've seen similar at Baublebar online.

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  7. Jean wrote:

    Thanks! It's MAC "charismatic"

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  8. Jean wrote:

    It's just long since I haven't had time to visit my hairdresser, but that's not a bad idea! Thanks for the tip : )

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  9. Jean wrote:

    Hi Joyce! I go to Freddy at Zen Hair in Kenmore Square : )

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  10. Jean wrote:

    Hi Jane – thanks! it's a very old J.Crew necklace.

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  11. Jean wrote:

    Hi Cassie! Before putting on gloves, I usually swivel my ring so that the stone is on the palm side of my hands and then swivel it back after I take my gloves off. Usually my gloves are stretched taut over the backside of my hand but has a little more room to give on the palm side since the hand caves in a bit on that side, if it makes sense! I haven't had any distorted gloves yet with this trick : )

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  12. Sophia wrote:

    I love the combination of green + brown in your outfit! I have been trying to acquire a couple of button-downs to layer under sweaters, and I appreciate that you provided several options of chambray shirts. I was wondering what size you are in the JCrew Factory shirt? I look forward to your reply 🙂

    http://blanc-mode.blogspot.com

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  13. Anonymous wrote:

    Looks so luxe on you! One question: I noticed you are holding it in (hand on it) in every photo which isn't your normal posture. Does that mean it falls open in an awkward way at all? Thanks!

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  14. Carolyn Voong wrote:

    Love the fur vest! You always look so put-together and stylish 🙂

    Carolyn xx

    http://www.stylishmemories.com

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  15. Ashley wrote:

    Hi Jean,
    Love your blog! I have a quick question but wasn't sure on which forum to ask you.
    I wanted to find out what colors you have on your hermes belt…is it the black and gold color (or some other color (gold swift?)). Also did you get a brushed or shiny buckle?

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  16. Champagne Star wrote:

    The faux fur vests have been growing on me lately, but I've been hesitant to actually buy any as many of them do look very cheap. I don't know of any Targets near me, but I usually wear a medium t- large in juniors clothing, so I can probably find a size online that would fit.

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  17. Talia wrote:

    You look fantastic! Stylish and weather appropriate! Love your blog and you are so kind to share where you've found your amazing pieces.

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  18. Nada wrote:

    Awww, I love this style so much! You look so great 🙂
    xoxo,
    http://nada–blog.blogspot.com/

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  19. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean! Love your blog….what are your thoughts on altering a faux fur vest? I, like yourself, have a hard time finding a vest that fits my petite frame. In fact, I impulsed brought a vest from zara that i now regret buying because I think it overpowers my small frame. Would love to hear your thoughts or maybe even a post about it. Thanks!

    -C

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  20. andrea wrote:

    I saw this fur vest in Target over the weekend and had no idea what I'd wear it. I love how you've styled it here though, it's perfect for our mild Bay Area winter!

    xoxo,
    Andrea

    http://www.andreaeveryday.com

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  21. Joanna Le wrote:

    Love the pattern of the vest! It's definitely interesting without being too overwhelming. What a great find.

    xjole.com

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  22. ANDYSTYLE wrote:
    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  23. Jeany R. wrote:

    So in love with your whole outfit! Perfect for winter! <3
    http://www.vogueetvoyage.com

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  24. EVA. wrote:

    loving the sweater <3

    xo
    http://www.evesbreeze.blogspot.com

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  25. Meghan Silva wrote:

    This vest is everything.

    Meg | Meghan Silva's Blog
    @MeghanSSilva on Instagram

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  26. seasonsofaheart wrote:

    Hi! Just a quick question- is chambray warm enough to act as a mid-layer for the winter?

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  27. AlexisB wrote:

    Love the vest! I saw it in Target just last night and was so temped. I decided I'm just a bit too old for the look. It also comes in black (though the brown looks best). Super cute outfit!

    Also a very belated congratulations on your engagement!

    Posted 1.20.15 Reply
  28. Rachel Shaw wrote:

    The vest looks great on you! I also appreciate your sale picks, the cheetah-print pencil skirt looks amazing. I have a question? With so many sales, especially around this time of the year, how do you decide on what items to truly buy for a great price versus over spending on all the great deals, only to later regret them since you have over spent on your budget? I would love to know your strategy or game plan for buying wisely during the sale season.

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  29. Diana wrote:

    Lovely outfit and layering!

    ~~~Diana~~~
    http://www.TheNeonFactor.com

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  30. Sorpathey wrote:

    I really like your style!

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  31. Tara wrote:

    Love your blog — thanks so much for your polished and thoughtful posts! Faux fur vest=killer, and I like the earthy color palette: very "hunting lodge in New England!" I've always wondered about the progression of the "building your wardrobe" series you had started a while ago. I was wondering if you might do one for the shoes you wear most often — I love your taste, and want to build a shoe wardrobe that has just the right number of quality shoes!

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  32. prudence yeo wrote:

    Love the beautiful mixed shades of the cute vest and it fits you just right! I am also looking for a fur vest which is not too bulky and long, hopefully I can find one!

    Prudence
    http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  33. Anonymous wrote:

    Love all of your outfits. Where is your lovely necklace from?

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  34. Courtney Dunsmore wrote:

    This outfit is absolutely beautiful,I had to pin it <3 I'm slightly biased against chambray,but the way it balances with the different layers,and the deep colors of this outfit are gorgeous.Hope to see more like this!
    http://www.aswestumblealong.com
    http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/7843547

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  35. A Petite Treat wrote:

    I love that green sweater! Such a fun outfit.

    Jenn
    A Petite Treat

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  36. Olivia Floyd wrote:

    What lipsticks are you wearing? It looks really cute on you.

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  37. Artemis Benedetti wrote:

    Hi Jean! Are you growing your hair out for the wedding? I did for mine so I had more to work with…yours look amazing right now.

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  38. Suzie Q wrote:

    Love how you did the layering with the multiple tops to keep warm! Such a great vest find at Target! I can't get enough of those boots 🙂

    xo, Suzie Q
    StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  39. Joyce wrote:

    Can I ask where you get your hair styled? I love the simplicity and how it is layered, but I've gotten enough bad hair cuts in the past to know not every stylist can successfully cut this style. I'm looking for a place to get my hair cut soon. I'm in Boston as well =) Thanks!

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  40. Anonymous wrote:

    Love your brown vest from Target! I was eyeing it the other day too. It looks so good on you I might get one for myself http://www.kblossoms.etsy.com

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  41. jane wrote:

    Can I ask where your necklace is from? It's really pretty.

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  42. fivesouth wrote:

    That vest looks so cozy! I have to second the J. Crew flannel PJs and petite chambray shirts– I basically live in these in on the weekends 🙂 – j

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  43. Cassie wrote:

    I love this outfit! I'm going to have to see if they have it at one of our local target stores 🙂

    Side question about the gloves, I hope you don't find me asking, but do you find your engagement ring fits well inside them? I'd like to pick up a pair of driving gloves as well, I'm just worried with a solitaire style ring that it'll end up looking distorted. Have you had any issues?

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  44. greentOkki wrote:

    Love the vest on you! I tried it, and it ended up looking ridiculous on me. Definitely going to check out the J.Crew Factory sale for a chambray shirt though!

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  45. annie lee wrote:

    that's such a cute bag 😀

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  46. Paola wrote:

    I love the color of the sweater and your vest!

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  47. Sasa Zoe wrote:

    Love your vest<3

    Shall We Sasa

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  48. Julia wrote:

    I was looking for an affordable fur vest as well since the chance of wearing it day to day is relatively low for me. The thickness and color are perfect yet not too over the top. Thanks for sharing, Jean! I haven't really started shopping at Target for clothing until last year since I went to their Starbucks every day. My roommate used to provide business consulting services for them and said they've really stepped up their game in the fashion retail industry. I am especially excited for the recent announcement on their Lilly Pulitzer collaboration!

    Julia || Closet de Jules
    Recent Post: Think Warm Thoughts – Lilly Pulitzer

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  49. Liz | Shopping My Closet wrote:

    I'm impressed that the vest is from Target!

    Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply
  50. Rachel Dinh wrote:

    Thank you for sharing Jean! Looking for a vest that fits a petite frame perfectly can be tough, since some can be built too long. Beautiful look, classic pieces are the way to go!

    http://www.racheldinh.com

    Posted 1.19.15 Reply

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