By Ahlia Bethea ’13, Staff Writer

As temperatures are steadily dropping, it’s important to remember warmth as you transition into your winter wardrobe. One of the most difficult things about getting dressed during the colder months is voluminous and bulky clothing. A great piece to have in your closet is a vest. This piece can easily be layered on top of an array of outfits.

The most straightforward of the vest trends is the puffer vest. Both boys and girls can wear this style comfortably, and the classic appearance works well for everyone from the preps to the avant-garde hipsters. A puffer vest can be the top layer on anything from a hoodie to a blazer to a simple white t-shirt. Don’t be afraid to pile it on. Layering with a colored gingham button down or a classic cashmere sweater is a great way to provide the necessary warmth while still allowing personal style to shine through. Add a cute skirt and tights, or a pair of colored chinos, and voila!

A bit more of a fashion risk but just as stylish, the tuxedo or suit vest is another great option. These vests are easily associated with waiters and weddings, so pulling this look off casually can be difficult. The most important rule for guys and girls to remember is: keep the vest open! For guys, an open vest, skinny tie, and pair of jeans says “I’m trying…but not too hard.” Ladies can add a chunky knit scarf or stack of layering necklaces to complement this formal turned casual accessory.

 For the boldest of the bold, a fur vest is always a daring option. When the rest of the outfit is kept relatively simple, throwing a chic layer of faux fur on top will add instant flare. A style icon to watch for this trend is celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. She is commonly spotted in her fuzzy vests with a monochrome, all black look. When trying out this trend, remember that the fur is the center of attention. You should never have too many different colors and prints when you’re mixing textures. Keep it simple.

Stores like J. Crew and Urban Outfitters have great vest options that will keep you up to date with the latest trends, while still expressing your own unique fashion personality. Mixing textures and colors can be a lot of fun, but be careful, as a look can easily get out of hand. Just remember that even when it gets cold outside, you don’t need to sacrifice style for comfort!