his style 5

This time of year, guys in vests are as important to me as peppermint mochas and an apartment lit up with pine-scented candles. Something about looking like you're ready to chop down a tree and haul it inside for a fire is just RIGHT. In all seriousness, vests have three-season staying power and high versatility: they offer that extra warmth you need from late fall to early spring, and look as smokin' layered over a shawl collar sweater as the compression tee you spent five miles sweating in. My preferences aside (wink), they're easy, comfortable and casual—three qualities I'd think are high on a guy's list as he gets dressed in the morning. And when you oversleep or have to run out the door with barely time to brush your teeth, throwing on a vest makes you look a bit more pulled together, even if it's the wrinkled shirt you rolled out of bed in hiding underneath. If you're late to the party or need to restock on fresh colors and patterns, here are six key styles to light the way. Colorblock for general weekend shenanigans—errand running, tailgating. Quilted for huevos rancheros at your Sunday morning spot. Rich wool with textured details for your work commute or a nice dinner. A pop color for nights out and a flash of fashion cred. A lightweight, slim running vest (this one's also packable) to keep workouts going through winter, and fleece for easy hikes and your touch football league. All work great for wood chopping.

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A few favorite sweaters and tees to layer underneath: