PSA about J.Crew & J.Crew Factory vests:
-Take the smaller of your two letter sizes, or size down (i.e., I usually wear a large in tops and I have a medium in both retail & Factory versions of the vest).Â
-Buy them NOW before they sell out. I can tell you from experience if you wait until October to buy one THEY WILL BE SOLD OUT. AND NO, THEY WILL NOT COME BACK IN STOCK FOR YOU TO RECEIVE ONE FOR THE HOLIDAYS EITHER.Â
-If you are worried about $$$, just buy the Factory one. If they hit $70ish, that is the time to buy - there is pretty much NO shot of them getting cheaper because they are so in demand, and there won't be any stock left for them to get marked down to sale/clearance. Honestly, I don't think you will find it a bad investment no matter what you pay. Yes, finding it for super cheap would be AWESOME but it's highly unlikely.
-How to wear your vest: As outerwear when it's too cool for just a t-shirt but too warm for a real jacket (it's perfect for in-between-y weather), as an extra layer when it is REALLY cold out (it's perfect under another jacket to keep warm without bulk!), as a fashionable extra layer for class or shopping (warmth without bulk - not having sleeves will keep you cooler indoors without totally sacrificing warmth outdoors). Need more ideas? Check Pinterest. Just search J.Crew excursion/puffer/quilted/etc vest.Â
I have 4 vests (2 Factory, 2 retail J.Crew) and I don't regret any of them. I wore them all fall, winter, and spring, and they are so chic you can wear them with sweats or a skirt easily.Â