Fact: Summer is over. Whether you love it, hate it, or need to go into full-blown denial with one last pitcher of sangria, we are almost into October and autumn isn’t going anywhere. For fashion folks, the pain of last season’s end (and any sangria-related hangovers) can be dulled with fall fashion and all the multi-layered joys that come with it.

Fall, paradoxically, is like spring for fashionistas. It signals a rebirth of many of their favourite items, like oversized scarves, capes, booties, and leather biker jackets… which, really, barely grazes the tip of the iceberg. Windy autumn days allow for more creative combinations when layering and added sartorial drama as you can wear just enough of your key pieces without boiling – and it’s not so cold that you need to hide everything under a parka.

A favourite layering piece among #fashiongirls for autumn 2014 has been the sleeveless jacket. More commonly referred to as vests or gilets, they offer a little breathing room for those typically Canadian, unseasonably warm September afternoons while also being an extra bit of warmth and sophistication in the evening. Here are some of the best ways you can effortlessly (and sleevelessly) up your fall fashion game with the vest trend of autumn 2014.