Poufy Vest

When it comes to staying warm in the fall, a poufy vest is a beautiful thing. Mine is so warm that I hardly wore my winter jacket last season. But more than that, the right vest can be better than a briefcase for keeping the essentials close at hand.

Make sure your vest has a good fit in the shoulders and doesn't hit too low, especially if you plan to wear it over sweaters and bulky winter clothes.

Then, it's all about the pockets.

A good inside pocket is key. It's where you put that thing you always forget -- driver's license, extra house key, concert tickets, gym club card -- and then just leave it there. If you're like me and you're always wearing your vest, even when you left your wallet at home, you'll be pleasantly surprised to discover that you actually have the thing you thought you forgot. Inside pockets are also good for safekeeping money and other small valuables.

Then, make sure the two outside pockets are at a comfortable height to keep your hands in when it's cold, and roomy enough to hold the two or three things that will live there -- for me, that's keys, cell phone and occasionally an iPod.

If MacGyver was a garment, I bet he'd be a warm, poufy, well-pocketed down vest.