The Vest
The vest has been making a small but noticeable comeback and can be seen in many
fall and winter lines. The question is whether it’s a garment or an accessory?? The
correct answer is in how you wear it.
The 80s was when women’s vests became mainstream, mirroring menswear’s three-
piece suits, but then it broke out on its own. I would argue that today’s version is much
more versatile and therefore warrants consideration.
Tailored vests, when worn as a top, allow you to wear it to the office on its own, but is
easily paired with a jacket or a blouse. Wearing a silk shell underneath, creates a put
together look, if you feel the vest is too low cut. Generally, silks pair nicely with vests
because they don’t add bulk to a tailored look.
A satin vest can add a little glam to an otherwise plain outfit. Here, find one with a waist
tie inside to add more shape. An alternative to the waist tie is elastic gathered waist in
the back. A furry vest too adds luxury to a sweater and jeans with heels for date
night. An eye-catching vest can be a great conversation starter and is more versatile
than you think.
In the end, you can find vests in a wide variety of materials and styles, anything from a
cargo satin vest to the tried-and-true Patagonia zip up vest. If you’re uncomfortable
wearing a vest because it’s not your traditional style, start with something less
expensive until you determine if you’ll actually wear it.
Tammy’s Truism: When buying a vest, make sure it fits along your shoulders and can comfortably zip or button up. A good fitting vest enhances you figure without adding bulk, so be wary of patch pockets.
