I love a good vest and the menswear vest has been skirting around the edges of a full on fashion trend for the past two years. We’ll see it pop up in a couple lines here and there, almost always making a surprise appearance that usually elicits a little squeal of delight. For those of you who have snagged a killer vest or are on the hunt, here is your How to Guide to Buying and Wearing a Menswear Vest.

Finding the perfect vest for you. Three options: vintage, relaxed menswear and women’s fit.

The Vintage Vest
Look for:

• Men’s designer suiting. Particularly, European labels that are designed for lithe Brits, lending itself better to fitting a woman’s frame (busty ladies beware – this may not be your best option).

• Wools, tweeds. A high quality fabric-no pilling, no snags, no “Oh I’ll patch this and it will be totally dumpster chic” – NO. This vest should look sophisticated, glam and high fashion. Why else would you work so hard to find a vintage piece?

Quick Tip:
*Enlist a tailor. It’s possible your vintage masterpiece will appear with a halo of light over it, slide over your shoulders with ease and fit perfectly across your chest without a whisper of a pull at the buttons, but let’s be honest, how often does that happen? Use a tailor to your advantage to create a womanly curve at the waist, move the buttons over just a touch or add a buckle to the back, keeping in the spirit of making it a truly unique piece.

Body Type Beware:
Just about anyone can pull off the vintage vest, just be sure that you do use a tailor to your advantage. Beware of looking too stuffed into a vest, especially if you carry your weight in your midsection and/or bust.

Relaxed Menswear Vest
Look for:

• A vest that will look good oversized because that’s how this vest should fit you. You’re not going to wear this vest to show off your feminine shape, so look for a vest in a fabric that drapes well and still keeps it’s boxy shape.

• Keep an eye out for large buttons that add interest to the piece, buckle detail on the back, and neutral colors so you can pair it with just about any other color.

Quick Tip:

*This vest will look absolutely adorable this summer with relaxed cuffed shorts in denim or linen, so save yourself a trip and pick those up at the same time, it will make you a very happy girl.

Body Type Beware:
Top heavy and broad shouldered ladies beware this look could exponentially enlarge you. I strongly suggest sticking with the other two vest options.

Women’s Fit Vest
Look for:

• A unique twist on the classic menswear styling. One of my favorites featured a crossback in a beautiful tweed. Basically look for something that is feminine without being over the top (avoid cutesy ruffles, lace, buttons).

Quick Tip:
*Solid black, charcoal, heather, navy or pinstripe in a lightweight wool with take you through all seasons.

Body Type Beware:
Really, there’s nothing too dramatic to steer you clear of here. Just keep in mind, no pulling at the buttons or it will look like you were hired to put on a show and no snaps button closures- yuck!

How to wear your new ‘How did I live without this!’ vest:

For work: Over a crisp white tucked in shirt, the vest can be worn open or closed. Pair with a delicious pencil skirt in something other than black.  Taupe, charcoal, and eggplant are all fab options.

Or, keep it sophisticated in a loose wide leg trouser and classic red heels. Don’t forget you can add a fitted blazer for a top notch, pulled together look.

For Play: Daytime: Pair it with a relaxed cuffed short a la this marc jacobs wonder and an easy burnout tank or tee, no pirate shirts needed.

Add a touch of color with a long necklace featuring multi-color, oversized beads. Those of you with long gams can slip on a simple leather flat sandal, but if you’re like the other 95% of us, slip into a leather wedge.

Party Time: Layer over a silk blouse or cami in a pattern or strong color like fuschia, rust or jade and either a true flare denim or a skinny. Both should be worn with an outrageous heel in either an alternating color or at least texture or pattern.

Happy Hunting!

Cheers,
Ashley