This fall, vests are coming out from behind the jacket’s shadow and starring on their own.
“Vests are the top accessory this season,” says Jennifer Maxwell Morris, president of Look Consulting International, a New York-based image consulting firm.
“They’re a new staple item,” adds Elizabeth Potter, Chicago manager of Bebe, a boutique with stores nationwide.
Many vests are tailored enough to project authority and professionalism at work. “(They’re) basically constructed like jackets, just without the sleeves,” she says. “They’re fitted and they’re very tailored-looking-several of ours are double-breasted-so you can wear them to work.
“We all have the same black and navy suits we wear all the time,” she continues. “But you can’t afford to get five new suits every year. A vest is a great way to add something to your wardrobe for a much different look. And most vests are about half the price of a jacket.”
This season vests are available in a variety of cuts, from short, fitted, man-tailored versions to longer, tunic styles that cover the hips. Fabrics range from simple wool gabardine to pinstripes to more romantic versions in velvet and tapestry.
“Vests are acceptable-it’s hard to say in most, but in many workplaces,” Morris says. “However, it depends on what’s worn with the vest.” She suggests avoiding wearing vests with overly feminine pieces, such as a ruffled poet’s blouse. Also, be wary of creating an excessively masculine look by adding a man’s shirt and tie, which looks too stiff.
Vests paired with short or long skirts, tailored slacks or wide, flowing pants are appropriate for most offices. Vests can team with bodysuits and turtlenecks, or can substitute for a blouse under a jacket. Accessories, such as a pocket square or watch fob, give a vest outfit an additional edge of polish.
Plus, they can be more versatile than jackets. The vest you wore to the office during the week can look great with leggings on the weekend, or head straight from the office to an elegant dinner with the quick addition of a soft scarf and long, flowing skirt or wide pants.
Where to buy
Tapestry pattern vest, $98; cotton french cuff blouse, $60; from Bebe, 900 N. Michigan Ave. Maroon/navy striped wool vest, $158; rayon blouse with scarf neck, $148; silk blouse, $170; DKNY maroon print scarf, $90; Anne Klein black/gold earrings, $22; Anne Klein gold swirl earrings, $18; DKNY tortoise reading glasses, $70; all from Bloomingdale’s. Red wool “Gatsby Waistcoat” vest, $160; from The 1909 Co. catalog, call 800-331-1909. Seiko gold pocket watch, $220; Erwin Pearl leaf earrings (worn as cufflinks), $30; Windsor Filofax, $65; Parker brown/gold pen, $60; all from Lord and Taylor.
