K/R: The Gilet - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R: The Gilet

Elizabeth P

Veteran

So, the famous gilet arrived about 10 min before I had to leave for Toronto last week, so I quickly threw it on, thought "hmm", and left. Now I'm back, so have a bit of time to try it on properly. And to be honest, I'm not sure. I can see a gazillion ways to style this, and am quite pleased with how it looks with this dress, which needs a bit more love. But I wonder if it's a bit small... it doesn't fall on me the way it does on others. What do you think? I'm including a few photos, so you can see how it shifts around on me a bit.

While I do really like it, I'm happy to return it if you think the fit isn't what it should be.

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15 replies

Latest reply was from

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I'm not sure, Elizabeth. I thought it ran a little small myself, and I do think it looks like this size might be a little small on you. Can you close it? Would you ever wear it closed? When I tried it on, I admired how substantial and well-made it was, but I wasn't really feeling it for me. Which might be surprising since I have embraced long jackets wholeheartedly lately.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I can't tell either without seeing it closed - I repurchased it in a larger size myself. Still waiting for the delivery so I can compare one to the other. The shoulders on yours look like they fit well, whereas mine looked too narrow.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Thanks for the input Janet and Linda.
I can close it, but barely. I wouldn't wear it that way.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I'm not sure. I think bigger would be better, but can we see it over a pants outfit (like breton and black jeans, something I think you have)?

Windchime

Veteran

I love the IDEA of it for you, if that makes sense. It would sync beautifully with a lot of your wardrobe. Can you try sizing up?

Influenced by the gilet excitement on the Forum, I tried it on in the store, and my impressions were similar to Janet's. It's a gorgeously constructed gilet, but it might run a bit small.

The pink dress is wonderful on you, by the way!

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Thanks umlila and windchime. I will try it over jeans as you suggest, and post tomorrow. But I think you are confirming my gut reaction..... This one is too small. I will also call for a bigger size tomorrow, but I suspect I'm SOL on that. My frigging wide back!

DJP

I am a 5 ft 2, 120 lb hourglass with a strong shoulder line. I normally wear a size 6 or a S/ XS, although sizing is all over the place these days. I tried this on at our Vancouver Nordstrom in a size 8 and a 10. The size 8 was the most flattering but could barely close, the 10 closed nicely but was a smidgen too large around the shoulders. Of course both were about 6 inches too long, so even deeply discounted at $310.00, I had to walk away. I think your gilet is still out there and unless this one is PERFECT, you should walk away too. Janet said it best!

L'Abeille

Veteran

I was going to suggest trying it with a pants or jeans outfit. As well as assessing the look, you will see if it glides or catches at the waist and the rear.

You had me with the hands-in -pockets view, I think it looks very you.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think you need to try another size if it is available. My sense is that this item should be close-able even if one wouldn't wear it that way, or you lose the crispness and shape.

This long gilet idea is a brilliant one for you and could potentially become a workhorse.

Interesting what DJP said and evidence of how incredibly differently clothes fit on different bodies -- wow. (No wonder Angie gets paid for what she does -- because seriously, how do people even suss it out???) A person can have similar measurements, weight, and size and STILL look completely different in an item. Or feel constrained, or not.

Deborah

Veteran

Elizabeth I like the idea of this but I feel that maybe the cut of this is not quite right for you? Looking at this one, I would be concerned that the size up might in fact be too big in places (like the shoulder). I hope I am not projecting my own preferences here but I wonder if a vest in a more fluid fabric would work better for you??

Beth Ann

Veteran

I just purchased a different gillet -- mid-thigh, single button closure. The quality is not as good as yours, but I'm just trying out the style at this point. I went with the larger of the two sizes because I felt it needed more coverage in front. Frankly, ever since I received insta-breasts after having a baby at age 38, I've had an issue with coats, jackets and cardis falling back and away -- sliding off my girls like ice cream off a cone on a hot day.

Fortunately, my version of the gillet has a generous front panel with a well placed dart at the bust. In the mid 20th century, there was a lot more tailoring in garments.

I definitely think a gillet is for you and your style. (And I love the bright pink -- how fab! They are showing up in more and more places, so there's hope!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote return, Elizabeth. It needs to close in front as that is the style. You could try a size or two up if you like.

Tanya

Veteran

It certainly looks a little too narrow to me. I would try a size up if possible.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Thank you so much ladies. I'm returning it. Just needed confirmation of my gut instinct. I"m not going to bother styling it differently for you. Even if I could get away with it styled differently, at this price, it needs to be versatile. I will ask about a larger size, but this is a no.

Slightly kicking myself as while we were having this discussion, the plaid fringed vest became available, then disappeared. I fell asleep while deciding if I should order it I wonder if that would have worked better...

Anonymous

I'm glad you opted to return it. It seemed too small to me as well, but since I have never seen the garment in person, I thought I would reserve judgment. Keep looking, you might still find the perfect one.