Tailored vests: keep or return?

Warning: long, lots of photos.

I've been looking for a tailored vest for a while, but have had fit problems with all the many vests I've tried on at H&M, Ann Taylor Loft, Target, and I forget where else. I just found two at Macy's that I think might work. I've tried each vest a couple different ways, let me know what you think. I really want to try a menswear look with a top, vest, and blazer, but I don't know if these attempts really work.

Album: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....ng%20trip/
Password: shopping_vests

Option 1: Brown tweed Tommy Hilfiger
Looks: over knit top, over woven top, under blazer.

The fit seems to work - do you agree? I like the tweed and the cute little fabric rose on the lapel. I don't think it works as well with a collared blouse because it has a lapel. What do you think about it under the blazer?

Option 2: Gray with black trip, forgot the brand.
Looks: over woven top, under blazer.

The fit seems OK on this one. I like the gray/black combination and think I could wear this with a lot of things. I'm not sure about the gold trim on the buttons - do you think they are too shiny? I could replace them.

16 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I really like the first vest, it fits well and I love the English Heritage feel of the item. I like the idea of the black trousers with the grey top but think it would look more polished if the grey top was a couple of inches longer. I like the vest with the blouse also. I would prefer this vest layered with a longer blazer. Therefore I vote keep for the first one. Does the rose detach? You could use it on many more items other than the vest.

I'm not as fond of the second vest, the shape of the neckline and the gold buttons reminds me of corsetry. However I really like the colour and the fit. I'm undecided on the second vest.

medusa

Julie, I don't think the rose detaches from the first vest. You're definitely right about the gray top not working well with pants - when I went back to look at the photos I saw that right away. I also love you rsuggestion of a longer blazer. I'll try that.

I'm also still unsure about the second vest. I could always change the buttons....

Bumping for more comments. Wow, the forum is busy right now!

marianne

Active Member

I like the shape and fit of the 2nd one better. What material is it? I like when a vest neckline is cut lower than #1, but it might be just me.
For some reason, I am not crazy about the first one... I picture you in a more tailored vest, like menswear in old gangster films I think your body shape is similar to mine, so I was wondering what kind of fit issues you have been having.

Marianne - the 2nd vest is by Alfani from Macy's and is described as polyester/rayon/spandex.

My fit issues - most vests I've tried on get wrinkles, usually around the bust area, or they're too long/loose. I think it's because I'm short waisted, so the distance from my chest to my waist doesn't fit with how the vest is cut. Because I want a vest with a tailored/fitted look this seems to be more of a problem.

Anonymous

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....hoppingbag

Do you like this blue vest? I think it is pretty and I like the description of the color as being "sapphire". I have not seen it in person. I know it is very expensive for a vest. I would love to see it on someone.

Queen Mum

Hmmm, I like them both. I like the first vest best over the white shirt, but not with the jacket. The second vest I didn't care for 1st run through, but then at a second look I liked the scoop cut of it-- I also think it pairs better with the jacket (I think I like the contrast of the curve with the straight line of the jacket.)
So, I guess my vote would be for the second vest!

Alecia

Honestly, I think you could do better. Neither one screams fabulous to me. But I think there's another way to try them. What about if you had them open instead of buttoned? It may also be the blouses that I'm not keen on with the vests. Sorry, too many variables.

San - I haven't seen the vest you posted. It looks cute! I agree the price is a bit high for a vest.

Seems like the comments here are a bit mixed. Here are some more photos with different tops - maybe this will help. Sorry to overload you with photos, but I'm feeling really insecure about this vest decision!

Vest #1 (plaid):
with turtleneck: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG1715.jpg
with cowl neck: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG1705.jpg
with tshirt: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG1717.jpg
with camisole: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG1702.jpg

Vest #2 (gray):
with turtleneck: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG1710.jpg
with cowl neck: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG1709.jpg
with tshirt: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG1720.jpg
with camisole: http://s605.photobucket.com/al.....MG1699.jpg

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Like how you're getting into the waistcoat thing, Medusa. (You look KILLER in skinny jeans, btw).

I think you wear both styles of waistcoat flawlessly. WELL DONE. Both offer a different vibe and I do not see unnecessary repetition with getting both. You just got another KILLER rating. No more insecurities!

Really??? Thanks, Angie. I hereby order my brain to stop being insecure. If it argues, I'll just tell it Angie said so.

There you go! I am officially inside your brain.

I absolutely love the vests with the fuschia cowl neck and eggplant cami, those colours with the vests are stella! I still prefer the look of the first vest but it's just more in keeping with my personal style.

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