WIW tomboy trying to save an orphan

I've been on a bit of a project lately to work my orphaned tailored vests into outfits. Not sure how successful this is, but here it is nonetheless. I welcome suggestions!

This beautiful vest is my only thing I've ever purchased from Anne Fontaine. The fit is wonderful, and I like the menswear vibe. However, I'm not sure the pocket detail is quite my thing anymore, or if its doing my shape any favors. Buttoned up its very strict, which I'm not feeling right now.

A white button front shirt felt a little too obvious, but in the pics, I wonder if the black is working. To play off the masculine vibe, I wore my tomboy jeans and an old pocket watch that was my great-uncle's.

Black footwear seemed too boring, so I chose the dark red booties, which then seemed to call for some other dark red touch. So out came the plaid clutch.

Then I went a little crazy with the burgundy -- just for outerwear. Threw on the burgundy blazer and scarf, which now makes the clutch clash. Switched out for the black clutch (but didn't get a picture).

Believe it or not, this took less time to do than to explain in writing.

So tell me, what do you think about this vest? Should I sell it? Keep working with it? Remove the ruffles from pockets (could be tricky, plus they are a cute feminine detail)?

Vest: Anne Fontaine
Shirt: Brooks Bros
Jeans: AG Tomboy
Boots: Matisse
Blazer: Elizabeth & James

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9 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I somehow want more contrast in color between your shirt and the vest, even though I hear what you're saying about white being too obvious. Maybe chambray? Cream? Another color? What about dressing it down over a graphic tee or just a plain tee? Basic sweater? That might make the ruffled pockets seem more quirky and less super-girly.

I love the shapes overall and the burgundy outerwear is killer on you.

Anonymous

I really like the idea of the vest for you Janet. My first thought was to remove the pocket frills actually, before I even realised that was a possible suggestion of yours. You may just be able to cut them off very close to the seam and just sort of pull out the remaining threads of fabric, for a clean finish. I also rather like the low contrast between shirt and vest in #1

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I love what you did in #4. You toughened up the frill and made it new.

Janet

Thanks, all!

Laura, great creative suggestions! I will play with this some more. The trouble with my chambray shirt and most other shirts that I have is that they are roomier in the arm opening than the vest is, so I get fabric bunching up in the armpit. This vest does not have generous armholes -- if it did, I would have way more options for it. As it is, the vest works with tailored tops that don't have big arm openings. A fitted turtleneck is one option that might work.

Diane, I have not looked at the pockets closely, but I suspect you are right. The ruffles just seem to be sewn on, although sewn on well.

Angie, thank you! I was definitely trying to toughen it up. At first I had on distressed BF jeans with high-heeled black booties, which worked, but the distressing felt just a little too ALGO somehow.

I'm going to keep this vest and I'll continue to play with it some more as-is before deciding on removing the ruffles. I welcome more suggestions!

I've discovered wearing this so far today that I really like having the vest peeking out from inside the blazer (without the scarf). It really plays up the menswear/3-pc-suit vibe. I've gotten compliments already too, which is interesting.

Ingunn

I am torn on removing the frills. I can see why you'd want to, but they make the piece more special, and I think that is an element that works well with your style, which I perceive as a bit arty in a roc'n roll way. The way you've mixed it up here works great, I think. It's definitely a statement piece, and who doesn't love an Anne Fontaine?

texstyle

I'd keep the vest as it is for it's designer intended look. The frills add just a touch of feminine to a menswear look - I really like it and I'm not into ruffles or frills per se. I also think this same top and vest would work with black pants (or maybe white) for a more dressy look. LOVE the red/burgundy accents. Overall I think it's a fantastic outfit.

Sal

I would also keep the ruffles...I think they add a quirkiness to the vest. It looks a great piece, but I can see how it is hard to wear at the moment with all the looser fit tops.

I think it would look great with a tee, I think that could be a fun look, My sister always looks great in her vest with a tank under with jeans.

I adore your last look with the blazer on, this is just stellar.

Diana

Ooh, I really like this, Janet. I love the juxtaposition of feminine and masculine here.

CocoLion

I like it exactly as styled. I love the black on black between the BB shirt and the AF vest.

As for the ruffles, I'm thinking keep them. And I am not on team ruffle. They make the vest unique.

LOVE the addition of the plaid clutch and the way it matches the shoes.

I really love how you styled the vest. The low contrast between the shirt and vest give off a really cool, I am in control vibe. You are wearing the vest instead of the vest wearing you. If that makes any sense at all. The plaid clutch is a genius addition.

I am really bad at visioning pieces together but I wonder what the vest would look like with a sleeved body con midi dress and heeled feminine booties?

I like it! I think it would be great over a knit top that had higher armholes, too. You look great Janet. I swear you'd look glamorous and arty in a Hefty bag.

Mochi

I love the cut and color. The pockets or flaps or whatever they are look a little large and conspicuous for me. Maybe you can live with that? The overall look is great on you, and very flattering.

Suz

I am with Ingunn, Denise, and texstyle on this. Despite the fact that I do not bat for Team Ruffle, I bat hard for this particular vest, and for your ability to style it in its current form.

catgirl

The vest is so flattering, and I like this steampunky vibe of how you've styled it. Is the detail removable?

Zibbets

Love how you made this you. I think the ruffles on the black are very unexpected and interesting. I love the shots of red and gold and I do like the black shirt with it. I think with the ruffles, a contrasting shirt might be too much.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I love your styling of this vest, Janet. The whole outfit is great on you--the pendant adds a bit of interest, subtly brightening the blacks. I like the ruffles on the vest, as they give it a unique, arty look.
I think I can almost envision this vest over a white v-neck short-sleeved tee, although it might not dress that far down all that well. Maybe worth a try. Also when you said the armholes are not roomy, I wondered about layering it over a tank in warmer weather.

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