https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:19:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options/page/2#post-1920059 Thu, 17 May 2018 04:17:51 +0000 Anonymous 1920059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Sam Edleman vest at Nordstroms is much like the shape of the Sam Edleman olive coat that I bought last fall. The cord on the bottom back is really a flattering touch. I love the back interest it adds as well as reigning in a bit of volume. This detail and the color is tempting me to order this vest. The only problems I have had is sitting on the cord knot of the coat ( one can feel it) and DH does not understand it. This cord on the vest looks like it is not tied but has more of a toggle. It may be more flat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1920057 Thu, 17 May 2018 03:55:00 +0000 3style 1920057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For those wondering about the Caslon utility vest, it runs huge through the chest area in a misses Medium. I have a large chest for my frame, roughly 32E, and I don’t begin to fill it out. Nothing remotely similar to what it says on the size chart for Caslon. </p> <p>The hip area isn’t narrow but it is very narrow relative to the chest. </p> <p>The green color is less faded than what I am seeing on the computer. I’d describe it as stone-washed army green. </p> <p>I’m going to see how the one from Target looks before I consider reordering this one to tinker with the sizing. I am wondering if I need an XS? Or PS?</p> <p>Quality is good. It’s quite warm relative to its weight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1920056 Thu, 17 May 2018 03:40:41 +0000 3style 1920056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MsMary, no problem. I’ve been too busy to read YLF since January and am just catching up on the blog posts.<br /> I had a bit of an epiphany when I caught up on the “Team Silhouette or Team Color?” article today. I’m definitely on Team Color. As far as I’m concerned, if silhouettes for women’s clothing were frozen in time in 1950, I’d be perfectly content. On the other hand, I’ve been loving combinations like blush with citron in the last few years, and that would not have occurred to me even 10 years ago. Anyway, that’s a long-winded way of saying that I’m super conservative about silhouettes. Since I run cold, I get flustered thinking about which shirt sleeves can fit into which jacket sleeves and am easily fidgety if fabric bunches awkwardly: if I get the combo wrong. It would have been helpful if I stated this from the beginning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1919503 Tue, 15 May 2018 14:16:28 +0000 MsMary 1919503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry, 3style. Just trying to help! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1919457 Tue, 15 May 2018 10:59:47 +0000 Dottie 1919457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not had the need to launder it yet, but that is a good point! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1919419 Tue, 15 May 2018 04:33:17 +0000 3style 1919419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@marble I poked around a bit online and thus far can’t find a women’s cotton one from Kuhl listed anywhere, but I haven’t done an exhaustive search. If you come across the exact name or sku I would love to know it. I’m wondering if it is very new or a close out. </p> <p>@Dottie, The only thing keeping me from ordering is the dry cleaning instructions. I don’t mind dry cleaning every third wearing or so, but if it’s very absorbent and easy to stain, it might be a little more maintenance than I would like from my summer business casual wardrobe. Have you tried cleaning ( or washing) it? I’m thinking that the dry cleaning really is necessary to keep the crispness. </p> <p> @marble WRT to the Rekon vest, I was double checking on the Kuhl website what was the intention with that, and I think they intended for it to be a breathable mid layer with a bonus rain hood to pull out (in a pinch) if your outer layer doesn’t have one. I’m not sure if it would be warm enough as a mid layer for me. I think I’m going to see how the other two I already ordered look before I try it. </p> <p> @jill58 it sounds like it is worth it for me to try the Target vest. I seem to be having difficulty with the Target login so I will try again when I’m not so groggy. Thanks for the suggestion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1919344 Mon, 14 May 2018 23:38:43 +0000 jill58 1919344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I realized after I posted that the link from my find doesn't work. Let's try this --&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.target.com/p/women-s-military-vest-a-new-day-153-olive/-/A-53154115?preselect=52926092#lnk=sametab">https://www.target.com/p/women.....52926092#l</a><br />The vest material is Lyocell. It's not really warm, but a nice Spring/Fall weight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1919331 Mon, 14 May 2018 23:16:28 +0000 Dottie 1919331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought this "vest" at Saks Off 5th and love it. It's a stone color, has a very slimming effect, doesn't have buttons but has side pockets which don't detract from the shape. On me, both lapels don't remain open as pictured. &nbsp;Usually one lays flat, while the other is open for an asymmetric look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1919285 Mon, 14 May 2018 20:47:46 +0000 ma 1919285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@3style...I am sorry, what I posted is NOT what I tried on in store. I went back and checked over the weekend and the safari vest there was %100 organic cotton and the quality was beautiful...and of course they were out of the olive and only had khaki:( I agree the powder blue is pretty...and none of the Kuhl pieces I own are used as gear... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1919280 Mon, 14 May 2018 20:16:35 +0000 3style 1919280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@MsMary, the Fishtail drawstring low hemline on that vest looks really strange in this photo. Have you seen anything like that in real life ? Or perhaps tried it yourself? I am not really deliberately looking to experiment with cutting edge style in vests at this very moment. Although, I’m not against it either, if someone can explain how to make a hemline like that work with flat and basic shoes. </p> <p>I am just trying to stay comfortable especially for this summer. And do it ideally without trying on 30 vests, if that’s possible. </p> <p>I’m a bit pressed for time to shop, because my feet have dramatically changed in the last few months and almost none of my old footwear works. They’ve gotten really weird and it now takes ordering 30 pairs of shoes to come up with a pair of simple flats or sneakers that aren’t excruciating. I thought I was pretty clear about why I’m asking for help on vests. </p> <p>I’ve been doing web searches before most people knew what the internet was.... Tiny bit grumpy here. I realize that you are simply trying to help. </p> <p>I run about as cold as Angie, and I often need a third layer when others are wearing simple T-shirts. I have a lot of scarves, cardigans and lightweight jackets. Nevertheless, sometimes a vest is just that right addition. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1919247 Mon, 14 May 2018 18:28:42 +0000 MsMary 1919247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's one at Nordstrom with no pockets:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sam-edelman-elongated-hooded-vest/4875444?origin=coordinating-4875444-0-1-PDP_1-recbot-also_viewed2&amp;recs_placement=PDP_1&amp;recs_strategy=also_viewed2&amp;recs_source=recbot&amp;recs_page_type=product">https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/s.....-4875444-0</a> </p> <p>If you type "ladies casual vest" into the Nordstrom search function you will find a lot of fun options, many of which are on sale.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1919179 Mon, 14 May 2018 15:23:38 +0000 Anonymous 1919179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A vest as a signature without a bag would be very cool!</p> <p>I definitely think people can manage without bringing a bag everywhere.</p> <p>You might also consider a zip up wallet with a strap. </p> <p>Vests can be very flattering, creating a long line down the front. You can also get them quite long for an elegant look. Lots of possibilities here!</p> <p>I am now considering one for myself. Love the idea of fatigue/military/safari styling for a casual look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1919178 Mon, 14 May 2018 15:18:00 +0000 3style 1919178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s good practice writing in communication to be writing things out for the forum. I thought I was crystal clear in my original post that I was looking for a woven COTTON summer vest, with the fabric being the key feature. And then secondly preferably in a Safari style. Which I further explained that although I know that it would be much simpler to find a 100% cotton sleeveless denim jacket style, that a belt-less cotton style would be a distant second. </p> <p>However, kkards suggested a cotton blend fabric jacket in a sun-bleached flak jacket style, and I realized that might cover some of my “use cases.” Namely, as a casual top or middle layer for temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees F. </p> <p>Then JAileen suggested the one from EB that’s ultralight and UPF 50. So that one is for wearing in the sun at 70F and up, primarily as sun protection, maybe a bit of a windbreaker too. </p> <p>@jill58, how heavy weight/wind blocking is the Target vest? I also was planning to add to my fall wardrobe a light weight fleece vest for colder weather layering. I’m thinking that the Target one over a sweater or sweatshirt might be a good idea? Is it on the warmer side? </p> <p>@marble, I looked at the vest from Kuhl. It’s some kind of water resistant cotton blend. I can’t figure out when this would be appropriate. If it’s raining then I would want sleeves. If it’s not then I’d want sun and not rain protection. That being said, the Rekon vest in the Slate (powder blue) is so pretty that I’m sorely tempted to order to wear it as casual fashion rather than as gear. @marble, do you have a feel for when this would be useful as gear?</p> <p>This thread is making me think thinking more concretely about personal uniform (outfit formula) dressing. I’m thinking about moving from wearing a vest 40% of the time to wearing one more like 80% of the time. I have developed shoulder and hand issues and I pretty much stick with my Longchamp le pliage tote 95% of the time when I need a bag: because it weighs nothing and alternates well between being carried on shoulders, elbows and hands. But I’m frequently trying to figure out how not to carry a bag at all still: and have what I need on my person. Thinking aloud, maybe I should go all in and make lots of vests with pockets become a signature style for me? </p> <p>@lisap I think that with elements of military style it’s important to pick and choose components. For myself, I always pass on anything with epaulettes or shiny ornate buttons. I like things closer to fatigues than dress uniforms. I feel like an imposter in the dress uniforms, for a lot of different reasons. Shiny flat buttons work for me, or ornate antique brass, but I need some subtlety or simplicity to feel myself in these pieces. </p> <p>WRT the Talbots vest. I retried the fit to see if I might like to get it in white, as it’s still the only cotton contender. It is designed for someone whose waist and hips circumference is significantly larger than their bust circumference. Sort of an apple and pear figure hybrid, in colloquial parlance. I’m more of an IT and hourglass hybrid and it looks really strange on me. I think that I was wishing it was “relaxed” fit, and not simply the wrong fit. As a minor technical description correction, the back half has an elastic and the front half (side seams to front opening) does have a drawstring, but the drawstring is only visible on the inside. </p> <p>I’m appreciative to you all (and the YLF technical team) for the chance to think out loud. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1919036 Sun, 13 May 2018 22:00:13 +0000 Anonymous 1919036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have one from Kit &amp; Ace (no longer availalbe, so no find) that I like looking at , but have never worn. &nbsp;I am ridiculously drawn to anything military, and yet.....</p> <p>I expected to wear it over a sleeveless dress in summer, and I suppose it would be worthwhile to see if I can make that happen. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1919018 Sun, 13 May 2018 19:53:57 +0000 jill58 1919018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought a version of this at at Target this morning. It looks great open or zipped. I absolutely love it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918719 Sat, 12 May 2018 12:30:11 +0000 krishnidoux 1918719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I stopped reading when I saw: I don't enjoy it IRL. Pass.&nbsp;<br />Wait because there are LOTS of other options.&nbsp;</p> <p>I find Talbots make well cut vests, but there are other options too, and if not, maybe a future collection from Talbots will better please you.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918654 Sat, 12 May 2018 03:28:09 +0000 Colette 1918654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do not settle! It’s a HEWI for a reason. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918632 Sat, 12 May 2018 02:09:20 +0000 Aquamarine 1918632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was on a search for a cargo vest last year, and was very, very picky. I finally found one at Lucky Brand, and it ticked off all the boxes, especially the “no chest pockets” box! I’d keep looking if I were you...the perfect vest is out there so don’t settle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918555 Fri, 11 May 2018 21:04:55 +0000 ma 1918555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you tried Kuhl? They are a gear brand. I tried on an olive safari vest just yesterday and it was very streamlined and good quality. I can’t figure out if the pic below is the exact one or not, the color was darker and it felt like a thick cotton but the website says this one is nylon‍♀️ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918554 Fri, 11 May 2018 21:03:08 +0000 Anonymous 1918554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you are not thrilled with it take it back or it will be an orphan.<br /> I love vests but I too am particular.<br /> If you like denim vests check amazon- all colors and styles to give you an idea of what is out there and what features you want.<br /> Then when you shop you have a clearer idea of a vest that is a wardrobe 10. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918551 Fri, 11 May 2018 20:28:20 +0000 3style 1918551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen,<br />Thanks for your recommendation.</p> <p>I guess it's a good season for vests. I previously owned something basically identical to the vest you have suggested, which I purchased from EB probably around 10 years ago or so. When that wore out, I kept looking back at EB for a replacement for the next few years, but they never had them available again. So I stopped checking over there....Which is when I gave up and bought the Marmot pink sporty vest which I alluded to above. The Marmot pretty much only serves very well for gardening, heavy duty hiking or biking due to its specific construction (lightly insulated in front [but not in back] so that it isn't too hot under a pack).&nbsp;</p> <p>I am thinking I will order this one too, in light gray for being outside in bright hot sun: I need back-of neck sun protection and I find light scarves scarves can be tedious for very hot or very windy weather.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'll also keep the other one (if it works) primarily for indoors or layering under a coat. This idea was already written out on my shopping plan for the year so I am feeling fine that I'm not being impulsive about it.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918542 Fri, 11 May 2018 19:31:34 +0000 Christina F. 1918542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was about to suggest the Caslon one as well. I have my eye on it, so please report back! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918541 Fri, 11 May 2018 19:27:26 +0000 JAileen 1918541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about this vest at Eddie Bauer:</p> <p><a href="http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/womens-atlas-20-vest/20612263?showProducts=&#038;color=184&#038;sizetype=&#038;size=" rel="nofollow">http://www.eddiebauer.com/prod.....#038;size=</a></p> <p>I have the jacket version of this and I really like it. I’ve thought about the vest, but I mainly wear them in the winter for extra warmth. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918540 Fri, 11 May 2018 19:23:32 +0000 3style 1918540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thinking aloud a bit more... Online, on my phone and computer, the Talbots vest in the Safari Sand looked like a bright golden vibrant beige. </p> <p>I would have been okay with that, or on the contrary, been fine with either a pale chalky beige or a dark drab olive-beige. But the Talbots beige IRL is just the same "blah" middle-of-the road beige color that reminds me of my car upholstery, and it completely flattens my complexion.... </p> <p>It has taken writing this out to realize that the vest won't magically change colors from wishful thinking </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918537 Fri, 11 May 2018 19:18:30 +0000 Janet 1918537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"I don't love it in real life"</p> <p>That to me says you should keep looking. I think there are enough of this type of vest out there that you will find one you like better!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918535 Fri, 11 May 2018 18:49:59 +0000 3style 1918535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>kkards,</p> <p>Thanks so much. I tend to be suspicious of cotton-tencel blends, because I find some of them clammy, or that they don't drape well on me and stick out funny. However, this is the EXACT style I'm looking for and I've had good luck with Caslon: so I think it's worth trying. </p> <p>I just ordered it a moment ago.... If it doesn't work, I'll look again in a few weeks once I have some sandals and bras that work and I'm feeling less frazzled wrt shopping. Thanks again.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918531 Fri, 11 May 2018 18:20:42 +0000 kkards 1918531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>3style is this more like what u are looking for <a href="https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/caslon-utility-vest-regular-petite/4519821?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&#038;fashioncolor=GREEN%20DUNE" rel="nofollow">https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....EEN%20DUNE</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918530 Fri, 11 May 2018 17:54:19 +0000 3style 1918530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, the thing is, I place a lot of value in being DONE with shopping for a type of item. I have an ultra-thin synthetics summer sports vest in bright watermelon pink from Marmot that I bought about seven years ago. My coloring has changed enough that it is not so flattering now, and likewise the size is significantly too large. But by golly I'm relieved to be done with finding a light sports vest.... I have to change bra sizes, jacket sizes (shoulder/sleeves cut) and shoes very frequently on account of medical issues. Therefore, completion is has huge value in my life, on par with wardrobe item satisfaction. So I would call it "done," and if I walked by the perfect vest IRL (in the once every 3-4 months that I actually walk into a store) I would buy it, but I wouldn't poke around online any further.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918528 Fri, 11 May 2018 17:44:04 +0000 kkards 1918528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly, I think you answered your own question re keep or return<br /> ",I don't love it in real life"<br /> I haven't seen a thing like what you are looking for,,,,but at least for me, when I start out knowing the size is wrong, the color is wrong and there are issues with the garment design I don't like....it doesn't get worn, even if it was well made and a HEWI... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/talbots-cotton-safari-vest-or-better-options#post-1918526 Fri, 11 May 2018 17:39:35 +0000 Thistle 1918526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd say you don;t love, and you've noted why it doesn't work.</p> <p>Probably best to pass as you're going to keep looking, anyway, and it really isn't a good fit.</p> <p>You'll never love it more than you do right now. </p>