Long vests: a K/R and a Y/N question

Another item on my level 2 shopping list is a long vest, or a sleeveless blazers as some call them. I am really drawn to these (pics #1-3 show un-affordable designer inspirations) and they are perfect for my lab dressing in a summer, when I pretty much live in skinnies+sleeveless top+thin jacket/vest formula. So I would like to add two to my wardrobe, one black and one white.

Photos 4&5 show a black version I got from Derek Lam's line for Kohl's. The quality is decent, though nothing to write home about. What do you think about the fit? And how do you feel about the lack of lapels - should I get one like the Mango's version in #6 instead?
Photos 7-9 show a white version from BR that I am considering, but did not get as the SA was claiming that it was way too big on me ( it was already the smallest size, 0). It does look bigger IRL then in the photos, especially in the waist area. Unlike the black one which is open and is supposed to fit loose, this one is supposed to be more tailored, I think (like in #9). Then again, I could be very wrong, as these loose fits that have been giving me troubles when I try to figure out how something should fit. I have to admit that I found the tailored fits of the past much easier to evaluate

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13 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I like the one in 4-5 better on you than the white one. The white one does seem a bit big, and I'm not loving the look of the pockets so much. I actually like the lack of lapels on the black one -- somehow I have a little bit of poison eye for vests that look too much like office-wear blazers with the arms chopped off. I think the lack of lapel might make the vest more versatile (easier to wear with a variety of necklines, etc.).

Anonymous

Depending on how you feel in it, I think the Derek Lam is a keeper. I feel that the white BR vest is not quite right and would pass on that one for something better.
I bought a black version a couple of years ago when Angie blogged about sleeveless jackets. I especially like the shape of the front coming to longer points and the back shorter rather than a straight hem. You might keep an eye out for something like that to try.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Love the Derek Lam! You wear a lapel-less style well.

I vote get the MNG one too. These are wardrobe essentials for your Summer style.

I love the white gillet! The looser fit is great.

Tanya

Thank you ladies, I appreciate your input very much! It looks that the black Derek Lam vest is staying.

Angie, I have to admit that you have surprised me, as I do not think of you as an enabler I will get the white BR one per your recommendation then. About the black MNG one, I will think about it. I like it quite a lot but I have to take my budget into consideration, as I have shopped a lot and there is not much left. Also, the only size left is XXS, and that might be to small. It also might work, as these types of garments tend to be cut generously too.

Aren't I full of surprises

The white gillet is like a tux. It needs to be roomy.

He he Angie, indeed you are

Oh, I see about the white gilet. No wonder the smallest size was that roomy. Silly me thought it was supposed to be tailored.

Suz

Ooooh. I LOVE this idea.

I want that white one, too.

Off to look.

I get too many spendy ideas from you, Tanya!!

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