NAS: the gilet arrived--size up?

I just snapped a few photos before rushing out to work. It's a beautiful garment with a weight that can work in both winter and summer (air conditioned) settings. It's not what I would consider to be a winter coat thickness and seems less thick than the J. Crew double surge wool skirts. This is a size 4, but I wonder if I would be better off sizing up to a 6? I still have to play around with how I'd style it. The bulk of my wardrobe is in another state at the moment, but given the prevalence of the colours black and blue in my wardrobe (along with two white blouses), I don't anticipate styling issues. I love the cut and tailoring, so we shall see.

This post has 6 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

9 years ago

Anniversary Sale

10 replies

Latest reply was from crazyone

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ooh! It came! How frustrating for you that it's tough to style; it's always hard to judge garments when you don't have the right accompanying players.

It looks like it is snug at the hip so if sizes are still available and you are willing to wait I would order the 6 to compare. It might not work in the armholes/ shoulders, but then again it might just feel smoother. It is cut relatively narrow (esp. in the hip) I believe.

Mine does up without any issue but I prefer the look of it open and I do think it is made to be worn open primarily.

9 years ago

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Just ordered the 6.

Realistically, it should be easy to style. I wear mostly trousers: blue denim, black leather pants, black trousers, and navy leather pants. I'm not too worried about the tops, either, since most of my tops are black--with sleeves and without--and the other white blouses would work, too. I'm more curious as to how it would work with dresses and skirts, but that might be asking too much for the 5% of the time that I'm wearing either.

9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

In my opinion it will work with a pencil style skirt of any length (well, maybe not micro mini but I assume that is not a consideration) and a sheath or shift style or unbelted shirt dress. I think it would be tougher to make it work with a flared skirt but I am going to experiment with mine and see. If I get some time this week I will snap a photo.

I also tried mine on with culottes. I thought it looked great!

9 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I think you were wise to size up to the six. I have that size. It's roomy, but I'm happy with it because it is good for layering and it still lays nicely. I think if it's still too large I will have my tailor take it in a little. That may seem silly, but the waist hit me at the correct point on the six and if I go smaller it's likely to be too high.

Size is always a difficult matter with clothes. Styling is yet another issue.

FWIW, I have found the gilet looks great over an a-line dress or skirt. It pulls in all the flare and controls it though, so if that goes against what you like about an a-line than you will hate it. I happen to love it, it's exactly what I need to keep them flattering.

9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ha, me too, Staysfit. This is why I don't own any A-line dresses.

9 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote size up. This has to GLIDE off the body in an architectural way, and not pull at all.

9 years ago

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Staysfit, even though I'm a great candidate for A-line dresses (small waist-hip ratio), I never wear them because I find the volume attracts too much attention to the hip area. I prefer to curtail both the silhouette and the viewer's imagination, so yes, that gilet styling could be an option.

9 years ago

crazyone

Veteran

I got mine today too! I agree that you might be better off with the 6, this is definitely pulling on you when closed. Though I wonder if sizing up would make it too roomy up top?

How tall are you, may I ask? It hits you at the knee, I wish mine hit me there.

9 years ago

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

It's weird because it looks like it's pulling because of my hips, but there is room in the waist at the button itself. I won't object to a bit more room, though, so hopefully the 6 will fit as it should.

Crazyone, I'm just north of 5'6", but I have very long thighs, which is probably why it hits me at around the knee.

9 years ago

crazyone

Veteran

I think the waist fits you just fine, it's just cut for straighter body types like Suz and Angie. But the good thing is that sizing up should probably be OK given that there are no shoulders, etc. to come into play.

Re: height, makes sense then--you are about 3'' taller than me so it makes sense that it hits you at the knee and me a few inches below me. I also have long thighs for my height but I'm still a shortie

9 years ago

Category