r&b Gilet question - YouLookFab Forum

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r&b Gilet question

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

The pic of Angie in the gilet opened me up to owning a vest--namely, that one. It looks so much better in person--at least styled in that pic--than on the model. Given that I like there to be ventilation in my arms (and am not quick to get cold) and have arms that are generally too big for the relevantly sized wool coats, the gilet seems like an interesting and potentially versatile addition to my closet.

For those of who know what winter is--Ontarians, NEers, and Midwesterners--is this too much of a transitional piece? Will it see wear? The weather right now is quite hot and humid, and certainly not the time to wear it, unlike in Seattle.

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16 replies

Latest reply was from gradfashionista

crazyone

Veteran

I tried it on yesterday (post here: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ies-gillet), and live in the Northeast. It's a great piece, but it *does* have the feel of wool outerwear without providing any warmth to your arms, which makes it a piece with limited utility for me here, I think. Probably only a few weeks in the fall and spring where I could really use it, unless I wore it underneath a heavier coat. But if you're really not that quick to get cold, then maybe it would work for you!

Staysfit

Veteran

I agree with Crazyone, for outdoor wear I would say the same. However, if you go from house garage to car to close parking to office door, it could work. I anticipate it's going to be a great addition, but also think I'm going to need my large cocoon coat to wear over it once it gets colder.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So, Staysfit, would you wear it indoors as well? Or no?

I am getting the strong sense that this particular one is not going to work for me.

I actually ordered one from Zara 2 years ago and loved the look of it but decided not to keep because I wasn't sure it would get any wear -- and it sounded like a more practical weight for my climate -- an "indoor 3rd piece" kind of thing.

Mine arrives today so I will be able to examine it.

Roxanna

Veteran

Hmmm...I've been wondering this same thing. In fact I'm returning a gilet (knit) from Club Monaco for the same reason. I do think a less heavy, knit gilet could work well to layer over merino sweaters and other lightly thermal pieces - you could keep it on inside and have a bigger coat on when you go out. But a structured gilet that's like a wool coat? I just don't think the spring/fall season is long enough here in Toronto.

Marilyn

Veteran

I looked at this vest in store and I know it would be useless for me (Ontario). It's very heavy and I consider it to be outerwear. Like a puffer vest you would need something with warm sleeves underneath for wearing outdoors....so fall and early spring wear. It's not an indoor clothing item IMO so you would remove it indoors. Perhaps you could wear it in a freezing cold office but it would be like sitting in a coat.
I can't imagine paying that much for an item unless you're going to wear it to death.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Right. Well, I guess we know that that is going back!!

Sigh.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

That's a shame, it has a lovely cut. In winter, I probably wouldn't wear it under a coat because of bulk and because buildings tend to be overheated. In summer, the air conditioning in some places can be strong enough for me to need a heavy garment, but I wouldn't be able to commute wearing such a warm piece in hot weather.

Glory

Veteran

Vests are tricky in the Canadian north aren't they? I am very attracted to them but they are difficult to wear if they cannot be used indoors. Outdoors I think there are only a few perfect days. I even struggle with a puffer vest and I confess it hangs in my closet languishing. It is a lovely item though!

tulle

Veteran

I don't think you need to live in the far north to find this item impractical. I honestly can't imagine one occasion for which a sleeveless winter coat would work for me, so I've been surprised by the popularity of this gilet.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I did not realize it was heavy weight when I ordered -- I assumed it would be similar to a suit-weight wool. Which would be much easier to work into my closet. An indoor wear item.

Sheila

Veteran

I have an item that is similar to the gilet - but with sleeves. I guess that makes it a jacket huh? Well, it is... but it is a size 4 Ann Taylor - long lightweight wool - light navy blazer to knees with princess seams. It has a slight flare I the back and I love the way it flows ... sometimes I see it in the mirror and it feels like the Matrix ( well a bit ). But it is a formal, dressy jacket- the size 4 means I can't wear it buttoned... it is too tight in the bust.

This items is perfect because I can wear it to a business meeting and just leave it on all day. Or I can wear it as a jacket. Or with pants, leggings. The clincher is - I wear it with sleeveless dresses-I have MANY - SO I get more use out of them. I can wear sleeveless dresses that I like the shape of - mainly shifts. But shifts that I can wear in the winter with hose and boots and this jacket ( gilet with arms ).

My arms are not awful- but at work and work related functions- sleeveless to me just does not feel like correct business attire. I can check out other women and the temperature and make a decision to show arms or not.

So I find the gilet- as much as I love it - it does not pay to spend $ 607 CDN for something that does not cover the arms. Under $ 200.... maybe... so I will keep my eyes open for a knockoff.

Roxanna

Veteran

@Suz I'm with you - I thought it was made of suiting wool. I'm also having a hard time imagining how most YLFers will wear it, then, if it's essentially a coat with no sleeves? maybe a sweater underneath?

Marilyn

Veteran

Suz and others......I totally understand. I was a bit taken aback when I grabbed it off the rack. I expected it to be more of a suit weight as well. But, it's a lovely piece for the right person.

This vest would swallow little me whole so I'm not bummed about it.....but I understand that some of you were excited about it.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Okay, all -- take a look at my thread.

I actually think this piece has quite a lot of potential if you are willing to layer or de-layer it. Not 100% sure, but you'll see I am wearing it with everything from sleeveless tops, to light silk blouses, to cashmere sweaters, to a leather coat underneath. I could not wear this as a winter coat, but I could wear it as:

An indoor piece over sleeveless or sleeved tops or sweaters (but not in summer -- only in spring, fall, winter).

An outdoor piece layered over heavier sweaters or jackets.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

HAH. I don't find the gillet heavy at all. I think it's jacket-weight and completely wearable inside. I can wear it in air-conditioning, no problem. And on a cool Seattle Summer day too.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Ok, only one way to tell--ordered!