Waistcoats: what would you do? - YouLookFab Forum

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Waistcoats: what would you do?

Aziraphale

Veteran

So, I've been looking for a waistcoat (vest) for a while, and I finally found not one, but two. The first one is pretty much exactly what I had in mind: brown wool, single breasted, no collar (in fact I wasn't aware that waistcoats could even have collars). But there's this other one that is charcoal gray with pinstripes, and it does have a collar -- a bit like a blazer without the sleeves -- and I like how it looks even better than the brown one. They both fit well. What should I do? Go with the brown one that I wanted, that I have a wardrobe hole for, or get the gray one that I'm not sure I need, but that looks great?

I can get only one. What would you do? If you don't like waistcoats, imagine you're in the same pickle for some other item.

Shopping

19 replies

Latest reply was from Refugee

Makrame

Veteran

I might be biased since I currently have a brown waistcoat with a collar and am hunting for a grey one without a collar but I would get both. Not helpful, I know.

I would say that a collar on a waiscoat is a bit challenging - I was planning on wearing mine with collared dress shirts but find that collars will sometimes compete with each other.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

"and I like how it looks even better than the brown one."

I think you know what to do...

Aunty

Veteran

I am no help sorry. Get both!!!!

Louise

Veteran

I agree with Amy it sounds as though you like the grey one better x

Suz

(website)

Veteran

If the grey one looks great and it FITS in your wardrobe, go with it. If you won't have anything to wear it with, then that is a reason not to get. A great looking orphan is still an orphan.

Di

(website)

Veteran

I'd go with the grey. I'd always rather go with the item that makes me do a little dance, and grey is still pretty versatile.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Get both

Aziraphale

Veteran

You guys are no help!!! I can't get both. I'm trying to save up for Christmas!

I'm going back today to try the gray one on with a black button-down blouse, to see if the collars compete.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

How about getting both and trying each on with items from your wardrobe to see how each one works. Then return the one that isn't as successful.

Anonymous

It isn't easy to find exactly what you had in mind to fill a wardrobe hole, so I wonder if you'd be happier in the long run with the brown one?

celia

Veteran

(I currently have the same issues with two tweed jackets so I get your pain)

It sounds to me that the grey one is something you don't come across every day and the other one will probably appear again in your future.
My tweed vest has an unusual shape to it and sometimes I think I should look for a more regular shaped one.But what happens is that every time I wear it I feel like I have something unique(that flatters me) and I am happy that I don't have a regular one.
Having things in your wardrobe that have a special detail that you like is what makes your style unique.

All this being said, I would advise you to see if the outfits you had thought for the brown vest would partially be done with the grey one and if you have things that make fab outfits with the grey one.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Provided you can make a return, get both and see which one works better with your wardrobe.

mamaKate

Veteran

I vote grey with collar.

I have a grey waistcoat with a collar that I happen to be wearing today and it works surprisingly well with many different styles of shirts underneath.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/cl.....ltback=419

Mine is the review from "Boja":

"It works well with blouses of many different sleeve lengths as well as types of necklines: from surplice / wrap (like shown in the photo), to tie-neck, to wing-collar, to mandarin-collar, and of course turtlenecks, and camisoles too, with a cardigan over top. The vest is particularly flattering when paired with a blouse with gathered (slightly puffed) shoulders. As for layers over top, I have found that the vest does not pair well with a jacket (because the collars compete), but a cardigan works fine, particularly a simple, open-front cardigan."

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rachylou

Veteran

Hmm. You know, actually, I'm thinking pin stripes might be limiting.

missvee

Veteran

I'd get the brown one and start wearing it like mad, see if you love the look and then try for the grey one later on (maybe it will be on sale by then?).

morethanbeige

Veteran

I vote gray...If I liked one better, that's the one I would have to go with....

Aziraphale

Veteran

Thanks for weighing in, everyone. I tried both waistcoats on yesterday with a plain, round-neck tee shirt. I went back today wearing a black button-down shirt with a traditional pointed collar, and the verdict is this: while the gray pinstripe one looks better with a plain tee shirt, the brown collarless one does indeed look better with a proper collared shirt. And since the whole point of owning a waistcoat was to pull off the menswear look anyway (waistcoat + masculine button-down), I went for the brown. And it's not that the brown one looks bad with a tee shirt -- in fact, it's a cute, arty look -- it's just that the collar on the gray one added a bit more oomph to a tee shirt ensemble.

Plus, the collar on the gray pinstripe one touches the back of my neck, and since it's wool, it might bug me. Even a hint of wool touching my skin drives me round the twist.

And yes, missvee, I'm planning on wearing it A LOT. I've been looking for the right waistcoat for ages!

Aida

Veteran

Good choice! I was going to say if you plan to wear with collared shirts the collarless one would be a better option. I did want to point out, though, that a collared vest could also work like a blazer would with blouses (for the future ).

Refugee

Veteran

I'm envious that you finally found the one you were looking for. Although I have a gray collared waistcoat, I am hoping I can do better, as the fit isn't quite right. FWIW, I think you made the right decision going with the one that you have been hunting for. Perhaps the other one could go on your Christmas list?