retrofitted – vests

I think vests are one of those things that have NEVER actually left the fashion scene completely. They just keep re-inventing themselves. In the sixties, they had fringe. The longer, the better. And suede ones pegged you exceptionally cool.

In the seventies, they became an extension of the dress. I remember one pattern for a knit short-sleeved dress coupled with a knit vest the same length worn over it. My friend’s mother must have made her 5 or 6 from this same pattern, and I felt a fresh pang of jealousy every time she wore a new one to school.

Ahhh, and then there were the eighties. Puffy down vests emerged, and they showed no biases. Women wore them. Men wore them. Fraternity guys with bicentennial beards wore them. Coed chicks with Farrah Fawcett hairstyles wore them. The elite wore them on ski trips to Vail. The rest of us wore them on shopping trips to the mall.

And now vests are resurfacing with an edgy street smart style. The sleeveless coat. This menswear inspired outerwear piece is perfect for transitioning into cooler weather. But in case you’re not quite sure how to wear them, here are some tips.

Wear it over a short sleeved or even SLEEVELESS dress or top.

Create a casual look by pairing it with a button-down shirt & jeans.

It works great over any sweater, lightweight or heavy.

As temperatures drop, wear it over a jacket.