Always a classic: the vest

I think it’s clear by now that I’m not a trends follower. I wear what I like, without giving trends and even, brands, a thought. It helps that my style leans towards feminine and classic, which means that I can wear some of my clothes for years and years without them looking dated. Plus, I take good care of my things, which makes them last a very long time.

True story — I still have and wear clothes I bought in 2007! Why 2007? Because that year was truly remarkable for me, and one of the most transformative of my life. But that’s a story for another day if I ever decide to tell it…

When it comes to trends, it happens that I avoid some of them like the plague, and others grow on me. For example, as I recently shared, hoop earrings have grown on me, and now another trendy item has piqued my interest once I realized how versatile it can be. That item, of course, is the vest. It may be trendy now, but the truth is that it has always been a classic.

Vests can be very stylish and versatile. And when I say vests, I mean the sweater and suit vests, not the puffy sleeveless coats or jackets we think of when trying to describe them. Now that we cleared that up…

Vests can be styled and worn in a myriad of ways: over a fitted shirt or a flowy shirt; over a blouse; a ribbed sweater or a turtleneck; under a jacket or a blazer; with jeans or trousers; skirts; over dresses, etc. Due to their versatility, they’re also perfect for any season.

To keep it more casual, I opted for knitted vests instead of the classic suit vests. Though I might have snuck in a linen vest here and there — they’re just too good.

While suit vests certainly can be dressed down, to me, they still look more formal than I’d like, and not necessarily my style. Though I have to admit that I quite like this suit vest — I think it would look great with just about anything. And I also adore this tweed vest.

Where do you stand with this trend?

Shop a selection of vests below.

Outfit details: I bought my vest and shoes in a store and I couldn’t find them online. My skirt is old by Who What Wear; this and this linen skirt are the closest that I found still in stock (limited sizes left). Shop my sunglasses here.