How to wear a vest and not give waitress vibes
Did you buy a vest, but just can’t figure out how to style it without looking like a waitress? Yeah, me too. I bought a black waistcoat from Zara last summer and only wore it once, with a pleated mini skirt and chunky sneakers; but every time I tried to style it with trousers, it never felt quite right.
Fast forward to now: spring has arrived, and with warmer days on the horizon we must figure out how to style those vests! For both our sakes–we’re in this together, dear reader–I have been researching, moodboarding, and observing… and I think I finally figured it out. Here are six tips on how not to give waitress vibes when wearing your tailored vests.
But first, a general word of advice…
I think this general rule applies to all the six tips I’m about to share: in order for your vest to work, you need to take it as far away from business casual as possible. NO business, ALL casual. Got it? Great. Let’s dive in.
1. Choose a casual fabric
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If you haven’t bought your fated vest yet, this is for you: rather than the classic navy or black cotton, go for a more casual and unusual material: denim, leather, linen, etc.
Mango
Denim Vest in Ecru at Nordstrom, Size X-Small Beige
$69.99
Nordstrom
-43%
SOEUR
Estonie vest - women - Cotton - 36 - Blue
$139.00
$244.00
FARFETCH
For the ultimate effortless look, wear your vest with nothing underneath–except maybe a bra or a bandeau top–. If sleeveless isn’t your vibe, a baggy white t-shirt works too!
If you’re in the market for a two-piece suit, I would suggest going for a fun, casual colour: any shade of pink, bottle green, even cream or off-white. Avoiding classic “office” colours like black, navy, or grey will help you feel less stuffy.
-20%
Frankie Shop
Gelso high-rise wide-leg pants Beige
$160.00
$200.00
Mytheresa
Frankie Shop
Gelso oversized blazer Gray
$515.00
Mytheresa
Frankie Shop
Gelso high-rise wide-leg pants Gray
$235.00
Mytheresa
Frankie Shop
Gelso high-rise wide-leg pants Black
$235.00
Mytheresa
4. Trousers: dos and don'ts
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Since “chill and effortless” is our goal here, it might be a good idea to pair your vest with the chillest trousers of all: jeans. Any colour vest will work great with medium wash, dark wash, and even black denims. This, of course, doesn’t mean you necessarily have to stay away from slacks! I have found that slacks work best when in contrast with your vest: so, say, a dark vest with light slacks, or vice versa.
Mother
The Half-Pipe Ankle Jeans
$103.00
Bergdorf Goodman
AllSaints
Haldan Slim Bootcut Stretch Denim Jeans Blue
$219.00
AllSaints
Taking the time to reflect on proportions will most definitely help you feel cool in your vest. Pair cropped, fitted, or skin-tight vests with baggy trousers, and oversized vests with shorts or mini skirts. Amy Smilovic, founder and creative director of Tibi, always stresses the importance of balancing “big/slim/skin” in an outfit. Words to live by!
Hunter
Marisol Waterproof Faux Shearling Cuff Bootie in Black at Nordstrom Rack, Size 10
$104.97
Nordstrom Rack
I have found that, when styling a vest, your choice of shoes and accessories has the power to make or break your outfit. As we were saying before, our goal is to stay away from business casual as much as possible, and our accessories should reflect that.
As for the shoes, a pair of flat sandals or dad sneakers will do the trick. When picking your handbag for the day, go for a slouchy pouch, a tote bag, or a chill shoulder bag.
Remember, NO business, ALL casual!
-30%
Tory Burch
Small Ella Recycled Nylon Tote in Powder Blue at Nordstrom
$168.00
$240.00
Nordstrom
-40%
Marc Jacobs
The Nano Charm Tote Leather Crossbody Bag in Black at Nordstrom
$90.00
$150.00
Nordstrom
-71%
Mario Valentino
Valentino By Mario Valentino Mia Signature Leather Crossbody Black
$198.00
$675.00
Rue La La
Marc Jacobs
The Large Canvas Tote Bag Beige
$195.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-30%
Staud
Mini Naomi Suede Satchel in Tan at Nordstrom Brown
$315.00
$450.00
Nordstrom
-43%
Versace
Handbags Green
$528.00
$925.00
Yoox.com
And there you have it! Now go dust off your waistcoat, follow these tips, and show them how it’s done!
-20%
Ami
open-front wool waistcoat - women - Cotton/Virgin Wool/Polyester - 38 - Black
$512.00
$640.00
FARFETCH
Christophe Lemaire
Taupe wool blend waistcoat Brown
$419.66
TheDoubleF
Tagliatore
Giselle waistcoat - women - Fabric - 42 - Black
$360.00
FARFETCH
-70%
Roberto Collina
Light blue cashmere blend waistcoat
$75.54
$251.80
TheDoubleF
-40%
BA&SH
panelled denim waistcoat - women - Cotton/Polyester/Cotton - S - Grey Black
$157.00
$260.00
FARFETCH
-75%
Patou
Black zipped waistcoat
$104.92
$419.66
TheDoubleF
-43%
Polo Ralph Lauren
corduroy button-up waistcoat - women - Cotton - 10 - Brown
$336.00
$589.00
FARFETCH
