Back in the day, vests were more Steve Urkel territory than anything you’d associate with stars as stylish such as Sienna Miller, Rachel Zoe, or Kate Moss, but times have changed and vests are now well on their way to being a closet staple as vital as a blazer. The wonderful thing about vests is that they can easily change the mood of an outfit: wear a solid one to dress down a dress, wear an embellished one to dress up casual separates, or give a preppy look a “downtown feel” by working in a contrasting of-the-moment color or fabric (which for Summer 2011 would be denim or a bold hue). Plus, just like blazers, vests come in a slew of shapes and styles – tight and fitted, long and flowy, double breasted, boyfriend-inspired – but they’re significantly more sweat-friendly on a warm summer’s day than your typical blazer.
Here are two ways to wear vests, now.
for daytime:
1. National Jean Co. Siwy Denim Liela, $205; 2. Paul & Joe Sister Oree Floral-Print Cotton Mini Dress, $182. 50 (down from $365); 3. Chloe Marcie New Leather Messenger Bag, $1,395; 4. Oliver Peoples Guiselle Sunglasses, $234 (down from $390)
for evening:
1. Isabel Marant Reeves Sequined Silk Vest, $412.50 (down from $825) ; 2. Lanston French Terry Slub Maxi Dress, $110; 3. Alexander McQueen Thick-Platform Pump, $479 (down from $715); 4. Felix Rey Ava Small Sequined Pouch Clutch, $80
