The long vest I showing in this post is a sort of souvenir from a trip The Husband and I took last April. One evening The Husband had enjoyed an appetizer of raw oysters and it seems there was a bad one in the bunch. He was ill most of the night and was in no condition to leave the hotel room the next day. He insisted that I just leave him to rest and recuperate and that I should go shopping or do whatever else I’d like to do. So after getting him stocked up with water and Gatorade, I amused myself at a nearby outlet mall. Lemons for him, lemonade for me.
I was only able to wear this vest once or twice back in April before the weather turned warm and I’ve been eagerly awaiting the cooler temps of Fall and Winter. I’m glad to see that sleeveless vests are still trending this season and it’s a great piece to throw on when you just need a little something extra to ward off a chill in the air. This “up down all-around” long vest was purchased at a Banana Republic Factory store.
Dressed Up For Work
Since over 40% of my weekly awake time is spent in office attire, I usually share my work look first. You’ll notice that these photos were taken indoors. My photographer (aka The Husband) and I had been talking about trying set up a “studio” in a corner of our bedroom and these are the first photos we took.
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Vest – Banana Republic Factory (similar look, option with fringe); Dress – Merona (exact); Tights – Simply Vera (similar look); Shoes – Franco Sarto (similar look, option with block heel)
This sweater dress is new and a perfect weight for climates that don’t get much below 60 in Fall and Winter. Rather than black boots (which I will wear with this outfit in the future), I opted for my light gray mary-jane style pumps. I had considered my t-strap black suede pumps but on advice from my daughter, I went with the gray. A pair of patterned tights highlight the cozy knit vibe of this outfit and a layering of two necklaces draw the eye up and down as a counter balance against the vertical stripes.
Dressed Down For Play
Obvious, these next photos were not taken in the new studio set-up. When The Husband saw the long vest paired up with a plaid shirt and cowboy boots, he said “let’s go find a pumpkin patch” so off we went looking for an appropriate setting. What we found was a community garden with corn has high as the sky.
The plaid shirt has a wrap front detail and was bought on clearance at American Eagle Outfitters a few months ago. The jeans are my old favorites from Old Navy, and the boots are Coconuts by Matisse.
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Wrap front shirt – AEO (similar look, another option); Jeans – Old Navy (same); Boots – Coconuts by Matisse (similar look, ankle boot option)
Plaid doesn’t seem to be as big this season as it was last year but that won’t stop me from wearing this soft-as-a-cotton-ball faux wrap shirt with a high/low hem. I adore the color combo and I think I can “work” it into an outfit or two suitable for the office (perhaps to be shared on Instagram in the future). The lariat that I’m wearing was my father’s and I stole it from him years ago.
Dressed For Fun
For all-around fun with this long vest, I’ve opted for a pair of tuxedo style cropped pants and a button-down blouse loaded up with a layering of necklaces a la Martha from the TV show Castle. The hula hoop is just a prop for the photos and not an accessory for the outfit.
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Tuxedo pants – Mossimo, old (option, another choice); Blouse – Mossimo, thrifted (similar look, option with a bow); Shoes – Levity, old (option, lace-up option)
There’s a mix of feminine and masculine style elements in this outfit that I think help to keep it a bit funky. The blouse has the longer cuffs that are trending and I’ve tried doing a half fold back which prevents them from looking too long and yet shows off their extra length.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link up for this week. My featured contributor from last week’s floral themed link-up is Jennie from A Pocket Full Of Polka Dots. Her floral dress has such a pretty color palette for Fall and her overall style looks so chic and comfy.
Where do you stand on the long vest? If you have one (or more), are you embracing its full potential and wearing it for all occasions? What props have you used in your photos?
Let’s connect! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, love, pin, stumble … all options are available and waiting for you. I look forward to hearing from you. And don’t forget to add a post or two to the link up.
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27 Comments
I like a vest more and more but I dont own one…..yet! But it looks like a versatile item! I love the outfit were you wear it over the dress!
You’re right, they are very versatile. I wasn’t sure about vests at first but I’m now a convert.
I love the long vest. I had one a few years ago and unfortunately gave it away. Wishing I had kept it… Your work outfit looks fantastic with the vest!
Colleen, I’m glad you like the look of a long vest. Too bad you gave yours away … maybe you should put one on your Christmas wish list?
That’s a great vest! Sorry your husband got sick, but I’m glad you were able to make use of the time…
All three outfits are great! I really like the plaid shirt, and I feel I need your striped dress! And how fun is the vest with the tuxedo pants and striped blouse!
I’ll be back on Monday to link up my new post! 🙂
Andrea, I’m looking forward to seeing you new post and thanks for the outfit love. The one with the tuxedo pants was a bit of wild hair idea but it seems to work.
Rena, I don’t own a vest myself but I must say that I like all three version of how you style it. Wearing a grey shoe was a very good advice from your daughter.
Anna, I agree on the shoe choice and I’m lucky to have my daughter around to keep in stylish ways.
Sweater dresses are the best and are perfect for this time of year.
I agree with you. Sweater dresses are fantastic and a great option at this time of the year.
I have a similar vest and I find it so versatile. I think I’ll continue to wear it whether it’s in style or not because it fills such a niche. I really love your snakeskin shoes too!
Julia
http://www.whenthegirlsrule.com
Thank you, Julia. I remember a woman that I used to work for that often wore long vests as part of her signature look and she always looked so smart and chic. I don’t see how it could or should go out of fashion.
I really like the draped black vest. My favorite way you styled it is with the tuxedo pants and charcoal heels. Beautiful plaid shirt, too.
Thank you Ada. I’m so glad you like the tuxedo pants outfit. I was quite certain about it but it did seem to turn out well.
Long vests definitely get the thumbs up from me! I have a couple and they’re great for Autumn when you might need an extra layer but don’t need a full on cardigan or jacket. And they’re ideal for both dresses and jeans as you’ve expertly shown. I see I need a hula hoop now for mine!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
I agree and I’m totally embracing the long vest and all of its versatility. As for the hula hoop, I’m always looking for props to add interest to my photos and this one was handy. Who knows what I will use next.
Rena, thank you very much for the pleasant surprise of a feature today!
Your long vest is such a fabulous and versatile piece. I enjoyed seeing each of the ways you have styled it, and especially with your striped sweater vest. Your corner studio looks like a great spot for blog photos!
Thank you Jennie and I’m glad you noticed the feature. I find it a bit of thrill when I see myself on another blog.
Love yyour outfit! Sucha great fall outfit! 🙂 The striped dress is so cute!
thank you. I’m glad you like the striped dress. Horizontal stripes can be tricky but I think that they work well with the vest.
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Love this vest! Such a versatile piece! I love how you layered it with the sweater dress!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Thank you, Ruth.
I do prefer the greyish shoes with the tights as they work better. The cardigan looks great and the style suits you. Would love if you can link up to http://the-wardrobe-stylist.com/2016/10/10/easy-diy-halloween-decorations/
Thank you and I agree that the lighter shoes work better. And of course, I’ve added my post to your link up. Thank you for reminding me.
Rena, I love love LOVE how you wore the vest in the final look. Every single element in that outfit speaks, no, sings to me. The tuxedo pants. That dandy button down. Those heels. And, yes, the hula hoop too!!! I would so love to recreate something like this, if that’s alright with you? It’s just lovely!!! In terms of props, of late, I’ve started doing away with clutches and bags, and using things like balloons and stepladders and books and stuff. Brilliant idea too, the concept of an indoor studio for when the weather simply refuses to co-operate.
And if you haven’t yet, do come over and join my weekly Friday Link-Up? I’d love to see you there.
https://sheelagoh.com/2016/10/14/style-funk-begone-a-link-up/
Thank you, Sheela. I think the look with the tuxedo pants is my favorite as well and I would be honored to see you in an outfit inspired by this look. Please let me know when you do.