A Vested Interest: Best of the Vest

Stop with the pocket protector stereotypes and three-piece-suit thoughts.  Womens vests are perhaps the single most over-looked, underrated wardrobe item around.  Besides the fact that it equals instantaneous cool factor, it also happens to be one of the hottest trends for fall.  And don’t pigeon-hole this trend into one stiff, tailored version, either.  Designers have remixed the old classic several ways, and still maintained the timeless quality it exudes. 

Get hood with the Thug Sleeveless Zip Up Hooded Sweatshirt Vest from Love YaYa.  It puts the hip back in your hop, whether you’re at the gym or headed to a casual movie rendezvous.  It’s a good thing the Hip Vest from Young Fabulous & Broke is extra long because it’s something you definitely won’t be able to get enough of—super-soft slubbed jersey with seven buttons (must be lucky) and patch pockets in the front make a great casual piece that quickly becomes a favorite. And if you are what you wear, you’ll preserve the young and fabulous factor while hopefully minimizing the broke aspect, seeing as you can wear this thing with just about anything. 

YA-YA’s Pagoda Vest is an effortless take on the chic knit variety that designers are playing with this season.  It’s elegant drape in front elongates you, and the short backline keeps it from swallowing you up in too much material.  From the line who introduced the term “cocktail shorts”, we bring you the sexiest little vest on the block.  Johnson’s Suit Vest in Pigeon is anything but ordinary, thanks to the expert tailoring and sharp lines; black and gold buttons are vintage-inspired, and a floral silk lining offsets the menswear-influenced piece just perfectly.  It’s almost too obvious to say, but pair this with a pair of short black shorts and you are sure to be a showstopper. 

Karen Zambos cuts away all the extras and keeps it short and sweet with her Cropped Vest in Charcoal Grey.  Proving less is more, this little guy makes an average black tank and jeans the new It outfit.  If you’re more bohemian than wallstreet, Identity makes sure you don’t lose yours with their Suede Vest.  Round, pleated pockets and suede fabrication add a hippie-chic element, and thrown over a white button-down, they might mistake you for Sienna.  And with a style statement that mimics Miss Factory Girl herself, you’re sure to win Vest in Show.