Long sidelined as the least lovable part of a three-piece suit, the vest is emerging as a solo star. Be thankful that style arbiters have put their stamp of approval on something truly wearable (unlike, say, formal shorts) and memorise the following guidelines:

• Modesty: It’s a vest, not a tank top. You can layer it over a short sleeved tee or a printed shirt (if your aim is to look casual) or a starched button-down shirt and a tie (if your goal is polish).
• Fit: Baggy, unbuttoned vests were abolished in the late eighties. Rather than channel Corey Haim, make sure yours is snug but doesn’t fit so tight that you can’t button it.
• Subtlety: The vest makes a statement on its own – it doesn’t need loud prints. Stick with something low-key like a gray, black or dark plaid wool.

So with summer here in Australia, vests can add style without necessitating a full jacket; for those facing the cool winter, the vest can give warmth as well. Either way, you’re on a winner.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 20th, 2006 at 2:13 pm and is filed under style, suits. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.