A while ago I wrote about how to wear a long vest and how I believe it is a great addition to your wardrobe. They are great layering pieces that create interesting (long) lines. I fell in love with this asymmetrical long vest from Stella Carakasi.
It is a very versatile garment that you can wear many ways. I wore mine mainly indoors as it was just too cold for just this vest outside and you would need a big long coat to layer over this to keep warm. Still, it could work outdoors too if you added some thicker sweaters underneath.
Although I have never really been a pastel girl, I just loved wearing those soft colors with white.
I like the vest with my faux leather skirt too.
When it’s not too cold, you can always use your trusted blanket scarf to keep you warm!
Long vests also look really nice with a dress. When you keep everything underneath in the same color it creates a nice column of color which creates a long and lean look.
Update: I wore this vest in a belted way in The Netherlands, which turned out to be one of my favorite ways to wear the vest. I also have a summer version of this vest.
Your Challenge!
Wear an outfit that features a sleeveless or other long vest. Be creative with layers and create a great silhouette or long lean line! You may like to play with a column of color too. Try to create 2 unique looks.
Want to show me and all the other women in our community your looks? Upload them to the private Facebook forum (style course members only), the 40+Style Facebook page or add a link to your photo in the comments below. If you managed to assemble your own capsule wardrobe, I’d love to see images of that also.
Below are just some of the submitted looks from the previous week.
Skinnies and a top
Pants and blouse / jacket
Cape or poncho
Outfit Details:
White asymmetrical shirt: c/o Stella Carakasi
Cream skinnies: Zara (old)
Faux leather skirt: Zara
Pink sweater: c/o Stella Carakasi
Blanket scarf: Zara
Silk scarf: present from Suzanne Carillo
Jewelry: a/o Suzanne Carillo and Jewelry to your Doorstep
Grey sleevesless long vest: c/o Stella Carakasi
Dress: Porto c/o GetDressed2
Gray asymmetrical T-shirt: c/o Stella Carakasi
Cashmere blue poncho: c/o Black.co.uk
Leggings (worn as tights): Uniqlo
Shoes: Laura Bellariva
Do you like the long (sleeveless) vest? How will you wear it?
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You may guess that I love this look:) I have a similar vest and attached are links to two outfits I have worn with it. Neither have excited me enough to repeat but I adore the vest and expect to come up with it’s perfect outfit soon:) I definitely prefer it paired with white.
http://stylishmurmurs.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/as-alternative-to-all-black-outfit-i.html
http://stylishmurmurs.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/grey.html
Sylvia your outfits here are stunning. xxx
Hi Deborah. Those are great outfits too. I agree that pairing with white looks nicer. You may want to try a complete white or cream base or play with other pastels? So many possibilities for that wonderful vest!
I love how you look in these photos and what a beautiful style that vest/wastecoat is.
Your hair is amazing and I think this is the nicest length Ive seen for you, although I know it must be very tempting to have it cut short sometimes.
Im wondering, do you think certain body shapes are more suited to certain style types. For example if you have a straight body, pencil skirts and structured styles might be best, falling into the category of ‘Classic’. But if you are a triangle /’A’ line and suit more flaired skirt styles, would you be better suited to ‘Bohemian’ styles.
In other words, does your body shape determine your best style type. I’d love to know what you think.
Indeed it’s very tempting to cut it. I don’t always want that hair bothering me and often have it in a ponytail now.
Difficult question Aileen. I could say no as I think your innate style relates very much to your personality. Even if a-line skirts are better for you, you can still wear those in a very clean, strict way.
Thanks Sylvia it’s made me really look now at shapes and styles of clothes and the same with people.
OMG this is like the most wonderful monochrome ever. Style award goes to you. And I love your haircut:) Will be watching for more challenges to come. 🙂 xo Sabina @Oceanblue Style
Thanks Sabina!
Sylvia, this must be one of my favourite vests lately. I’m not much of a pastel girl either, but I could make an exception here. You have styled this with such diversity. I especially like the asymmetrical hemline of your neutral leather skirt as it plays with the hemline of the vest. And both pastels together look rich. Visually so interesting!
Oh thank you Melanie. How lovely to read your nice comment!
what a versatile piece and just coming out of some polar vortex it looks very appealing, I am coveting your boots by the way. Love all the ways you styled it in the first group of photos with all the grey tones in your accessories.
Accidental Icon
http://www.accidentalicon.com
Thanks. Yes my booties are such a winner. I wore them with ALL my outfits and loved them every time…
I don’t like vests or cardigans on me, but I really like this one. Great piece.
Mind you …. I would get cold arms.
And you can layer away with your skirt, but your legs are going to be cold. Or would you put a legging underneath it in our cold country?
Interesting that you don’t like vests… You should try this one on when I’m in The Netherlands. Perhaps wear it one day to work!
Yes, I wear the skirt with tight of course, the thickest I can found. Or leggings if I can find the right color (which I could not). But I wore the skirt the least of all the pieces as, indeed, I found the pants warmer and more comfortable.
Then again, I bought the skirt for Singapore too and I have worn it several times already.
The long vest helps everything look longer which is always a good idea. I recently blogged about a long sweater, long flares, heels and a small purse with a long strap. All these things put together make for a very long, flattering look.
I agree Margaret!
This is so your style, Sylvia! A unique piece and it really suits you well.
My favourite is the monochrome look which makes it so sophisticated!
Annette | Lady of Style
Thanks Annette. Yes definitely my style!
What a beautiful piece! I loved every combination, you look elegant, stylish, fun and unique, Sylvia!
Thanks Natalia!
I love this long vest. I’m going looking for one right now and put it on my Santa (hubby) list! I have given up hoping hubby will read my mind about Christmas gifts. lol.
Great idea Ellen!
That vest is a very unique wonderful piece. You’ve styled it very well. I especially like it styled monochromatically, which is odd since normally I like colour.
I have one leather jacket that has zip-off sleeves so it turns into a long vest but I have found it challenging to style. My arms are one of the fastest things to get cold on me, next to my hands and feet so I find I miss those sleeves a bit too much.
bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
And your necklace goes perfect with it 🙂
I really like the versatility of your vest Sylvia. It looks such a fun item. I have a sleeveless knitted cardigan in pale Greg but it looks very boring in comparison.
Thanks Lorraine. Yes it’s a fun piece but a normal straight cardigan is great to wear too!