The Vest & How to Wear It:
So, you’ve got your black hat, your slick skinny black pants, a vest, and a look that ‘works’ even though it may seem slightly unremarkable at first, or make you tilt your head to one side debating on it’s validity when walking down the street in the real world.
Either way, I liked the edge on this simple look. Plus, it’s easy to take the elements and make them your own, simply and fashionably. One thing to keep in mind: The volume on top balances with the streamlined lower half, but that’s not to say you couldn’t get a more body-conscious vest and work it back to a wide leg pant. It all depends on body type and what you know you feel good in. Not to mention, the grey and black color combination is very apropos of the crazy snow storm that just left a massive blanket (a.k.a thick down comforter) of snow along the east coast. Fashion meets jet-stream.
Runway fashion…
Translated to a quickie web shopping trip:
1. Alice + Olivia Stonewashed Ribbed Vest with Buttons- $248 (www.shopbop.com) 2. James Perse Ribbed Deep V-Neck Longsleeve Shirt- $65 (www.jamesperse.com) 3. Rich & Skinny Coated Cargo Leggings- $193 (www.boutiquetoyou.com) 4. Steve Madden “Carlsen” Boots- $69.99 (www.dillards.com) 5. Bryna Nicole Serrano Distressed Hobo- $325 (www.shopbop.com) 6. Roxy Knit Hat- $26 (www.roxy.com)
The vest above is an olive take on the patterned one from the runway. I feel like I’d live in this vest more so than use it as the fashion statement it was intended to be, and I’m O.K. with that if you are. So, cozy. The bootie is your classic suede slouchy boot with a heel that won’t have you walking like you’re on stilts. James Perse is the line I gravitated towards for the layering v-neck long-sleeve tee because those fabrics are undeniable. This is where the web works against a designer (luckily, the brand has some recognition so they’ll be just fine) because you really do have to touch and feel a James Perse shirt to understand why there’s such a loyal following.
Rich & Skinny shiny cargo leggings? Um, yes. Thank you sir may I have another. And plus, they’re a good alternative to a leather pant. I always think of that Friend’s episode with Ross, the leather pants, and the baby powder. Anyway, love the leggings and cargo details. It’s a utilitarian embellishment on something that could not be father from that overall concept. A fashion-inspired oxymoron always makes me smile. That and kittens.
There’s the hat, done and done. Thank you Roxy. And finally, and here is what I really wanted to focus on, the bag. Bryna Nicole is a name I’m keeping a close eye on right now in accessories. I’m becoming a huge fan. They did the work for you with this distressed hobo. The silhouette is super simple, but the leather treatment and color is what has this standing out to me, and also, what makes this hobo ridiculously versatile. It’s the kind of bag you can wear practically anywhere.
And there you have it. Runway, boiled down to reality in a few simple steps. It’s practically a how-to guide, but with more adjectives, fewer diagrams, and more fun.
*Runway image provided by www.style.com
That’s just me playing with one vest-filled runway look. There’s more outerwear to be played with. See how to wear more vest and outerwear favorites.
