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Style Debate: The Solo Waistcoat / Vest

July 7, 2011 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

J. Crew Suit Vests in Irish Linen – $69.99 (reg. $88.00)

And by “solo” that means without a jacket or matching pants.  Not like you’re just wearing the vest and you’re naked from the waist down.  As fetching as some might think they’d look… not a good play.

There’s a reason why suit jackets and blazers make someone look 10x better than a similar guy standing next to him in just a shirt and tie.  They help define your masculine shape.  Even the most well tailored shirts will wrinkle and bulge a bit at the sides.  A blazer or jacket smooths out those lines and streamlines your torso.

Alfani Linen Vest - $28

The same can be said for a waistcoat (read: vest).  Problem is wearing one without looking like you belong in a saloon sporting a handlebar mustache & sleeve garter while slingin’ rye.

Wearing one casually with dark denim, medium or even lighter brown shoes, and a decent button up shirt sans tie underneath is a real easy way to go.  Thanks to plenty of cotton and even linen blend options becoming available, you can ditch your sleeved blazer in favor of a vest even in summer.

But they can still be a tough garment to wear.  One wrong yet seemingly innocuous move (shoes with too much shine, too much hair product) and you risk looking like a wayward waiter or ring bearer.

Let the debate begin.  Are you for or against the waistcoat?  Leave your take in the comments below.
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Indochino Prince of Wales Vest - $99. Available w/ matching fabric back at no charge (advanced options)

Filed Under: Clothing Tagged With: Alfani, Indochino, J. Crew, style debate, Vest, waistcoat

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