Summery waistcoat try ons

I'm in Vancouver for a medical appointment and when I finished at the doctor's I stopped in at Zara for some try-ons. Thought I'd show you! I did not purchase anything but am debating on the first set. 

Outfit 1-6 is a short vest, pants co-ord in very lightweight linen-cotton. The quality is actually quite nice! The fabric is thin but not see through and very comfortable. Vest is cotton lined. Pants have a really cool shape -- sort of a tuck at the bottom, a bit like Janet's Nili Lotan's...but these are drapier. They are a bit long on me with my flattest shoes but would work with my higher sneakers and sandals. Zara calls them mid-rise but on me they were ultra high rise! 

The vest would need at least a tank under it for me to feel comfy in it because the armholes are just a bit low (I think). I could also wear it with a shirt underneath or a tee. I just tried it with the top I happened to be wearing as my first option.

Thoughts? It's very comfy. Definitely a summer item. Items could be mixed and matched. The vest worked with my Dries pants, which I was wearing -- but I forgot to snap a pic. 

The next set was great in theory -- not so much in real life. Vest is fitted but the body is too long for me (same problem Janet often has) and darts are in the wrong place. You can see from photo 8. It could be adjusted but the quality of the item is not worth it in my opinion -- the fabric is a bit scratchy, there were a lot of loose threads, there was a colour imperfection on the front of this vest, and I didn't like the pants as much as the other pair, either.

Also, OMG those little buttons!! SO cute but such a hassle to do up and undo every time!! It's a woven item so you can't just pull it on!

But I do like the idea of a high necked vest and/or a fitted vest so might keep experimenting with that. 

Open to your thoughts! 

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32 Comments

  • Angie replied 7 months ago

    How fun, Suz! Thanks for 

    LOVE the first pinstriped set! Fab boxy fit that works well for you up top. And stinking cute pants!!! Yes to wearing them with a higher heel to bring out the fab pleated detailing on the bottoms. 

    LOVE it with a tee. Great worn as a top too.

    I think it has your name on it :) 

  • Suz replied 7 months ago

    Thanks, Angie! I think I'll order them to try when I get home from this trip. Your post came at an opportune moment! 

  • Jenni NZ replied 7 months ago

    I like the first set better also. The pants not quite as much as the waistcoat but partly because they are too long in these pics, with different shoes they might fall differently. Fussy clothing items like those with lots of buttons tend to get worn less in my wardrobe because of the hassle :)

  • Janet replied 7 months ago

    Love! That first set is particularly great — the pinstripe is a nice detail, and I think it looks fab on its own with no shirt underneath.

    The style of that second vest is really fun. It’s so cute on you, but if it’s not worth the alterations it’s smart to let it pass.

  • Star (Lise) replied 7 months ago

    Exactly what JANET said.

  • Sal replied 7 months ago

    Set one is awesome - love it.

    Set two has potential - if you wanted a second one a different but similar one could work. I do like the silhouette on you.

  • Mirjana replied 7 months ago

    I agree with others. The first set is more versatile, perfect on you. I also need a T- shirt to feel comfortable. So, I understand you. The secon one is really beautiful too. You made me smile about small buttons, the same problem with me, now almost all items have small buttons, I don't y maybe it's a tend, LOL.

  • Brooklyn replied 7 months ago

    I love the first vest. Especially the unusual tie detail. The pants look good too but I would want to have them shortened because they look cool with flat shoes. Is that possible?

  • Staysfit replied 7 months ago

    Pinstripe looks amazing!  Love it for you!  

  • JAileen replied 7 months ago

    The first outfit looks so good on you!  I would want to wear a top underneath, too.  I can see the second one isn’t that great, and that’s too bad.  I really like the look of these vests, but it’s too hot here. 

  • Suz replied 7 months ago

    Thanks, all. Good insights and input! 

    Brooklyn, I'm not sure if the pants can be shortened. It's possible. I'm going to order them to see. I was planning to wear them with flatforms (just a sneaker or oxford with a higher sole -- the ones I was wearing were my very thinnest soled shoes). So they might work with those...or might not. I think the way they are made, the tuck is replicable, but not sure my seamstress would understand the effect that is wanted there. She's great on fairly basic stuff but doesn't always follow the trends, LOL. 

    Anyway...I'll order them and deliberate some more at home. 

  • Karie replied 7 months ago

    The pinstripe set looks fantastic, that’s a definite yes! The second set needs too much altering.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 7 months ago

    I really like the pinstripe outfit on you! I also love the idea of the second vest for you— the denim fabric snd the style. Now to find something like it that fits well!

  • Jaime replied 7 months ago

    Joining the fandom for the first set on you. Excellent combination of interesting vest with dramatic pants! This look suits you to a t :) .

  • Dee replied 7 months ago

    I agree too, first set looks fab, love a pinstripe, and its linen/ cotton too. I suspect that it should look great with your higher footwear. Too bad about set 2, much too fussy with those buttons

  • Carla replied 7 months ago

    I hope the whole pinstripe combo works out for you.  Vests seem to have all the integrity of a jacket, without the formality.  Cheeky and fun!

  • Joyce B replied 7 months ago

    Those are all great but the first is my favorite on you.

  • Suz replied 7 months ago

    Thanks, all. Carla, that's my feeling exactly about waiscoats/ vests -- they add a bit of polish but also can add attitude. I wore them a lot in the 90s and should reprise this. 

    I'll keep you all posted when I get the order and will test out the pants. They are so lightweight they would be wonderful in very hot weather when you still want coverage. 

  • kkards replied 7 months ago

    The pinstripe! 

  • Bijou replied 7 months ago

    More love for the pinstripe suit - so cool and a bit dressy without being impractical.

  • kinnick replied 7 months ago

    Maybe you aren’t supposed to say anything if you don’t love something so let me know if that is the case.  This pinestripe suit style is quite blocky in the waist (the straight line on the vest) and very wide legs.  You have a great figure and can certainly carry it off but I have seen more figure flattering looks on you (which may not be a priority).  I see from the model photo that they are showing some skin at the waist and I think that helps with the blockiness.   I agree that the other outfit doesn’t fit right.  


    I think we have a similar body type (petite with short waist, high hips, and average length legs). I have really struggled with finding a vest that  works for me.  I buy them but never wear them because they just don’t look or feel right.   I think your strategy of a matched set is the way to go  

  • Suz replied 7 months ago

    kinnick, absolutely it is great to express your honest opinion! Thank you so much -- I appreciate your comments. And I do see what you see too, in the photos -- the look is quite blocky -- but I suspect I'm less worried about that. 

    I've never minded sacrificing the waist sometimes and wouldn't be going for a strongly waist defining look here. And also, I haven't really styled it as I might wear it. I think the real proof will be when I get this delivered to my home and try it with tops that might work better...try it open as well as closed....see if the pants length can work for me or not, etc. In other words, I have not yet committed to this set! But think it has potential. 

    We must indeed have a similar body tpe, except I don't have a high hip because I have a long rise (to go with my short waist, LOL? -- making my torso overall about average length for my height and ditto my legs. Anyway, you are right that the matching set is helpful because it creates a long line. Having said that, I wear vests easily land comfortably whether they are in a matching set or not! Whether that's because I don't have the high hip issue, because I do tend to wear them in a similar tone to my bottoms (even if they are not a matching set), or just because I love them and don't care so much about figure flattery I am not sure! A few of my vest and gilet outfits....

    1. Long coat gilet. Obviously, the proportion issues are very different with one like this! :) 

    2-3 Hip length vest in a 2 piece look. Worn open or closed. It can also be worn as a top (with no top underneath). This one has princess lines, so it indicates a waist whether it is open or closed. Very different from a boxy look vest like the one I am currently considering. Maybe you'd prefer one like that? 

    4-5  Short knitted waiscoat. This again might be a solution for you if you prefer to suggest a waist. Because it is knitted, it hugs the body more. I don't tend to wear this one open at all -- it just flops around in a less than attractive way because as a knit, it needs the body's structure. 

  • Lisa replied 7 months ago

    You wear vests very well. The pinstripe is lovely on you! It looks fab paired with the white tee as well as on it's own.

  • Mary Beth (formerly LBD) replied 7 months ago

    Suz, I think you really rock the vest and pants look!  I loved both looks.   It's a shame that the second set was scratchy.  

    I'm short and busty, so I find I always have to wear something underneath, but actually, I think the layering gives the look more interest.  

    I really love the outfits you put together in your at-home pictures.   Is that the Rag & Bone gilet from some years back?   I still sigh over how good that gilet is.   Cool and timeless.

  • Janet replied 7 months ago

    Suz, I was in the mall yesterday with a half hour to kill (waiting for Apple Store appointment) and looked at the vests in Zara. The fitted one you tried was there and I tried it on but found it too fitted and kind of scratchy, so I think you chose wisely.

    I did try this one, however, and it’s really good! Nicely lined and quite good quality for the source. I’m not sure I need it, but it came home with me for a try-on styling session.

  • Suz replied 7 months ago

    Janet, is that the asymmetrical one! I really like that one. I did not order it because I was hoping to wear as a top and I think it's poly? (But you might have a different one there). I've ordered a bunch to try. And yes-- that second vest I tried was super fitted and too long in the shoulder to waist area for me, not to mention scratchy! And fiddly with the buttons....I still love the look, though, so might see if they offer another similar version....

    Mary Beth, thank you. It is tough to wear one of these fitted buttoned vests if you are short and busty, for sure! I'm short and not busty but I was too busty for the second one, LOL. And yes, that first photo is the Rag and Bone coat vest. I still love that piece. I wear it about 2 or 3 times a year and ever wearing is worth it! 

  • Helena replied 7 months ago

    Suz I love the first set with the vest worn as a top ... very chic!

  • Irina replied 7 months ago

    I like the pinstriped vest so much that I went to Zara! :)
    I tried it but on me it’s also too deep v neck. The armholes are too big. 

    I don’t like wearing camisoles under low cut tops so I left without it. 
    I’m looking for a sleeveless top or a vest and I bought a black top from a set but still unsure.  

  • Suz replied 7 months ago

    Wow, Irina, the armholes on that one look really deep! But it would be very cool on you. Maybe IRL it fits differently? 

  • Irina replied 7 months ago

    Suz, I liked the look and thought I can wear it with a black bralette. But no, the fit is off on me. Will return it. 

  • Suz replied 7 months ago

    SOB!! Too bad it did not work -- I can totally see you in this! UGH. 

    But stay tuned....I have an idea if being short waisted is part of the issue. Will raise it when I show my full Zara order tomorrow or so. 

  • Janet replied 7 months ago

    Suz, yes, that’s the asymmetrical one:

    https://www.zara.com/share/zw-.....cial_movil

    Available in navy and white too! Hmm. I need a L in these, which means the armholes are sometimes too deep, but this one is not bad — I could wear it over just a bra and have adequate coverage. It is polyester and nicely lined.

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