Men’s fashion has been a source of inspiration for women, especially in a world with fewer and fewer boundaries. Think of the traditional three-piece suit—blazer, button-down shirt, and vest. It has been an emblem of elegance for men for decades. Today women are owning this fashion-forward trend. Women have reinvented the style with different textures and appliques including feathers, sequins, and embroidery. This season, much to the delight of fashion purists, the vest has returned to its roots. The masculine-cut vest, with its simple design and fitted look, is now a jewel in women’s fashion. It’s not only adding a classic touch to women’s outfits, it’s also yet another symbol of female empowerment.
Masculine for a dash of glam
The traditional men’s tailcoat is reemerging in formal fashion. This design from the Alexandre Vauthier fashion show affords it the gravitas it deserves in the spring-summer 2020 season.
Classic vests are the perfect piece for putting out a message of strength, while also demonstrating the unity women have created over the last few years. A masculine look is now seen as the perfect option to adapt with a fabulous pair of stilettos and makeup.
Hippie chic
Though somewhat less elegant, this vest by Celine puts out the same message. The brand put en vogue garments like mom jeans in its fashion show as a throwback to the 1970s while adding a chic spin.
Baggy, yet classic
All trends inspired by the past get modified along the way, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less stylish. Sacai presented a look that caught everyone’s eye: a classic-cut black vest with a contemporary twist; it was oversized. Its essence was not lost, but this design is perfect for that relaxed, sophisticated look we’re all going for. The best thing about it is that a piece like this one works perfectly both on its own and with a t-shirt underneath.
For layers-lovers
Wearing layers is one of the fashion trendsetter’s most cunning tricks.
Bella Hadid
knows that a vest is the perfect piece to create this effect, so she combined it with a monochromatic look in the caramel color that is so in this season.
Masculine and feminine at the same time
Blake Lively
is a bona fide stylish woman, and if she has been wearing vests this season, then you should really have one in your closet. In this look, she chose the perfect combination to accentuate her figure with this classic piece and several other menswear-inspired details all while staying incredibly glamorous. High-waisted wide leg pants were the best choice to wear with this vest fitted at the waist. This combo will elongate your legs, even more so if you add in a pair of high heels.
Another version in a total look
Single-colored suit looks are undoubtedly a great option when you want to quickly and elegantly look your best.
Irina Shayk
is proof of this. A good vest doesn’t just hug your waist and highlight your curves, it’s also perfect for adding the finishing touch to that already trendy blazer and pants set. The best thing about total looks like this one is that they can be replicated in any color. Be adventurous and give colors like red, pink, or teal a try!
A tad sexy
Vests are also being worn as street style. Although you can certainly wear something underneath them, you can also wear them on their own and dare to play with materials like leather—super on-trend this season—to give the piece even more limelight.
If you’re a romantic at heart
Poet sleeves are hallmarks of romanticism and femininity, but no one ever said it was a sin to add a touch of masculinity to a romantic, feminine look by incorporating a classic vest; all the better if it’s done to create the perfect combination for an empowered look.
Basic yet stylish
Basic doesn’t necessarily mean boring. Sometimes playing with details and textures such as leather can make a classic look with jeans, a white shirt, and a jacket—also made of leather—a bit more daring.
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