How to Wear a Vest

The very first thing I bought myself to start off the fall season? Vests.

Vests are a great summer-into-fall look because they are so versatile. I plan on wearing my vests now with a short-sleeve tee, then switching to something long-sleeve when it cools off.

For us, the vest is more than just a fashion statement. It's also a great way to give that middle-age spread a little more coverage (an unbuttoned vest covers back fat and a wide waist.)

Here are some of the best new vests:

• Faux fur vest: The hottest vest trend of the season, the fake fur vest can be found for less than $50 at many mass market stores. I picked up a black one for just $29.50. You can pair it with menswear pants for a casual office or with jeans for the weekend. Try a fake leopard print to add in another hot trend for fall.
• Menswear vest: An unbuttoned menswear vest looks modern worn over an untucked T-shirt with jeans. Wear it over a printed blouse or striped tee for a cute, tomboyish look. Or wear a tailored vest over a belted blouse with trousers for a sophisticated office look.
• Sweater vest: The modern sweater vest is longer (below the hip) and is either loose without a closure or has a wrap or buttons. Long, open styles are enormously flattering to fuller figures because the length gives your body a strong vertical line that makes you look taller and slimmer.
• Leather vest: Skip biker styles and opt for one free of too much hardware or tough elements for the chicest look. Wear it with basically anything you'd wear a leather jacket with.

Dos and Don'ts of Wearing a Vest

If it has been a while since you've worn a vest, you may need to rethink how it's done now.

• Do: Wear it over an untucked shirt. It's OK for the hem of the shirt to peek out below the vest (works best with straight hems, not tapered shirt tail hems.) T-shirts – long  or short sleeve – are perfect under vests because they have neat, straight hems.
• Don't: Wear it buttoned up or fastened unless it's a longer (below hip-length) wrap or button-front type sweater vest.
• Do: Keep bottoms sleek since you're adding a layer up top, especially if you are wearing a bulky faux fur or sweater vest.
• Don't: Wear cutesy theme or holiday-type vests unless you want to look 10 years older.
• Do: Try belting a hip-length vest with a medium-to-thin belt if you have a slim figure.