How to Style a Fitted Waistcoat (Vest) in the Summer

Not Dressed As Lamb: Vest/waistcoat with loose blue trousers, yellow tote
I know this season is all about the long waistcoat (or vest, depending which side of the pond you’re on), but I’ve had this short, fitted waistcoat for years and I’m glad I kept it as a wardrobe staple.

I’ve been meaning to wear it layered with a vest top (now this is getting confusing) or tank for the past couple of summers but totally forgot till this week. I love the silhouette it creates.

The contrast of the fitted top half and the baggy-trousered bottom half is why I think this outfit works. I think these have to be my best trousers for the summer: Great colour, cool cotton, easy fit, go with just about anything. In fact, there are quite a few pieces in this outfit I’ve not worn in a while. As well as the waistcoat, the yellow bag and black and white chunky platform sandals haven’t seen the light of day since last summer. The heels aren’t as uncomfortable as they may seem… They’re actually quite comfy!

The hairdo was one of those ones you didn’t intend to get so spot-on. It was a quick grab-it-and-tie-it-up jobs as we were dashing out the door – I didn’t even check the back in a mirror but it was such a pretty low, loose bun in the end. There’s no way I’d ever be able to recreate it… Isn’t it annoying when that happens?

Do unintentionally great styles happen to you with your hair? And how do you feel about wearing waistcoats/vests… Do you prefer long or short? Do share in the comments!

Not Dressed As Lamb: Vest/waistcoat with loose blue trousers, yellow toteNot Dressed As Lamb: Vest/waistcoat with loose blue trousers, yellow tote
Not Dressed As Lamb: Vest/waistcoat with loose blue trousers, yellow tote
Not Dressed As Lamb: Loose blue trousers, black/white strappy sandals, yellow tote
Waistcoat: Old, unknown | Trousers: Asos | Sandals: Debenhams | Bag: c/o Yes Walker | Earrings: New Look | Watch: River Island

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26 Comments

  1. 16 July 2015 / 5:00 pm

    Love your hair up!! I need to do this for the summer too! it is tricky to do. Lovely!! I am a fan of this look, the vest is so smart, love how it shows your figure and adds a special touch!

    Thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • 17 July 2015 / 10:29 pm

      Aww thank you Jess… it certainly helps having your hair up in the summer – I always get such a hot neck 😉 Thank you my lovely x

  2. 12 July 2015 / 6:32 pm

    The only time something great happens to my hair is when I am at the hairdresser. Or indeed just because my hair feels like it. I swear, it leads a life of its own.

    Love the bag and the sandals.
    Greetje

    • 17 July 2015 / 10:25 pm

      Haha oh no, Greetje…! But it does always look pretty fabulous…! thanks sweetie x

  3. 11 July 2015 / 8:46 pm

    Love this combo chick, I have a similar waistcoat I've had for years. I dig it out every now and then
    Lauren
    livinginaboxx | bloglovin

    • 17 July 2015 / 10:24 pm

      Mine's years old too, Lauren! They're always the best ;)) thanks hun x

  4. 9 July 2015 / 12:46 pm

    Every possible hairstyle that looks good on me was unintentional. If I try, I fail!
    Totally love the waistcoat, I'd never be able to pull it off and look so damn stylish as you do! Love the color mix too!
    And btw, where the heck is Silver Londoner? Haven't seen him in a while!

    • 9 July 2015 / 10:05 pm

      Haha trust you, Keit! Though your hair always looks slick and glossy…!! Thank you sweetie :))

      I'm afraid the Silver Londoner didn't find blogging to be his thing, it was starting to get to be a bit of a drag for him. But he's considering micro-blogging on Instagram so he might get into that instead…!! x

  5. 9 July 2015 / 11:45 am

    I love this outfit, Catherine. It has great attitude!

    • 9 July 2015 / 10:02 pm

      That's a great compliment, Mary – thanks so much!! x

  6. 9 July 2015 / 5:59 am

    I have a dark vest that's similar cut and rarely wear it. I love how the pants balances out the fitted vest.

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Would love for you to stop by & join TBT Fashion link up.

    • 9 July 2015 / 10:02 pm

      I hardly wear this one, Alice! As I mentioned in the post I've been meaning to wear it like this for ages but just kept forgetting. Plus you have to wait ages here in the UK for the weather to be warm enough ;)) Thank you sweetie x

  7. 9 July 2015 / 4:34 am

    Your outfit is cool and efortlesly stylish, as always. They yellow bag add such a delicious colour pop

  8. 8 July 2015 / 10:46 pm

    Ha, it's like magic when your hairs gets spot on in a messy way 🙂

    Corinne x

    • 9 July 2015 / 9:59 pm

      It definitely is magic, Corinne – but also makes me wish I could do it when I'm planning on an up do! It never works then!!

  9. 8 July 2015 / 6:34 pm

    Love that yellow bag ……adds the WOW touch that turns heads.
    Dorrie
    Senior Style Bible

    • 9 July 2015 / 9:58 pm

      It was definitely my "third piece", Dorrie – I felt the outfit needed something and I'm so glad I went for a bright pop of colour! Thank you xo

  10. 8 July 2015 / 5:54 pm

    Love this outfit, the colour of the waistcoat is great. I have two new long ones, black and white which I love as they cover my bum in trousers. I have a short one in khaki/olive which I wear with either baggy trousers or a denim skirt , I love the extra layer for our English summers.

    • 9 July 2015 / 9:57 pm

      I have to admit I haven't bought a long waistcoat, Georgina – I've bought line-line blazers but I think waistcoats will do the same job for the summer… that must change!! Thank you hun xx

  11. 8 July 2015 / 4:42 pm

    Gorgeous outfit and the yellow bag is perfection. Lorraine x

    • 9 July 2015 / 9:56 pm

      Lorraine thank you! The bag was a forgotten (and hidden) yellow gem under all my other bags I must admit 😉

  12. 8 July 2015 / 3:04 pm

    I love vests—I think they are a perfect topper especially for the workplace in the summer months!!! jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
    ps…love the yellow bag with the outfit!!!

    • 9 July 2015 / 9:55 pm

      Thank you Jodie!! Yes I think if I were working in an office still I'd be wearing it there in the summer x

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