Life lately…
Yes, I’m going to say it…can you believe Thanksgiving is next week in the US? I am sitting here looking at all my pumpkins and wondering if I could just put little Santa hats on them and call it Christmas. What do you think? If you’ve been around, you know I’ve been having problems with my right knee. Well, I went to the doctor and discovered I don’t necessarily have big problems in my knees, but, boy howdy, do I have problems in my lower back. I start physical therapy next week to help with that. Nigel is walking a bit more with his cane. But, he’s always worried about falling. It’s a tough one, my friends. Today, though, is the third Thursday of the month which means it’s time for another Ageless Style challenge. This month, Jodie chose “Vests.” Last month, Joanne selected “Favorite Skirts” looks. In the past we have worn “Favorite Skirts,” “Colors of Fall,” “Back to School,” and many other ideas. If you’re curious, you can find some of my looks here, here, here and here. Next month’s prompt is “The Oldest Thing in Your Closet!” if you’d like to join us! Please do visit the other hostesses of the link party (oh, yes, there’s a link party) at their various sites!
Waistcoats or vests…
Now, if you’re like me, you might think a vest is the same as a waistcoat. And, just like me, you’d be wrong, technically! To put it easily, a vest is a less formal version of a waistcoat (pronounced “wes-kət”). There are rules, too! But, let’s dig just a tiny bit deeper. By definition, both a vest and waistcoat are garments that cover the upper part of the body and shoulders. As well as being sleeveless, they usually button.
Tip: Always leave the last button unfastened.
Waistcoats…
Waistcoats come to us from European men’s wardrobes of the early 17th century. They are now part of formal menswear. The waistcoat first appeared during the reign of Kint Charles II of England. It was part of proper dress after the restoration of the British monarchy in 1660. Of course, the waistcoat changed over the years. It got longer then shorter, the fabric and design also changed, but it was still considered formal dress. Waistcoats are usually made from sumptuous fabrics like wool, silk, or brocade. They almost always have a row of buttons and are either single- or double-breasted. The back of a waistcoat is almost always a different material like silk or satin. An adjustable strap assures a tight to the body fit. While most consider the waistcoat part of formal attire, more and more people are wearing them with jeans or chinos for that chic but casual look. Since they are considered formal attire, the suitcoat is not to be removed. That’s another one of those rules! The suit coat should always cover the waistcoat. I’m not 100% sure what that means, though. Because if it’s 100% covered, you wouldn’t see it, and I wonder why even bother, right? The waistcoat is form fitting and tailored within an inch of its life (pun intended). What are the perfect accessories? Well, think pocket watches, tie pins, brooches, maybe even a coordinating or even (if your name is Marsha) a clashing pocket square!
Vests…
So, what’s a vest? Here in the States, we tend to use vest and waistcoat interchangeably. A vest, though, can be many different things. Like the waistcoat, the vest’s genesis began in European fashion. Vests may also be worn to formal affairs though the waistcoat is preferred. Vests come in all kinds of materials. They are made from denim, cotton, synthetic blends. This way, they can be worn in different situations and climates. Some vests have buttons; some have zippers. Some have no fasteners at all and are slipped over the head. They may include pockets and other decorative elements. Another difference is the back of a vest. It is made from the same fabric as the front. Unlike the waistcoat which really has only one version, vests can be sweater vests, utility vests, and fashion vests. Vests may be close-fitting, or they may be loose and slouchy!
My outfit…
I actually wore this to the Museum one day and thought I looked pretty put together. So, I coerced asked Nigel if we could do a quick photo shoot. I actually bought this Gudrun Sjödén Rut skirt in the red colorway first. I loved it so much, I immediately ordered it in the blue! To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to wear with it. I usually don’t do that because I try to add things that go with something I already have. Then, I saw this Essential Striped Top in the same blue as my skirt. But, it still needed something to pull it all together. I added the Woven Vest which was the perfect way to complete the look! It’s funny the name of it is “vest,” but it’s under the heading of waistcoat! I really want to experiment with the skirt, but I dunno…do you mess with perfection?
The Lewk!
You’ve probably already recognized these boots. They are the Miz Mooz Leighton boots in…you guessed it…Ocean! OK, you probably might not have guessed that name, but they’re definitely blue! The smaller necklace with the large beads is from the IMA gift shop. The earrings are old and from J Jill. The necklace that is one but looks like three is from Katia Designs and is called the Have Faith Lotus Amazonite Long Chain Fusion Necklace. I’m pretty sure you can take it apart and wear it a number of different ways. Both necklaces, strangely enough, have magnetic clasps! I love that because I sometimes struggle with lobster claw clasps as my nails are short and very thin.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
Even though my completer piece is called a waistcoat, it is a vest. The back is the same fabric as the front. I don’t wear it under a coat at all times though I could wear it that way. Vests are the cool cousins of the waistcoat and are worn in several different ways. As you could probably tell, the information I gathered was geared toward menswear, but we have been taking a few fashion cues from the men for a few decades now. I think the only rule we might want to think about is leaving the bottom button undone. So, can we talk? Have you ever worn a true waistcoat? Do you use the words, waistcoat and vest, interchangeably? Which do you prefer? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
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Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
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Lesson learned! I always thought it was the same. Your outfit looks fantastic! Love everything about it. The print mixing, the skirt, the waistcoat! Absolutely great Marsha!
Thanks, Nancy! You are always so good for my ego! I always thought they were the same, too. I just thought I’d google it to see if there was a difference, not expecting there to be one. I was surprised to see there was!
I absolutely adore that skirt and will have to look at it – for me! Waistcoats and vests? These are not really for me. But the entire outfit looks so good on you. You’re very together.
And here’s to physical therapy and all it can do for you. Really hope it helps. I absolutely get the frustration. Much of our week is taken up either with Pilates or 1-2-1s with my PT. And they do us a lot of good. Very best wishes to both of you. X
Thank you, Penny! I have had one session with the therapist and have three exercises to do at home. Once this is ironed out (literally as I have knots in my back muscles), I hope to find a yoga studio near me. I do love yoga, but doing it at home, you just don’t know if you’ve got things where they’re supposed to be!
Oh, this is totally your kind of skirt, Penny! If we were neighbors, I’d let you come and raid my closet all the time! I wasn’t sure about this vest when I ordered it as I’m so short waisted. But, it’s a little on the short side, I’m thinking. Anyway, I love the outfit, too!
This outfit is absolutely gorgeous, Marsha! The second I saw it, I swooned a bit lol! I love the stripes with the ‘blocks’ of the skirt and the colours are gorgeous. I have a couple of waistcoats but haven’t actually worn them yet lol. Both are from Vinted! Michael has a few and wears them with a bow tie when he wants to get dressed up! And sometimes he’ll top it off with a cap (like a baker boy or a grandad cap) which I love! He can be quite stylish at times lol! As for vests, in the UK a vest is what men tend to wear underneath everything, you know like those old fashioned string vests? LOL! I guess we would call what you call vests, sleeveless jumpers? Something like that! But I have a few and wear them often at this time of year.
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Thanks so much, Suzy! Aren’t those blocks of color cool? It’s such an interesting print. Oh, I bet your husband looks downright spiffy when he gets all dressed up. I would love for my Michael to just wear “hard” pants! Yes, I knew what vests were in the UK. So, what do they call what we in the US call vests? Just waistcoats? I love words and how they are different in different places.
Marsha, these brilliant blues look so gooood on you! What a gorgeous skirt and of course I love this beautiful pattern mix. I’m not certain that I ever really knew the difference between a vest and waistcoat until now. But I don’t use the terms interchangeably. In fact, I don’t think I really use the word waistcoat at all. But I definitely associate waistcoats with men’s formal wear and use vest as the general term for most sleeveless tops…except tank tops and camisoles. However, I know that our European friends use the word vest for tank tops as well. Now I am wondering why we call them tank tops. Must go research! This was a great theme. We are doing a “Vested” theme next month for our Thrifty Six group and I am planning on styling a thrifted waistcoat!
Shelbee
Thanks so much, my friend! I am discovering all kinds of colors that didn’t work now do as my coloring has changed over the years. I don’t believe I’ve ever used the word waistcoat, but Salazar always calls hers that. So, being the word nerd I am, I googled to see if there was a difference. I honestly didn’t expect there to be. I do find it funny how words that have one meaning here often mean something completely different in Europe. I already read your research comment which was fascinating! I can’t wait to see your thrifted waistcoat. I’m sure it’s fabulous!
Research complete…Tank tops got their name from the style of swimsuits worn in swimming tanks during the 1920s. Eventually the swimsuit morphed into today’s tank top and retained the tank name. I do love nerding out over these things!
Shelbee
Now, that is interesting! I would never have come up with that! You know I’m a giant nerd when it comes to something I don’t know and want to know!
I always learn something new from you Marsha! I am pretty sure I thought ‘waistcoat’ only applies to men’s wear, LOL but I know better now and things change and evolve. Regardless, this vest looks fantastic with the skirt and I love the proportions that it plays with. I really think you nailed it and you found a great way to style that skirt you love. WIN! What’s not a win, is your knee troubles. I am so sorry to hear about that. One of my colleagues is also struggling with her knee and although she wants to power through, I had to put my admin foot down and tell her to miss our meeting and get to the doctor. It really impacts mobility but that chronic pain is no joke. I am sorry and I hope physio helps.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Thanks, Bo! What I read was primarily about men, but it did say women were wearing more and more waistcoats (but also breaking the rule of always wearing a coat over them). Oh, I didn’t even think about the proportions, but I think you’re right. Maybe, that’s why it works so well with the skirt! Well, my knee and that weird pain radiating up and down the outside of my leg was keeping me from sleeping. So, I knew it was finally time to go back to the doctor. This was my third injection. I’m not sure how many more I can have before they say I need the knee replaced. I’m not sure the PT will have any big impact on the knee…but, then I’m not the doctor so who knows!
Interesting, I always thought a waistcoat and a vest were the same. Blue is such a pretty color on you! Love the print mix!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks, Jill! You and me, both! I was just curious so I googled to see if there was a difference. I was surprised to discover there is. But, I think most people here do use the two words interchangeably.
Love the outfit Marsha, that skirt is fabulous, I’m going to have a look for myself.
Good luck with your back issues , I find Pilates helps and have doing it for years. I do hope you find a therapy to help you.
Thanks so much, Linda! It is even more gorgeous in real life. I have had one session and have at home exercises. I was on my feet all day today (Friday) at the museum so my back is a little more achey. I keep thinking about Pilates and/or yoga. I just need to get through this right now, though!
We call it all “Weste” and then just add what kind it is – safety, swim, suit, etc. My mother always preferred warm vests instead of a jacket.
In the 80s we loved wearing our vests – I had a striped wooly one in dark grey and black which I wore all the time – mostly with jeans and shirts, yes and sometimes even ties. I thought I looked the bees knees in mine!
Your outfit is really fabulous, that skirt looks so beautiful!
Thanks, Cat! I think that’s what we do with the vests. I just wondered if there was a difference so I googled it. I was actually surprised there was a difference. I had a vest with a pair of gauchos in the late 70s. But, that’s the only vest I think I had. Well, that’s not entirely true. I’d buy then donate those puffer vests because everyone looked so good in theirs and said they were warm enough in them (just like your mom). But, I never found one I really liked that fit right, and I was never warm enough! Of course, you were the bees knees!
Great outfit Marsha! That skirt is really pretty and I have to say, your vest is really highlighting your weight loss!
I hope the PT gives you some relief. I know you want to have both you and Nigel out and about and living your best life, my prayer is for that to happen soon!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you so much, Kellyann! I know people have noticed the weight loss, but we don’t comment on such things anymore, right? Well, now that I’ve brought it up, people do feel more free to say something. I am already feeling better after one session and the at-home exercises. I have six weeks of appointments right now. I will see the doctor again in about four weeks. Thank you for those prayers…I’m praying the same thing!
I agree with everyone that PT is going to be helpful. I think we forget that we are all connected and our bones are held in place with muscles and ligaments!!
I had no idea the difference between waistcoats and vests.Although i’m not sure I will remember this later. 😂😂
Fabulous look
Xoxo
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I didn’t know there was a difference, either. I decided to google it, expecting to find out they were synonymous. I was so surprised to see there are distinct differences. I can tell, from just one session, that it’s going to help immensely. I only have three at home exercises right now. But, he will be adding as we go along. I think I’m going to look for a good masseuse because I apparently have lots of knots in my muscles!
I love the variety we came up with: I think none of us is wearing the same type of vest! I am glad you took pictures of this outfit: it is really fun and lovely. I hope your PT will help!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I already feel better. He massaged some knots out of the muscles of my lower back…who knew you get those? I did notice we were all wearing something different for vests! Who would have thought there are that many kinds?
I can see why you went back and ordered that skirt in blue too; it is incredible! I love your outfit.
Thank you, Joanne! I thought I had enough blue in my life. That’s why I ordered the red one first. But, after seeing how special it was, I knew I needed the blue!
Loving you in the blue tones in this lovely outfit Marsha. I didn’t know the difference between vests and waistcoats either , other than waistcoats were worn under mens suits.
Hope the PT helps , just be persistant.
Thank you, Jill! I didn’t know the difference, either, until I decided to google it! Oh, my gosh! He found these knots in my muscles in my back and massaged them out. I mean I knew the instant he’d gotten it undone even though I didn’t know it was there! I think I need to maybe go to a regular masseuse because where there’s one, I’m sure there are more. He gave me three exercises to do to start out. They feel good, pulling and stretching muscles. I’m definitely going to continue these, and when I’m done, I’m getting my yoga mat out and starting again!
I love layering in any capacity, but that skirt is what keeps catching my eye! I love the different shades in similar hues! It’s so pretty!
Thanks so much, Laura! I really couldn’t decide between the red one and the blue one. I went with the red first, and then decided I needed the blue one, too! It’s just so unique and beautiful!
I love this look and all the varying shades of blue it has! The vest is the perfect equalizer between the print of the top and skirt. So chic Marsha!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine! The skirt truly is gorgeous, and the stripes in the tee match. But, it definitely needed that “equalizer” in the vest!
My goodness, I LOVE this outfit, Marsha! The 3 pieces are perfect together. The history of the vest/waistcoat was very interesting…though no doubt The White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland actually invented the waistcoat, right? 😀
Aww, thanks, Sally! I really did love the way it came out. I was tempted to do the same thing with the red skirt, but it will be a little different. The tricky thing is finding a blue or a red or one of the other colors that is almost the same. The pattern has so much going on that a completely different color just didn’t work.
Looks so great with the stripy blue shirt!
Thanks so much, Lydia! I was just trying to find something with the same blue in it. I was hoping for polka dots, but I like the stripes, too!
Def stripes over dots! For me, anyway. Back from #Finewhatever
I think you’re right, Lydia! The stripes go with the general print of the skirt!
Hi, Marsha – At first sight, I was wowed by this outfit. Score! And then after reading on, I thought, “Oh, she always loves to research the whole thing!” Lol! You’re a stylish, artistic soul and intellectual communicator. Thanks for sharing – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Hahaha!!! Thanks, Angie! Actually, I just wondered if there was a difference so I googled it. I really didn’t expect to find there was. I thought, for sure, it would say the terms were interchangeable. Thank you so much for those compliments! I truly appreciate you taking the time to write that.
I love this color blue in the skirt and waistcoat! What a lovely color. The whole ensemble looks great too.
I really hope you and Nigel are on the mend soon. It’s been a long, hard road.
Thanks so much, Lisa! I haven’t worn blue very much the last few years so I was happy to add this look. I can tell the PT has already helped me. Mike just has to pull up his big man undies and do the work!
Great insights! Its really helpful for the readers to get the real review about ways of styling . I’m always excited to see others diving deep into fashion and styles topics. I run a blog called http://www.shoesviews.com where I cover detailed guides on shoe brands, care routines, and repair tips. Feel free to check it out would love your feedback!
Thanks so much. I love fashion and love writing about it!
Oo this was a fun sartorial history lesson! I don’t often do blues – you paired everything so beautifully
Thank you, Edi! I was so surprised when I googled vests vs waistcoats. I thought for sure they were the same. I think you would be gorgeous in blue!