This is a stylish and practical item for any woman's wardrobe. The strip is universal and goes well with many things.
As fashion designers promise us, the vest, like the entire nautical style, will be on the wave of popularity. And this is understandable, because a women’s vest is a truly universal thing that can suit both very young and romantic girls, as well as mature adult women. The main thing is to learn how to properly combine a vest with other wardrobe items.
A little about the history of the striped miracle
The very first who began to wear vests were French sailors. And so the vest would have remained the lot of the sea wolves, if not for a woman with excellent taste and sense of style - Coco Chanel - who had not tried on contrasting stripes and dressed her models in them.
Until now, the famous striped sweatshirts and T-shirts with the company logo from Coco have not lost their popularity and relevance.
You are a sailor, he is a sailor
The history of striped clothing goes back to the Middle Ages. True, in those days this was a sign of marginal groups of the population, for example, convicts or the sick. Royal Navy sailors were prohibited from wearing striped clothing.
But already paintings of naval battles of the 17th century, made by Dutch artists, show us the vest of that time as part of naval clothing. The vest was called the “Breton shirt” because for Breton fishermen (west coast of France, not to be confused with Britain) it was traditional clothing. Napoleon III legalized the vest in 1858, ordering the naval suit to be brought to a single standard. And that same “Breton shirt” had exactly 21 stripes - according to the number of glorious victories of Napoleon I.
Historians believe that in practice the stripes were needed so that the sailors could be easily distinguished against the background of the sails. Let us note, by the way, that the first swimsuits were also striped. In addition, the vest or vest retained heat well, which is very important in difficult weather conditions at sea. According to historians, sailors often crocheted their own vests - supposedly this calmed their nerves and allowed them to pass the time while sailing between shifts.
How to choose a vest?
How to choose the right option for yourself?
Size. The vest should not be too narrow and tightly fit the figure, otherwise the stripes will stretch and look deformed and the entire stylish effect of the item will be lost. Therefore, choose something that will be a little free for you.
Stripes. Narrow stripes look more feminine and light. Too wide ones will draw attention to your top and make you look bigger.
Color. In stores now you can find vests of any color, but first, as a basic item for your wardrobe, buy a black-and-white or blue-and-white classic model with long sleeves or short sleeves (T-shirt, T-shirt).
Style . A fitted model will help create more feminine looks, while a looser-fitting vest will help create light, everyday looks.
Now let's see what to wear a vest with correctly.
Main stream
In 2021, the vest has gained incredible popularity; at the height of fashion, classic colors are blue and white or black and white, but for bold fashionistas, vests with stripes in green and white colors, as well as red and white, are also available.
Currently, women's vests are presented not only in the classic style; designers offer a huge selection of clothing models with narrow stripes - sweaters with long sleeves and elastic at the bottom, as well as light T-shirts with a deep neckline and even blouses. This variety allows a girl with any figure to choose something she likes and create the desired image.
What can you wear with a women's vest?
Many girls and women are afraid that horizontal stripes will make them look fat and therefore avoid the vest. In fact, this is not entirely true. Only things with very small stripes can visually add extra pounds to you, so just choose a striped item with a stripe width that suits you - for thin, fragile girls, a thin stripe is also suitable, and for those with curvy figures, I would recommend a stripe width somewhere around 3-5 cm.
Are you still afraid that stripes will make you look fat? Then, when putting on a vest, dilute the set with vertical lines, for example, an elongated necklace, beads, or a scarf.
You can make your silhouette slimmer with an unbuttoned jacket, coat or cardigan worn over a vest.
The vest can fit into any wardrobe - from casual casual to office business attire. Even holiday outfit options can be created using this wonderful item.
The following combination options are suitable for a striped vest, T-shirt and T-shirt.
+ Pencil skirt
With a pencil skirt - this is just a great universal option for any occasion. Do you want to go to the office without questions asked? A black and white vest and a black (or white) pencil skirt + pumps and a business attire are ready. With friends at the cinema? Then try this option: vest + pencil skirt + ballet shoes.
In the cold season, this option can be complemented with a jacket or cardigan.
+ Circle skirt
With these two items you can create an excellent set in a nautical style, which is so popular now. You can also get a rather elegant look if you choose a midi length skirt.
A vest tucked into a plain classic circle skirt with small heeled shoes or ballet flats is the embodiment of a Coco Chanel style look. Try complementing this option with a string of pearls, a chain, a light scarf or bracelets and your look will become even more interesting and original.
+ Floor-length skirt
The combination of a striped top with a long skirt is more of a summer option, although you can also try it in winter; in this case, you can also add a scarf-collar to our elements.
You can also create a festive outfit using these things. A black and white vest with short sleeves + a black chiffon floor-length skirt + black stilettos and chunky gold jewelry (only a small amount) will look especially good.
Look: a vest + a full-length skirt is best suited for tall, slender girls, as this combination can visually reduce height and make you look a little fuller.
+ Pants
This is also a universal option. Our striped item can be combined with any colors and styles of trousers, so you can experiment with different models and choose what suits you best.
Women's T-shirts can be combined with flared trousers and ankle boots on a low platform.
The vest will look great in this context with capri pants. Shoes that can be selected for this combination are: low-heeled shoes, platform shoes, flat sandals.
+ Jacket + Pants
The option with a jacket will be especially relevant in the winter season. As mentioned above, an unbuttoned jacket will help visually elongate your figure and make you look slimmer. Skinny pants and heels will make you look even slimmer.
+ Jeans
Looks good with skinny jeans (dark, blue or white), sneakers or ballet flats. This gives us a super convenient option for walking and relaxing.
Paired with heels, this outfit will look more elegant and feminine.
+ Jacket + Jeans
It is best to add a cotton jacket or blazer with 1-2 buttons to a vest and jeans. The set can be complemented with a massive necklace or a voluminous scarf.
+ Denim overalls
Very interesting options are obtained if you combine a vest with denim overalls + stilettos.
+ Shorts
With short shorts, the color of the stripes, in principle, can be any, but shorts in black and white, as well as classic blue and blue, look best.
Denim shorts for an occasion with a vest are the most versatile option. In summer, this option can be worn with stiletto heels, platform shoes or sneakers. In winter, thick black tights go well with shorts; you can wear a cardigan over a vest and wrap yourself in a warm, voluminous scarf.
+ Jacket + Shorts
A jacket (more classic style) or a leather jacket (informal) combined with our striped item and shorts will help create a stylish and completely comfortable outfit.
+ Sleeveless jacket + Pants (Jeans)
A sleeveless jacket will help visually elongate your silhouette and make you look slimmer. Skinny trousers or jeans will also contribute to this.
Maxi skirt
Pairs perfectly with a wide sailor suit and massive jewelry on top of it. Wear denim shorts with thick tights, and to keep warm, you can throw a denim jacket over your sailor suit. Flared trousers are also good, but it is worth considering that such trousers fit perfectly only on beauties with very slender legs.
Wear a full skirt that hits just above your knees. Don't forget to complement the look with stiletto heels and a neat clutch.
Vest dress
In the forefront of everyday fashion, we can see the vest dress. The most current option is a long, slightly fitted striped dress. Length to the knee or slightly below will also be relevant.
This dress can be combined with a denim (blue or dark blue) or leather jacket, a denim vest and light sneakers. This way we will get a free youth look for relaxation.
A striped dress can dominate your look. To do this, you just need to add a few bright accessories (shoes or sandals in bright red or white, a belt, necklace or scarf).
You can choose any style you like. In any case, the vest, if you try to wear it at least once, will become an integral part of your wardrobe. After all, this very thing will allow you to create new and interesting images. Try a new, at first glance unusual combination, experiment with shoes and accessories, choose different colors and the vest will become a real find for you, capable of adding a new flavor and ease to your everyday look. And you already know what to wear it with.
Trousers
Do you look casual with a jacket and skinny trousers? This outfit is good for meeting friends or visiting art exhibitions.
A vest with a trouser suit - this look is very popular with French women; it makes the model not only elegant, but also appropriate for going out in public and for working in the office.
Good to know
Don't overdo it or the lines will fail you. There should be one thing striped in your appearance.
When choosing accessories, you should choose a combination of plain plastic products with vests. Massive beads on top of a sailor suit will look stylish and original.
The color scheme matters . Classic blue in the design of a vest is a timeless classic. Although models of all colors are now being produced, the famous fashion critic Evelina Khromchenko still advises avoiding pink and similar shades, giving preference to traditional colors.
Direction of lines. If your figure is not without flaws, then an excellent solution would be to replace the horizontal strip with a vertical one.
A thoughtful combination. Today it has become popular to combine a vest with, for example, animal-colored trousers or other geometric patterns. The choice, of course, is yours, but you shouldn’t blindly follow changing fashion. After all, not everyone can easily find the “golden mean” in such an outfit, risking being branded as a person completely devoid of taste.
