How to wear vests part 2: how the men rock it

Previously on Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy, the topic of how to wear vests was discussed with many a hot sample of vests for ladies - but what about the other half of the population? Part 2 of this series is dedicated to the sexy high maintenance men out there! Just as for women, vests are a classic staple item for men. Stylish and practical, a vest will keep you warm on those chilly fall days, and cool on those balmy spring nights. Whatever your style, you can incorporate a vest into your closet easily; for example, just take your favourite old tee, throw on a dapper vest and bam! instant new outfit. As I said in Part 1, vests are versatile and can extend your wardrobe by enabling you to recycle items in your closet in endless combinations. One needs only look at male stylistas Kanye West, or the characters of Chuck Bass and Nate Archibald on Gossip Girl to appreciate the power of a well-utilized vest. So don't balk at vests men! Like a good dog, vests are a man's best friend.

Adam dark charcoal twill 4 pocket vest, $139.99

Go classic preppy with this virgin wool twill vest. What makes this vest unique instead of plain is its edgy 4 pocket design that balances the staid 3 button fastenings. Style suggestion: try pairing this vest with a lightweight sweater and a snappy newsboy cap like Common!

Endovanera collared vest, $94

For the more fashionably daring males, there is this cool slightly askew vest by Endovanera. Made of 100% wool, this charcoal colored vest features 3 pockets (which don't look functional at all, but hey, style isn't about function!) and an asymmetrical top button detail that adds visual interest and a unique hipster-esque vibe. Style suggestion: with a vest with such a noticeable detail, I think it would look great paired with a solid colored tee, perhaps in a punchy daffodil yellow, then layered on top with this season's trendy boyfriend cardigans.

Trovata TRAIL sweater vest, $89

Prep meets the street in this relaxed knit sweater vest. The red-white-blue color combo is always fresh and classic, while the slightly baggy silhouette gives it a casual vibe. The vest is also reversible, making it even more versatile! Style suggestion: pair with your best designer denim and coolest kicks to further the contrast of edgy meets preppy.

Crooks and Castles' The Wool Down Quilt Vest, $171.50

Last, but not least, is an option that many men will feel the most comfortable with. Some may initially scoff at the fashion choice of a puffy vest, but I don't think this is the lazy option. Sometimes simple and practical can look great too, if the item in question has clean lines and fit. This vest provides warmth without making you resemble a Michelin man, and you can change up the look of this vest more easily than the previous options: to go street-style, pair the vest with wacky kicks, and a cool graphic tee; to go casual outdoors-men, pair with a trendy plaid shirt and Timbalands.


So there you go, plenty of examples to get your minds working on how to fit vests into your everyday looks. If you're a man who loves a good vest, what's your favourite way to wear it?