I typically adhere to the adage, “If you wore a trend once, you are too ‘mature’ for it when it comes back around.” Which is why I’ve long kept womens’ vests in a mental quarantine of sorts, reserved for my dad’s three-piece suits and the two years in the ’90s when I exclusively dressed like Monica from “Friends.” But vests are nothing new. Hardly a trend, they have been around for centuries hailed by King Charles II in the 17^th century as an integral part of any proper gentleman’s wardrobe. Vests first landed on my radar in the 1990’s espoused by uber celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston. And unlike the iterations of the 1970’s that I found dated and slightly masculine, newer styles seemed to heighten a woman’s feminine mystique.

Here we are in 2024, and the vest has flexed its muscles once again. Women’s Wear Daily attributes this renewed enthusiasm to recent collections by Elsa Schiaparelli, Ralph Lauren and Thom Browne. But no matter how reputable the source, I’m still struggling with my earnest commitment to forgo trend repetition. After reading a few great articles, including this one with great styling inspirations, my 20-year commitment goes down the drain. The article justly proclaims of vests, “They might not always be the first thing you reach for, but every time you do, they are typically the piece that pulls an outfit together.” Ever the practical shopper, I know now what I must do. The vest quarantine has been lifted and given freedom anew. Here’s a peek at the styles I’m eyeing.