Tuxedo Layers

Sorry East Coast, while you’ve been pummeled by snow storms, California has been experiencing a taste of spring…maybe even a little bit of summer! I took hold of this opportunity to wear light layers and play with this new spring arrival tuxedo-style vest from Nordstrom Petites.

In the past, I’ve always gravitated toward similar vest styles but in thicker, stiffer fabrics more reminiscent of a structured blazer. Their structure always did weird things to my silhouette, and I was nearly convinced the style was not for me. When I saw this version available in petites, I stubbornly thought I’d give it a try and was fully expecting to be once again disappointed.

However, when it arrived, I noted right away that the fabric, listed as polyester, had a nice subtle sheen very similar to that of washed silk. “That’s a nice surprise” I thought. When I popped it on over whatever t-shirt I happened to be wearing that day, I was pleasantly surprised to see it tailored gently at the right spot at the waist, and the length to be long, but not overwhelming. The fabric has a really nice soft drape that felt and looked really flattering, a reminder that you just can’t beat proper petite proportions. Thanks Nordstrom!

I like the soft drape of this vest layered with the equally soft drape of the silk blouse, also a Nordstrom Petites find, from a few months ago (a closer look at that silk blouse is here). To balance out the longer lengths, I liked the contrast bustier that draws the eye upward, keeping the lengths from looking dowdy or dragging me down. The graphic print also added a little interest to what is a basic black and white palette. To offset the loose layers on top, I found my sleekest of skinny jeans (these run about 1 size small, even compared to other Rag & Bone washes) to be a nice balance.

For reference sake, I’m wearing size xxsp in this vest, and you can find my measurements here (along with general sizing tips). The measurements of this particular vest are as follows (there is no closure, so bust, waist & hip are approximate):

Shoulder: 13.5″
Arm Hole: 7.5″
Bust: 15.5″
Waist: 15″
Hip: 18″
Length: 25″

Thank you to Nordstrom for partnering on this post!

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Vest Halogen via Nordstrom
Shirt Two by Vince Camuto via Nordstrom
Bustier Keepsake (similar)
Jeans Rag & Bone
Shoes Kate Spade
Handbag Chanel (similar)
Watch Larsson & Jennings (similar)
Necklace Kenneth Jay Lane (old) (similar)
Bracelet – Vintage (similar)
Rings Catbird, vintage, & Vrai & Oro (similar)

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Nothing =)

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