Vested-The Thrifty Six

collage for The Thrifty Six

What a theme this month. I don’t like vests at all, so vested is a challenge. I had two in my life. One was new and one thrifted. And as I wasn’t planning on buying one for the series, I had to dig out a photo from the archives.

Welcome to The Thrifty Six. We are a group of international fashion influencers who meet once a month in our little space on the internet to share our thrifty outfits. On the third Monday of every month, we will all share an outfit based on a theme that features pre loved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling pre loved clothing is so much better for the environment and you can find some of the best fashions in thrift or charity shops. The Thrifty Six are here to inspire you to shop second hand.

Me? Vested?

vested

When Sally came up with the “vested” theme, I thought, Oh no, after I googled what “vested” was. I’m not really into vests at all. I’ve tried them a few times, but I don’t feel comfortable in them at all. They feel way too masculine for me. And yet I do love wearing a tie. So, years ago, I bought a secondhand vest to try it out. And luckily, I still had the photos. A denim vest with ruffles. I’m sure my fashionable friends here can do this better. Shall we go take a look?

How we wear it

 

Sally of Within a World of My Own

green vest

I have numerous thrifted vests, but this olive marl sweater knit hoodie vest is one of my favorite ones for a casual winter outfit.  I styled it with an olive long-sleeved T to make a modern twin set and topped it with a thrifted plaid scarf for a cheerful pop of color. I was originally going to wear black jeans, but I don’t have any thrifted ones, so I chose to pull out a pair of thrifted black dress pants instead.

My mom recently asked me if I was going to remove office clothes from my closet during my break from work, and I quickly decided that since all my uncomfortable office clothes have already been purged, I could easily continue to wear my remaining work clothes by styling them down for my casual lifestyle. I really liked the combination of the drapey straight leg trousers with the sneakers.

Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge

denim vest on dress

I found this denim vest a while back on a thrifting adventure but haven’t had the opportunity to wear it yet. It has double breasted buttons which I thought was so unique on a denim vest and the longer length was really appealing to me. It has kind of an easy boho artsy vibe which suits my style aesthetic so I bought it with no idea how I was going to style it.

For this challenge, I just popped it over one of my upcycled Frankenstein dresses crafted from an old tee shirt and skirt. My earrings were also found in a thrift store (in North Carolina) and my coat was a thrifty find as well (you have to stop by my blog to see the coat).

Jane of preloved_vintage_handmade

black outfit

I get a bit confused by vests; I think the word is rather ambiguous…

…to me it’s the string thing that men used to wear or what I wore as a child under my jumper to keep me warm.

These days it seems to be the garment I would call a tank-top or sometimes even what I would describe as a waistcoat.

Anyhow, here I am in my ‘vest’ (tank-top) – a funky fine-knit from circa 1975 with gold sparkle trim – ideal for the festive season!

 

Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style

vest over coat outfit

I found this sweater on Etsy…it was originally a short-sleeve sweater, so I cut off the sleeves, added ivory trim, and layered it over a long teal cardigan. I wore it with thrifted cargo shorts, fleece tights, and booties.

 

Emma of  Style Splash

vested in orange and purple

I bought this waistcoat/vest on Vinted a couple of years ago and wore it for a previous Thrifty Six challenge. That was in summer so I wore it as a top then, but it works as a good layering piece too for the colder months. The top I’m wearing underneath was also a Vinted purchase, as were the trainers.

We hope to see you again next month with a new series of The Thrifty Six!

collage of The Thrifty Six

 

 

 

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20 Comments

  1. 15 December 2025 / 10:22

    I always struggle with the different definitions of vest in US/UK. What I can say is that I haven’t worn any of them in years.
    My mother, on the other hand, absolutely loved vests!

    If I had one, it would probably be denim like yours.

    • nancy
      Author
      15 December 2025 / 13:11

      Yes I had that too. But as we never wear them we don’t have to be bothered right? Lol. Thanks Cat.

  2. 15 December 2025 / 11:28

    This was a fun and interesting prompt because of the different meanings of vest depending on where you live in the world. I really like this cute cropped ruffly denim vest of yours and it looks really cool over that funky button down tunic.

    Shelbee

    • nancy
      Author
      15 December 2025 / 13:10

      Indeed! Oh I hated that tunic. I hated the hole look, lol. But thanks anyway my friend.

  3. 15 December 2025 / 14:37

    By coincidence, I’ve just thrifted a cute little embroidered vest for € 2, but the shop was so busy that I didn’t try it on. Might be a bit on the small side but I just couldn’t leave it 🙂
    Anyway, I do love a vest, and I think your ruffled denim one is rather cute.
    Such a same you no longer have it! xxx

    • nancy
      Author
      20 December 2025 / 13:34

      No it isn’t Ann. Someone else is very happy now with it I hope!

  4. 15 December 2025 / 17:48

    This month you struggled, and next month I’m going to struggle with faux fur! The ruffled denim is cute but if you aren’t feeling it, you aren’t feeling it.

    • nancy
      Author
      20 December 2025 / 13:33

      Me too Sally! I don’t like faux fur, nor real fur at all!

  5. jodie filogomo
    15 December 2025 / 18:07

    I’m glad you found this photo because it’s a wonderful look. At first I thought you had on 2 different tops, but it’s 1!! And the vest creates such interesting layers. Totally up my alley.
    XOOX
    Jodie

    • nancy
      Author
      20 December 2025 / 13:33

      Really? It’s so not for me. But when I look at it now, I can see that I could have styled it in a much more feminine way!

    • nancy
      Author
      20 December 2025 / 13:29

      Thanks Kathrine, I don’t like it at all! Lol.

  6. 16 December 2025 / 04:47

    Nancy, we are soul sisters! I have only one or two vests in which I feel comfortable. I just feel awkward and like I’m playing dress up in a vest. What do you call this garment? I actually love the outfit you created with that vest…it’s kinda punk and edgy!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

    • nancy
      Author
      20 December 2025 / 13:28

      No it’s awfull Marsha!

  7. 19 December 2025 / 22:30

    I love the denim ruffles! The whole look has a punk vibe. I have vests and waistcoats (all considered vests for this challenge) but only a couple were thrifted.

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

    • nancy
      Author
      20 December 2025 / 12:54

      Thanks Emma!

    • nancy
      Author
      5 January 2026 / 11:14

      I am sure you will style them perfectly!

  8. 4 January 2026 / 04:24

    Hi, Nancy – I like vests, but I hardly ever wear them since I have been retired. My favorites are draped, flowing chiffon. You always look good in what you are wearing because you have good taste. You just didn’t ever like vests, but never say never! You might see one you love someday. Lol! My favorite is Sally’s vest and matching color top. I thought you might like that too, because it blends together to look like one long-sleeve top. Thanks for sharing your photo – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com

    • nancy
      Author
      5 January 2026 / 11:13

      I do like them a lot on others Angie. But the feel they give me when I wear one, no, never! Lol.

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