Modest Blazers & Vests

What is the difference between a blazer and a vest?

A blazer and a vest are both tailored, structured layers, but they differ in sleeve and the job they do. A blazer is a full-sleeve, collared jacket borrowed from menswear tailoring, with lapels and (often) a single row of buttons; it works best over a fitted dress or a trouser co-ord for a sharper, more formal line, and is usually the outermost piece in an outfit. A vest is the sleeveless version of the same idea — structured through the shoulders and body but with no arm coverage — which is why it's frequently layered under a coat rather than worn as the final layer, adding warmth and shape without the bulk a full sleeve would bring. Both are cut close enough through the body to read as tailoring rather than as a cosy layering piece, which is the main thing that separates either from a cardigan: a blazer or vest is structured, a cardigan is soft-knit. Double-breasted cuts, wide lapels and belted waists are common on both, and both are usually worn open rather than fastened all the way, so the dress or top underneath still shows.