"The vest trend is huge," said Suzanne Bishop, owner of Frankie & Julian's fashion boutique in Chattanooga, Tenn. "The men trend is carrying over to the popular boyfriend jeans, boyfriend blazer and boyfriend cardigan. It's the biggest push for fall."
Bruce Baird, owner of Bruce Baird & Co., a men's fashion store, said men's vests will always be a go-to piece.
"Vests will be stronger in certain times, but (the look) truly never goes out of style," he said. "The classic three-piece suit will always be around."
This fall, the "odd" vest, one that's not part of a three-piece suit, will be a key fashion piece for men, Mr. Baird said, noting that suede and flannel will be the fabrics of choice.
"Anytime times are tough, people go classic," he said. "I think that's because when money is tight, people would rather have something that goes from year to year rather than something that will last just one season. It makes sense that the vest is popular now because it is a classic piece."
According to the Web site fashionwindows.net, the vest offers a tailored look that can turn the wearer into a rocker or a prepster, depending on whether it's paired with a casual tee or a button-up blouse.
