Everything is long this fall, with streamline, flattering lines and posh glam. This season specifically, the shearling long vest has been revamped with the new look of a cascading and open collar. This style goes well with a wide range of body shapes and personalities. Whether you’re dressed up for work with a long dress and tall boots, or paired down with jeans and a boyfriend flannel shirt, set with jewel tones or neutral hues, the shearling vest goes with any outfit.
From the dawn of time, sheepskins have played fundamental roles in people’s wardrobes. The material was used for warmth, has been considered a sign of social status, and at one time was a symbol of masculinity and ruggedness for farmers. Shearling has gone in and out of fashion, and been worn by memorable stars such as Farrah Fawcett in Charlie’s Angels, and recently, Downton Abbey’s Elizabeth McGovern sported a shearling coat after work. Over the years shearling has shifted from a more western style to a hip and trendy staple. From the cultural perspective, shearling has become a sign of luxury and richness. Soft as butter and quite warm, the shearling vest is a nice alternative to a polar fleece vest or a down puffer vest.
A staple on cool fall days, the shearling vest should be lined and warm, with real or faux shearling inside. It should also be simple enough in silhouette so you do not lose yourself in it altogether like a paper bag, and yet flowing enough to cascade like a waterfall over your ensemble. Black, brown, or beige goes with everything, so finding a style in those colours shouldn’t be too difficult. Pairing it with a vivid printed scarf adds the pop of colour needed to reminisce the summer while going forward into the fall.
The comfort and warmth of shearling is a classic design that is revamped every year in the colder seasons. In its usual form, shearling is reminiscent of the aviators of World War II, or powerful ranch owners and cowboys of the Wild West. Today the masculine fashion has become decidedly more feminine and chic.
In this fall’s list of must-haves, the elegant vest can go with deep, rich tones, as well as silvers and greys. It can be worn well with jeans and boots, as well as pumps and a sweater dress. And like everything else, black is a nice look for the fall, making it very versatile for a woman’s wardrobe while still easy to manage. In today’s day and age, you can get the look in machine-washable polyester, and it’s just as soft and even more affordable. So say goodbye to the overdone fringe vests that look like spaghetti hanging unflatteringly around you, and embrace this cool alternative. Walk the halls of UFV and relive the ‘70s and ‘80s again as you go to class in style and comfort.
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.
