This wall Street Journal Article sums up nicely much of what I have been hearing lately about the revival of the classic men's style element, the vest as part of a three peice suit. Pushed aside by "Casual Friday" of the past, wearing vested or three-piece suits is becoming popular among "better" dressed gents:
The Return of the Elegant Gentleman The three-piece suit makes a dashing comeback
"The three-piece suit has been asserting itself with increasing frequency on designer runways, as well in the collections of traditionalists such as Hickey Freeman. They're now a fixture of men's fashion magazine spreads"
Here is the lowdown:
1. The three-piece suit by it's very nature requires extra effort,
but the pay off is in extra panache, as well as "one-
up-manship in the dressing up race"
2. It adds a layer of warmth when it's cold
3. It keeps a shirt and tie in its place
4. It can function to camouflage an unsightly stomach bulge
Rules to follow:
1. This is a more formal suit, make sure you wearing a tie
2. Wear a collar that is in scale with your own features and the
the "gorge" (the "V") of the vest - is it high - close to your
throat or lower?
3. Leave the bottom button on the vest undone
4. Leave the suit jacket unbuttoned
5. Wear your more formal shoes.
It's all a matter of preference; to some men the additional element of clothing is "just one more thing" but to some, it is a desirable and strong style and presence statement.