The Thrifty Six are Vested

This is the final Thrifty Six challenge for 2025 and Sally chose our theme…Vested. Because we are an international group, it is important to point out that the term vested doesn’t translate as easily as one might assume. I personally interpreted the theme as “style a vest” but even the word vest, as a garment, doesn’t translate as easily as one would think.

In the Untied States, we use the term vest to mean a sleeveless garment, generally worn over a shirt, also called a waistcoat. But in South Africa, India, Canada, the United Kingdom, and much of Europe, a vest is a sleeveless undershirt, or as we Americans call it, a tank top. Meanwhile in France, a veste is a jacket and a gilet is a vest (waistcoat).

However you interpret the word vest, it is still a sleeveless garment that is worn on the top half of the body. It can be a pullover or be open in the front with various different methods of closures like buttons, snaps, belts, zippers, or ties, or no closure at all. A vest can be long, short, or anywhere in between and can be made from any types of fabrics from knits, silks, or faux furs to denim, leather, lace, and even puffers.

Being an American living in the United States, I focused my attention on the interpretation of a vest as a sleeveless garment generally worn over a shirt (or a dress). Using that meaning, I actually have quite a few preloved vests in various styles that I could have worn for this thrifty challenge.

My collection of thrifted and preloved vests includes a vintage bird and fish print waistcoat, a long teal lace vest, a long tan lace vest, a plaid flannel waterfall vest, a long denim vest, a long floral vest, and a preloved scarf styled as vest.

Since I have already worn all of those preloved vests, I decided to style a newer thrifted denim vest that I picked up on a thrifting adventure earlier this year. The longer length, looser fit, and double breasted button closure gives this vest some artsy vibes that really appealed to me. So I bought it with no idea in mind how I was going to wear it. And then Sally presented us with this thrifty style prompt which gave me the opportunity to figure it out.

Trying to stick with the idea of thriftiness, I decided to layer my preloved denim vest over one of my Frankendress upcycle creations. Two years ago, I made this “Frankenstein” dress by attaching a graphic tee shirt to an old skirt, giving new life to two wardrobe items that I wasn’t wearing. Upcycling old clothing into new things is another environmentally and budget friendly way to keep your wardrobe fresh and unique.

I chose this particular Frankendress because I liked the way the dark denim of the vest coordinated with the navy blue, burgundy, white, and gray of my dress. Sticking with the color palette, I accessorized with my navy blue cowgirl hat, a burgundy and white paisley scarf, thrift store feather earrings, a preloved wool coat, and my new white cowgirl boots which are making their debut appearance.

As much as I like this outfit, it is definitely better suited for autumn or early spring. The three-quarter length sleeves of my dress are not practical in the snow. As a matter of fact, my cowgirl boots are completely impractical in the snow as well and it really kind of annoys me! But alas, I live in a very wintery place and there is not much to do about it other than accept it…or move. Ha.

Now let’s check out how my thrifty friends are vested and what a vest means to each of them. Click on the links or images below for details about each outfit. 

• Emma of Style Splash
• Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
• Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style
• Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
• Sally of Within a World of My Own
• Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge

The Thrifty Six is a group of international fashion lovers 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 preloved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling preloved 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 not only to inspire you to shop second hand but to also get creative in your closets.

Emma of Style Splash

Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade

Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style

Today is Jodie’s 60th birthday so be sure to stop by her blog and wish her a happy day! May your day be filled with blessings and joy, my friend!

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style

Sally of Within a World of My Own

And Me!

I hope you have enjoyed this installment of The Thrifty Six! If you would like to see more preloved outfits created by this budget- and environmentally-friendly group, please stop back on January 19, 2026, to see how we style Emma’s theme…Faux Fur. Until then, happy holidays!

Keeping it on the edge, 

Shelbee