When I read that one of the top trends for the season was sleeveless blazers, I may have silently scoffed at the notion.   “Sleeveless blazer?  That’s just a vest!” I thought.

Nonetheless, when I saw this purported “sleeveless blazer” from Mynt 1792 in the Gwynnie Bee new arrivals, I knew I had to give it a shot.  Mynt is one of my favorite labels for fashion forward styles and great fit, and trying it through GB was a risk-free proposition.  I was still skeptical when I got it, but the reaction I got from my husband took me by surprise.  I walked out of the room to show him and his first words were “That’s a hot blazer.”  Hmmm.

The more I looked at it, the more I reconsidered.  The structure, the lapels, the pockets – it had all the hallmarks of a real blazer – except sleeves.  It was also perfect for a hot, humid day where wearing an actual blazer was entirely out of the question.

I ended up loving this “sleeveless blazer,” or vest, or whatever you call it.  My only qualm was with the inside of the lapel, which did not always lay flat.  I actually really liked the neoprene/scuba material on this piece (it didn’t work so well for the Mynt Anais blazer, in my opinion).  The details were great too, especially the pyramid twist-lock closure.

I went for a monochrome look, with a baroque print jersey pencil skirt to contrast the modern feel of the blazer, and my beloved United Nude Lo-Res flats, for reasons both aesthetic (pop of color) and practical (keeping my feet dry on a sporadically rainy day).

Moral of the story: Try a trend you think is silly – you might love it.

Monochrome sleeveless blazer: Mynt 1792 (via Gwynnie Bee)

Cami top: Forever 21+

Baroque print pencil skirt: ASOS Curve (sold out, similar style in daisy print here, or in colorful abstract print here)

Pixelated flats: United Nude

Moto handbag: Cole Haan (old, similar here)