When you make one to be worn alone, you may want to make a smaller armhole than you use in a vest which will be layered over a top/ shirt. Some of the suggested patterns for boxy tops and shirts in the first post have low armholes. Scoop out the vest armhole until it is deeper ...
I wear bracelets and pins/ brooches, and flat shoes, and carry a basket or wear a leather backpack rather than a handbag. My ‘uniform’ is a frilled blouse and slim pants with an oversized or smock-style layer or a padded vest. Which of those descriptions did you respond ‘yes please...