How to Wear a Vest Like It's 2024 (Plus, One Look That's Best Left in the '90s)
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I can remember the day I tried on my first vest. I was a teenager, you see, and the ‘90s garb was making a quick comeback, except this time it didn’t look like an episode of Friends or a Katie Holmes outfit. No, I was wearing it in true aughts style (or lack thereof) with layers of Abercrombie and Hollister shirts and tank tops (with the logo emblazoned on the chest), high-water pants and a fedora (don’t ask) of all things. So, you can imagine my hesitation when I discovered my childhood trauma was back—vests are stylish again. But I’ve come to realize that people have mastered the art of styling this traditionally masculine suit piece so that it’s anything but a trainwreck. Don’t believe me? Below, I’ve come up with eight different ways to wear a vest like it’s 2024, and one way you might want to leave in the past if you know what’s good for you.
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1. Marry It with Other Current Trends
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
What’s better than one fashionable trend? Two. ICYMI, full skirts have also made a HUGE comeback this season, and when paired with a sleek vest that nips in at the waist, it’s unbelievably chic. As a minimalist myself, I’d take a page out of the stylish Dior attendee above and stick to a black and white color palette, adding pops of color with a handbag or other accessories, but I’ve also seen people dress it down, too. Some Adidas Sambas (don’t forget the Gen Z sock trick!) or loafers can add just enough of a grungy edge to balance out the more masculine vest and feminine skirt.
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Nordstrom
Open Edit Tailored Vest
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Nordstrom Rack
Renee C. Poplin Midi Skirt
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstromrack.com%2Fs%2Frenee-c-poplin-midi-skirt%2F7865835%3Fcolor%3DWHITE&xcust=how-to-wear-a-vest
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Kate Spade
Katy Sunshine Floral Leather Bag
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2. Swap Out a Traditional Vest for a Tie Vest
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
As a longtime fan of tie tops, I’m more than thrilled that this Copenhagen look is finally getting the recognition it deserves. This is your sign to put aside your more traditional vests (for the time being) and play around with tie-front designs. It looks especially good when you lean into the frilly and playful nature of the strings by opting for ruffled pants, skirts or shorts, as seen above, but it will also look great with a staple pair of jeans. Keep it elevated with a sexy, strappy heel for the ultimate girl’s night out look.
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Free People
Seaside Shorts
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Tie-Front Textured Vest
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Macy’s
Dolce Vita Zini Strappy Kitten-Heel
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ASOS
Quilted Tie Front Vest
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3. Use It as a Layering Piece
Hanna Lassen / Getty Images
If you’re the type of person who loves to layer, then this styling hack is for you. Come fall, you’ll want to start considering dressing for the cooler temperatures, so rather than wear a vest as your base, try leaving it unbuttoned over an oversize shirt. The key here is to make sure that your shirt is ultra-relaxed and loose around your body then include a straight-lined vest that doesn’t cinch in at the waist or have button fixtures. If you want to look like you walked off The Row’s runway, try pairing it with a straight-leg capri pant and a lustrous heeled mule.
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Amazon
Exchic Sleeveless Open-Front Cardigan Vest
https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Sleeveless-Front-Cardigan-Lightweight/dp/B07P2DHJZ7?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pur0e4-20&linkId=5d1ab13e25987954a1491fd88c6d8fdd&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
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Gap Factory
Poplin Big Shirt
https://howl.me/cmQERzm7mtS
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Banana Republic Factory
Easy Wide-Leg Cropped Pant
https://howl.me/cmQEXJhe7Rg
35
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Madewell
The Macarro Mule
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4. Let Your Vest Be the Pop of Color Amongst Prints and Textures
Christian Vierig / Getty Images
Black and white is nice and all, but sometimes a vibrant shade is just what the doctor ordered. The next time you go shop in store or online, you’ll notice that vests come in a slew of prints and bold shades, often with a pair of trouser pants or shorts to match. While you can wear it as-is and let the splash of color speak for itself, I find that if you incorporate more prints and textures, like a long-sleeve stripe or polka-dot shirt and studded ballet flats, it can be quite cool and complementary.
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Revolve
Lioness Leo Vest
https://howl.me/cmQEtc6T3sC
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Revolve
Lioness Leo Pant
https://howl.me/cmQEvtL6F1F
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Reformation
Bethany Ballet Flat
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5. Dress It Like a Parisian with a Silk Skirt
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
If there’s one item most French women love, it’s a bias cut skirt. But did you know that one way they prefer to style a silk skirt is with—you guessed it—a vest? That’s right, a V-neck bespoke vest is à la mode, as the French say, making for a polished outfit oozing with that je ne sais quoi Americans admire. For a streamlined finish that effortlessly flows despite the difference in materials, stick to one colorway. Don’t worry, you can still add in bright colors and lots of texture with accessories, from candy apple ballet flats with straps to layers of gold necklaces.
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Walmart
Baeteuy Formal V-Neck Vest
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FWomen-Formal-Vest-V-Neck-Single-breasted-Sleeveless-Cardigan-Solid-Color-Loose-OL-Commute-Office-Wear-Waistcoat-Lady-Coat-XL-White%2F5777613244&xcust=how-to-wear-a-vest
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Quince
Washable Silk Maxi Skirt
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Sézane
Paula Babies
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Revolve
Le Specs Outta Love
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6. Embrace the Traditional with Matching Trousers
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
When in doubt, match it out. Many of my colleagues know how much I adore a matching set, and the same goes for a vest and trouser combo that can go from the office to happy hour in an instant. It’s versatile, it’s tailored and it can be worn as separates—that’s multiple looks in one. If you want a polished and professional look that reads more cocktails and less conference calls, be sure to invest in a set that isn’t too form-fitting. Think: pleats, wide-leg pants, straight-fitting vests, etc. The more movement, the less stiff and corporate you look.
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Reformation
Taryn Two Piece
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=40090&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thereformation.com%2Fproducts%2Ftaryn-two-piece%2F1314122USG.html&u1=how-to-wear-a-vest
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Aritzia
The Effortless Pant
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Aritzia
Wilfred Regal Vest
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7. Go Modern in Bermudas and Heeled Flip Flops
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
On those days when you don’t want to dress like you’ve just left your nine-to-five, but you still want something elevated, try wearing your vest with long Bermuda shorts or trouser shorts. It’s in the same realm as the previous look, but the sexy peek of leg counterbalances the prim and conservative vibe of the suit. Keep the length and add a touch of casualness with a heeled thong. It’ll help dress down the vest without taking your focal point away from its intricacies.
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Revolve
Lovers & Friends Raissa Short
https://howl.me/cmQDcIeRE2C
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ASOS
4th & Reckless Tailored Vest
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Revolve
Tony Bianco Krista Sandals
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8. Dress It Down with an Elevated Pair of Jeans
Christian Vierig / Getty Images
On the other hand, there’s no rule stating that you must match your vest to your pants, shorts or skirts. The outfit above is a testament to your tried-and-true baby blues, which can strike a seamless balance between the formality of the vest and informality of jeans. Some things to note: Keep to a vest that doesn’t button down all the way, as the bottom flare is flattering and won’t awkwardly cut your waist in half (especially talking to you, petites) and select straight-leg or wide-leg jeans rather than skinny; think about following the shape of the vest rather than competing against it. For a weekend-ready look, an open-toed shoe and everyday black handbag will always get the job done.
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Reformation
Oakley Vest
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=40090&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thereformation.com%2Fproducts%2Foakley-vest%2F1314012BLK.html&u1=how-to-wear-a-vest
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Madewell
Superwide-Leg Jeans
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Target
A New Day Lupita Point-Toe Heels
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Avoid Being Too on the Nose
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
I love a throwback-inspired ensemble just as much as the next fashionista, but some pairings are best kept in the past. Case in point, this ‘90s-meets-early-aughts assemblage that has too much going on. The white T-shirt and gingham vest pairing is straight out of a ‘90s sitcom, which could work today if the buttons were left undone or you nix the undershirt. As for the bottoms, I know that capris are in and all, but there’s something so 2004 about the faded wash, denim material and cuffed hem; and that’s not including the kitten heel, either. At the end of the day, it reads I don’t know which decade I’m in.
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