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I can’t scroll through my social feeds without seeing a well-dressed woman wearing a waistcoat. The waistcoat has been having a moment lately.
The suit vest first appeared in the 1970s as part of women’s uniforms. It resurfaced again in the 90’s and is now seen on models, celebs, and fashionable women.
The waistcoat is an androgynous piece. A bit masculine, a little bit bohemian, it is a great piece for any time of the year.
Gaining momentum over the last few seasons, the sleeveless garment has been reimagined for in chic, flattering silhouettes, cementing any look to polished perfection.
What To Wear With A Vest
Styling-wise, it’s the perfect mate for a masterfully minimalist or statement maximalist outfit. Depending on your personal style, the vest can be layered over a white t-shirt and jeans for an interesting outfit.
The transitional outerwear option is a true layering essential, and can be worn as part of a three-piece suit, and finished with sneakers for a cool, easy vibe.
Scroll below for 9+ ways on what to wear with a vest. Find inspo on how to wear the timeless piece for any season.
1. Trousers
When it comes to a smart casual look for the springtime, a white vest whispers “chic” no matter which way its worn. For a classic look that defies trends and seasons, pair with trousers that are of the same color palette.
The muted color and elongated silhouette of this look instantly draws you in and is the perfect outfit for various occasions.
Lean into the neutral color palette, and pair it with a white heels and a tan structured tote.
Headed to a business meeting? Long live the three-piece suit.
Go gray with a slate colored vest layered underneath a matching suit jacket. Finish off with a matching trouser which means business.
To add a casual appeal, finish off with sneakers. The grey suit vest and matching pants are the new quiet luxury essentials you need.
When the weather is warm one day and cool the next, a transitional outerwear option is a true layering essential, especially when styled with a vest that functions as an extra layer.
Complete the look with a pair of black pants and white sneakers. Mixing and matching different shades looks just as good.
Although vests are normally considered polished pieces, this outfit proves that you can dress them down with sneakers.
No suit vest roundup could be complete without mention of the well-fitted vest in classic khaki.
Tailored for a cool yet unfussy fit, it pairs perfectly with all looks regardless of the season. For the colder months, pair with an oversized wool coat and chunky sneakers.
No spring color combination is trending now quite like neutral colors. Starting with a cream buttoned-up suit vest, polish off the look in matching pleated pants.
A sultry cream bag is a sophisticated, yet sultry final touch. When in doubt, opt for a matching set. It’s an easy look that can do no wrong.
Like the versatile little black dress, a black vest has ample closet appeal. Meanwhile, the suit vest and trouser combination is about as classic as it gets.
There are different ways to style this type of vest, but there is nothing chicer than a classic black and white combination.
Combining the colorless hues is a modern interpretation of the effortlessly minimalist style that has been seen in recent years.
Styling-wise, the vest is the perfect mate for a masterfully minimalist outfit formula. A khaki vest really pops against dark colors -regardless of whether it be trousers or skirts.
Accessories, like a raffia tote and sleek sunnies are always welcome.
2. Jeans
The movement started with menswear-inspired suiting, but it has expanded into everyday-wear territory, such as a pair of jeans, thanks to its laid-back nature.
The best thing about denim is arguably its versatility as a true year-round staple. Light wash jeans are easier to mix with either bright colors or neutrals, giving a variety of outfit options.
White jeans outfits always exudes a chic look and provide the best blank canvas to build an aesthetically pleasing outfit.
If it’s warm enough, a vest can just be a top. Keep it casual but polished with a pair of straight-leg jeans and sandals.
When summer ends, you’ll still want to reach for a gray vest. In terms of style, there is no needs for a full suit – just grab a pair of jeans for those cool summer nights.
A gray suit vest feels especially fresh when paired with crisp blue denim and an oversized blazer.
The cool girl way, that has been seen on social feeds, has been wearing suit vests as tops, and pairing them with baggy jeans.
An oversized black vest nipped-in the waist and button closures can work a multiple of ways. The cut works as a standalone top, or layered over a white tee or a long-sleeved shirt for cooler days.
3. Shorts
Proof that you can make a pair of comfortable shorts look dressed-up with a casual vest.
Oftentimes, it’s the wardrobe basics that are the best investments and get the most wear. Linen shorts are the anti-loungewear trend that will always be a timeless summer staple.
We’re not here to talk about the suit vest just as a standalone item. It reaches its full polished potential when styled as a matching set. It is one of my favorite ways to style the vest.
The twosome is the embodiment of summer-in-the-city style, requiring just a simple black sandal and festive raffia tote to complete the look.
4. Skirts
When you’re grabbing drinks with friends, you may not think about reaching for a suit vest—but it can be cool and dressy.
When all else fails, a coordinating top and bottom is always a great skirt-centric outfit idea, so have fun with different fabrics and textures.
The luxurious fabric of the satin skirt works seamlessly with the structured vest to give a luxe look. The suit vest also has an appealingly practical element.
The vest is one of the most versatile pieces you can purchase: it can be either androgynous or sexy depending of the season and your personal style.
As we await summer’s much-anticipated arrival, refresh the contents of your closet now, starting with white linen vests.
For a healthy balance of ease and drama, consider a longline linen vest which creates a sense of proportion when paired with a straight maxi skirt.
Paired with a linen vest, the maxi skirt in a neutral shade becomes a sartorial hero for moments when you’re in need of an elegantly polished ensemble and an extremely stylish outfit.
Styling-wise, the white maxi skirt is the ultimate blank canvas, adding an element of effortlessness and bohemian charm to any outfit in mind.
What ultimately makes this long skirt an all-around winner, is its ability to give off an effortlessly chic aura while still maintaining its intrinsic sophistication.
Whether you wear the skirt as a beach skirt or even to a summer weddings, the combination of a waistcoat and flowy maxi skirt is a no-fail look for all body types and shapes.
If stepping out in a high hemline is enough of a statement itself, then start simple and creating a chic look around a no-frills black miniskirt.
This type of skirt can be classic when paired with a sophisticated white double-breasted vest and dainty heels. For the illusion of even longer legs, wear shoes coordinated in the same hue.
