Vests are such a versatile piece that can instantly elevate an outfit. Whether it’s a formal look for work or a casual weekend vibe, adding a vest brings a whole new element to your style. From denim to knits to sleek tailored vests, there are so many options.
In this post, let’s explore 19 chic vest outfit ideas to give you inspiration on how to wear this practical layering piece.
1. Black Vest and Beige Shorts
Starting simple, a black vest paired with beige tailored shorts makes for an easy summer outfit. The black vest contrasts nicely against the light shorts.
With leather flip flops, this look walks the line between dressy and casual perfectly. It would be great for a daytime date or weekend brunch.
2. Dark Vest and Light Wash Jeans
Moving into fall, try a dark colored vest with light wash straight leg jeans. This rich vest color paired with crisp white pointed toe flats creates a very sophisticated look.
Add a top handle bag and maybe some small hoops or a pendant necklace to complement the outfit. To make this outfit more casual for daytime, swap the heels for white sneakers or loafers.
3. Navy Vest and Black Maxi Skirt
For an easy outfit formula, pair a dark colored vest with a black maxi skirt. Here we have a navy vest with a black maxi. Finish it off with classic white sneakers to keep it casual. This look is great for running errands or weekend activities.
Some other ideas would be to try different colors of vests like olive green, gray, brown, or black. You could also dress it up with heeled booties or wedges.
4. Beige Knit Crop Vest and Blush Skirt
My favorite outfit on this list is this gorgeous boho chic look. A beige open knit crop vest is layered over a blush pink satin midi skirt. Brown cowboy boots and a wide-brim hat complete the look.
I love the feminine skirt paired with the textured knit vest. You could also try other muted toned maxi skirts with this vest like cream or light gray. For shoes, tan ankle boots would also look cute.
5. Black Vest and Midi Skirt
An easy way to wear a vest is layered over a skirt. Here we have a black vest on top of a black midi skirt. The vest adds some extra visual interest and texture. Lace up boots ground the look.
6. Gray Vest and Black Wide Leg Trousers
For a sleek office look, pair a gray vest with black wide leg trousers. The tailored pieces nicely complement each other. Ground the look with simple black loafers.
7. Black Vest and White Denim Shorts
For a relaxed weekend look, pair a black vest with distressed white denim shorts. Then finish it off with tan knee high boots. I love the contrast of the black vest against the light shorts.
You could also try different colored denim shorts like light blue or gray. For shoes, tan ankle boots or platform sneakers would also look cute.
8. Olive Vest, White Tee, and Jeans
Here’s an easy casual formula for wearing a vest: pair it with a white t-shirt and jeans. This olive green vest looks great with a white tee, dark wash jeans, and black loafers. A matching white baseball cap completes the look.
Some other vest color ideas to try: army green, tan, gray, brown. You could also swap the t-shirt for a button down shirt. And the jeans for khaki or black pants. Lots of options!
9. Pinstripe Vest, White Tee, and Light Wash Jeans
Similar to the previous outfit, this pinstripe vest is layered over a classic white tee and light wash jeans combo. For an outer layer, a beige trench coat adds some extra sophistication. Pointed toe booties finish off this transitional weather look.
To make this outfit more casual for daytime, try swapping the trench and booties for a jean jacket and white sneakers. You could also experiment with different colored tees underneath like black, olive green, navy or pink.
10. Pale Yellow Vest and White Wide Leg Pants
Here’s another great summer outfit idea – a pale yellow vest paired with white wide leg pants. The light colors are perfect for hot weather. Black slide sandals keep the outfit simple and casual.
11. Light Blue Vest and Sheer Lace Top
This next outfit has more of an evening out vibe. A light blue vest is worn over a sexy black sheer lace long sleeve top.
The lace peeking out from the vest adds an unexpected touch. Distressed light wash jeans and white sneakers keep the look young and casual.
12. Black Vest, Gray Skirt and Studded Belt
Edgy gals, this one’s for you! A black vest paired with a gray mini skirt makes for a chic contrasting look. Extra style points for adding the studded belt. Black platform sneakers give it that downtown vibe.
13. White Vest and Light Wash Wide Leg Jeans
Here’s an effortlessly cool casual outfit for laidback days. A simple white vest paired with light wash wide leg jeans makes a relaxed vibe. Finish it off with brown ankle boots.
14. Beige Vest, White Maxi Skirt and Sneakers
This summer outfit combo is crisp and classic. A beige vest complements a long white maxi skirt perfectly. Dark colored sneakers add subtle contrast. I can picture wearing this look to a daytime wedding or event when it’s hot out.
Some other ideas are to try different colored linen-style vests with the white skirt. You could also dress it up with tan wedges or neutral strappy sandals.
15. Denim Vest, White Mini Skirt and Sneakers
Denim vests are a spring/summer staple that look great styled in so many ways. Here it’s paired with a crisp white mini skirt and white sneakers for a casual weekend look. This outfit is youthful and fun.
For variations, experiment with different washes of denim vests – black, white, light blue and pair with colorful mini skirts. You could also try cropped jeans instead.
16. Black Sweatshirt, White Puffer Vest and Leggings
When it’s cold out but you still want to look cute, layer a white puffer vest over a black sweatshirt and leggings. White sneakers tie the sporty look together. This outfit combo is equal parts warm, comfy and stylish.
To change it up, try wearing colored sweatshirts and leggings with the white vest. Black ankle boots would also look sleek if it’s not too cold out. You could even add a beanie for extra warmth.
17. Matching Pinstriped Vest and Shorts
If you really want to commit to the vest look, go full on matchy-matchy! These pinstripe shorts and vest are made for each other. I can see this being a go-to vacation outfit when you want to look pulled together but still casual.
18. Pink Vest, Jeans and White Sneakers
Add a pop of color to your look with this bright pink button-up vest. Paired with light wash wide leg jeans and white sneakers with pink accents, this fun outfit will definitely turn heads. The colors and silhouettes are young, playful and eye-catching.
To make this outfit more edgy, try a hot pink vest with black ripped skinny jeans and pink high-top sneakers instead. So many options for this vest!
19. Striped Tank Top, Pleated Skirt and Sandals
Last up we have a casual contrasting look. A black and white striped cropped tank is worn with a cream pleated midi skirt and simple black slide sandals. The stripes paired with the feminine skirt create an effortlessly chic daytime outfit.
