There are always a few hot trends that go bananas every season. And for fall it seems to be the vest, or waistcoat, for women. Yes, a suit vest, with buttons and all.
While sweater vests for women are still a thing, and they were everywhere in 2022 and back again for 2023, we are seeing a lot of the suiting vests. So here’s your Millennial’s guide to wearing the vest trend for 2023.
How To Wear A Vest
Choose Your Preferred Fit & Style
There are many styles of vests to choose from. In terms of the fit, you can go fitted, cropped, loose and relaxed. All will determine which bottoms you will style with them.
And then there are different styles and fabrics. You can try something more relaxed and casual in denim or cotton, and then there are nicer fabrics and structure with suiting materials. Or linen for summer, wool for fall.
There are also various necklines you can choose from. And I think this is one of the reasons why I love this trend as I tend to prefer a v-neck or square-neck top and most vests are going to be just that. You won’t be seeing any crew neck styles here. Lots of v-necks, scoops or square.
Lastly, there are also varying lengths! You can go for a cropped version, regular waist length, or try a longer waistcoat style that feels almost like a blazer. This is the perfect example of one and I love this styled with more fitted bottoms like a slim straight leg jean.
Pair With The Right Bottoms
Depending on the type of vest you choose, will determine the type of bottom you may want to style with it. But generally speaking, most vests are a bit more fitted to the body or structured at the very least.
That usually means you can pair it with looser bottoms from wide leg jeans, to trousers and yes, even skirts. There are really so many options.
Jeans With Vests
I really love a high rise straight leg jean or a relaxed jean paired with vests. And in today’s look, these Good American skater jeans are a wider looser fit that pairs nicely.
If you’re going for a more cropped vest, I’d style it with a higher waist and looser bottoms. Or my favorite, wide leg cropped jeans. All are great options.
Style With Leather Pants
I can’t wait to style my vests with my favorite faux leather pants. Same fit tips work here too with straight-leg options or wide leg crops.
Shorts With Vests
This may be one of my favorite pairings. And a great way to transition from summer to fall, or winter to spring. Style your vests with linen shorts at the end of summer. Or for fall with leather shorts or wool shorts. And always, denim shorts from your favorite mom jean shorts to Bermuda shorts.
Skirts And Vests
I’ll be pairing this vest with my satin maxi skirt which I think is the perfect look for fall. You can also throw a sweater over your shoulders too. Try a denim midi skirt or even a plaid mini skirt. I like a longer vest with a mini to balance it out.
Best Shoes To Wear With Vests
There are really no rules here since vests are so versatile they can be worn with casual denim shorts, to dressy leather pants. So whatever shoes you’d normally pair with those outfits, work!
I wouldn’t overthink the shoes here. Just because a vest tends to feel more like workwear, doesn’t mean it needs to be paired with 9-5 pieces. You can go sneakers, heels, sandals and boots.
Can You Layer With A Vest For Cooler Weather?
While I think layering your vest over a turtleneck or t-shirt is a thing you can do, personally, I’m skipping that trend. You can wear it buttoned or opened for a little layering moment. I just think this feels so 1992 when I was a kid and as a Millennial, it’s a trend I’m not looking to try.
But that’s not to say it’s a thing you can do. The right personal style will make it work, and just always keeping in mind a thinner layer underneath so there isn’t bulk is key.
How I’m Styling My Vest
I decided to pair this vest with my high-rise wide-leg jeans. I love unbuttoning the vest too for a mini midriff moment. It’s not too much and just adds a little something to the look.
Since we’re in between seasons, I styled this with a bootie as my shoe choice. And paired it with my new Sezane Mara tote which is truly, the perfect tote bag.
