How to Wear a Vest for Women

Co-authored by Dina Scherer

Last Updated: October 26, 2021 References

Vests are a fun way to add personality and style to any outfit all year round. When you’re wearing one, keep it casual with denim and lots of layers, or dress it up with formal fabrics, like faux fur and wool, and dark colors. Then add the accessories of your choosing for the final touches. Who knew a vest could look so cute?

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Wearing a Vest Casually

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Layer a solid vest over a patterned or different-colored shirt for a stylish accent. Make your vest the statement piece of your outfit by choosing one that contrasts the shirt underneath. For example, wear a white vest over a dark navy or black long-sleeved T-shirt or a black vest over a plaid button-down.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.}
- If you’re putting a vest over a patterned shirt, pick a vest in one of the colors that’s incorporated in the pattern to tie it all together. For instance, if your shirt has gray polka dots, opt for a gray vest.
2
Use a cargo vest to update a T-shirt and jeans. Start with the classic combo of jeans and a plain T-shirt, then top it off with a khaki or olive green cargo vest for a unique twist. If you want a super trendy take, wear distressed denim, like ripped or faded jeans, with your vest.
- You can also pick a cargo vest with interesting accents, like a sweater hood or studded details around the pockets.
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3
Put a puffer vest over workout gear for an athletic look. When it’s cold outside, layer a down vest over a long-sleeved workout top and sporty leggings to nail the athleisure trend. Balance out the bulk of the puffer vest by keeping your pieces underneath as sleek as possible, like a fitted shirt instead of a loose sweater.^{[3]
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Research source} This will help you maintain your shape, while the vest will still look like an intentional oversized piece.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.}
- If you’re going to work out in your vest, look for one that’s specifically designed to wick sweat or that fits snugly against your body when it’s zipped up.
Tip: If you have a pear-shaped body, meaning your bottom half is larger than your top half, wear a bigger puffer vest to balance out your lower body.
4
Wear a denim vest with a flowy dress or skirt for a bohemian vibe. Pair a prairie dress or paisley-print gauzy skirt, for example, with a jean vest to create a whimsical, artsy look. If your dress or skirt are maxi length, meaning they hit at or below your ankles, opt for a vest that’s waist-length or shorter to offset the longer layer underneath.^{[5]
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- You can find denim vests in all different colors, like classic blue jean, white, black, or even pastel hues.
- In warmer seasons, put a denim vest over a sleeveless or spaghetti-strap sundress for a casual-cute outfit.
- Denim vests can also look great with a t-shirt or a bralette underneath. Let the vest cover most of your skin, showing just a little bit around the midsection area.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Dina Scherer
  Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
  Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dressing Up a Vest

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Pair a black vest with an all-black outfit if you want to look slimmer. Wear black from head to toe to make your body look longer and leaner. For example, wear black skinny pants with a black blouse and a black quilted vest over top.^{[7]
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- Avoid bulky vests, which make you look bigger. Opt for vests in tailored, fitted shapes instead.
- For a more sophisticated all-black outfit, stay away from black vests in casual fabrics like denim or sweatshirt material. Instead, choose more elegant fabrics, like a wool or soft knit, for instance.
2
Wear a long camel vest with trousers for a classy business look. Put a chic camel vest that hits below the waist over a nice blouse and fitted wool pants if you want a more professional outfit. Pick trousers that are skinny fit or tapered at the ankle to balance out the length of the vest.^{[8]
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- Play around with textures if you want to add visual interest. For example, wear a silk or sheer blouse under the thick camel vest for a mix of flowy and tailored fabric.
3
Put a faux fur over a nice dress to create an elegant outfit. For a luxurious look, opt for a faux fur vest. Wear a taupe one with a silky midi dress and heels, for instance, or jazz up a simple sheath dress with a pure white faux fur vest.^{[9]
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Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with colored faux furs for a more playful look. Pair a pink faux fur vest with a classic little black dress, for example.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Accessorizing a Vest

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Choose bold jewelry if you want it to stand out. Since a vest will overpower any dainty jewelry, pick pieces that are chunkier and larger so they’re visible and eye-catching. For example, wear big hoop earrings with a faux fur vest or a glitzy choker with a quilted vest.^{[10]
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- Keep it to 1 piece of statement jewelry per outfit so you don’t have clashing accessories. For instance, choose either a bib necklace or oversized earrings, not both.
2
Add a scarf, hat, and boots for a cozy fall or winter look. In colder months, accessorize a vest with warm extras, like a flannel blanket scarf or knit beanie. You can also slip on sleek over-the-knee boots or chic ankle booties for a casual chic vibe.
- If you’re wearing boots, opt for slim-fitting pants, skinny jeans, or leggings to tuck inside. This offsets the bulk of the vest, too.
- Pick heavier scarves, like flannel or wool. Delicate fabrics, like silk, don’t pair well with a chunky vest.
3
Belt your vest for a figure-flattering outfit. Accentuate your waist by cinching your vest with a belt at the smallest part of your midsection, which is typically right above your navel. For example, slip a thin leather belt around a classy wool vest or a bohemian rope belt over a cargo vest.
- Some vests even come with belts or clasps to show off your waist.
- If you have a straight or boyish figure, use a belt to create the illusion of curves on your upper half.
4
Toss a heavy coat over your vest if you want to add warmth. When it’s cold outside, layer a coat on top of your vest. Pick one in a material that’s heavier or bulkier than your vest so it fits over it properly. For example, wear a wool peacoat over a faux fur vest or a down puffer jacket with a quilted vest.^{[11]
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- Opt for a coat in a similar style as your vest to make your outfit look more put together. For instance, go with an anorak jacket over a casual cargo vest instead of a formal camel coat.

Expert Q&A

Question

How is a vest supposed to fit?

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Dina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in New York City. With over a decade of experience, Dina specializes in color analysis, style development, closet editing, and personal shopping. She helps her clients elevate their personal style and curate a wardrobe aligned with their lifestyle. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Dina Scherer

Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper

Expert Answer

Well, it depends on each piece. If it's a tighter fitting vest, you can wear it with something like a button down or a blouse underneath for more of a classic look. If it's a thicker knit vest, you can wear it over something tight like a tight fitted t-shirt or turtleneck sweater. It would look great while also keeping you warm.