The suit vest is a classic wardrobe piece that’s having a moment this season, and it appeals to me for its timeless simplicity. You can wear a vest as a standalone top, a lightweight layer, or even part of a summer suit. I’m styling a white vest today, and I also rounded up a bunch of other options at the end of this post.
Evereve Sierra Denim Vest (M) // Citizens of Humanity Ayla Raw Hem Crop (29) // Schutz Fairy Slides in Oyster (7.5) // NAGHEDI Nomad Hobo Bag in Cashmere
I personally like the vest-as-a-top trend. It’s an easy and simple way to style your favorite jeans or pants, and the somewhat unexpected aspect wearing of the vest as a top keeps your look fun and playful.
This white denim version caught my eye when it dropped at Evereve a couple months ago. I really like the contrasting buttons and the subtle pocket detail, and the bright white stretch denim is perfect for pairing with other neutrals or pretty much any shade of blue denim.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to find the perfect fit. The small was too short and snug, and while the medium is a better length, it’s a little loose under the arms and around the waist, and it gapes when I lean forward.
I’m thinking of taking it to a tailor to have it fitted to me because I think it just needs some minor adjustments to look perfect. It’s nice and stretchy, so it if was more fitted, I think it would be perfect. Before I do that, I’ve ordered this Spanx version, to see if it fits better off the rack.
I took these pictures anyway because I like the look, and this vest seems to work for a lot of people. I’ve seen it on a lot of my fellow bloggers and influencer types.
I tried this white vest here at home with blue jeans, and I put together an Instagram Reel with that look. It is definitely more in line with my personal style, but the day we took these pictures, I was playing around with these Citizens of Humanity Ayla Raw Hem Crop Jeans, and I thought this was a fun pairing.
I really like the weight of the denim and that almond color, and they have a slight horseshoe shape to them, which plays into the season’s current trends, but I don’t feel like they do much for me. I didn’t end up keeping them, but this vest would be cute with other ecru jeans.
To keep the look neutral, I added these puffy Schutz Fairy Slides in the Oyster and my new NAGHEDI Nomad Hobo Bag in the cashmere.
These puffy slides are trendy and fun, and they’re actually quite comfortable for a flat sandal. There’s no support or anything like that, but if your feet don’t have any special needs, I think they’re really fun for summer.
And here’s a closeup of the bag. I was eyeing this for several months, and I finally took the plunge. It’s so chic and lightweight, and a nice quality too. The woven texture and hobo style combines two of my favorite spring bag trends, but it’s also a classic look that won’t be dated in a few years.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the suit vests for spring and summer. Are you rocking the vest-as-top trend, or are you sitting this one out? If you prefer more coverage, I’ve also seen them worn over tanks and tees. I didn’t feel like I had quite the right base layer, so I didn’t try mine that way, but I think it’s a cute look too.
Shop Suit Vests for Spring
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43 Responses
I love how the vest looks as you show it here. I have been planning to skip this trend because I have large breasts. Do you think it would work? Is this just a look for more balance figures.? Asking you because I know you understand the challenge.
I actually think this one would fit better if I was bigger. It probably depends on the vest.
I LOVE the vest trend – I wore them for years back in the day – I am having a hard time finding one that fits me properly now 🙁 I might have to skip it this time around.
I like the look but I’ll probably skip it. I’m really leaning into building an updated yet classic wardrobe. These days, I pass on pieces that seem to have the potential to have a “one and done” season. If I do end up getting one, I do like them!, I would probably go with a darker color which I could see myself wearing well into the Fall vs a white or linen one.
Same here Deb! I enjoy wearing trends and try to stay current. But many of the fast fashion type trends do fade out of style as quickly as they came in. I almost feel wasteful buying something that I’ll be tossing in a year or two max. I will still buy them if I absolutely love them. But even then I buy a cheaper version. That said it’s a cute look, but I will probably skip it.
I also like the vest look. I bought a white and an ecru linen one at Talbot’s and the fit is perfect. I’ve worn the white one with jeans and with black and white pants and a black cotton jacket. I’ve worn the ecru one with natural wide leg jeans. During the winter, I wore a glen plaid vest over a white blouse with black pants.
Could you show one with something under it. Not sure how to layer it and keep it modern.
I like how this model has this one over a bodysuit – https://shopstyle.it/l/cbyQC
There is even a video here – I like this look best, over a tee – https://shopstyle.it/l/cbySq
Great Evereve video!! Love the different ways to wear the vest. Did you happen to notice her first outfit and the “frumpy” black fisherman sandal?? I bet you knew I would comment on it! HAHA!! I have sandals very similar and I’m cooler than I thought I was!
Oh yeah, the chunky fisherman style sandals are definitely trending. It is one of those “so ugly it’s cute” vibes. They have to be styled very intentionally to look chic and not frumpy. It works for her, but I’m going to pass. 🙂
Good morning! I love the look of the vest and just purchased a navy blue linen one from J. Crew (through your link!). It is fitted, but I sized up one per the recommendation of every reviewer! HAHA! It can be worn alone, but I am planning to wear a fitted white tshirt or tank underneath and keep it open. (the model on the Evereve site shows it that way!). Love the ecru jeans as well.
Love this look! I now have 4 vests and I’m trying not buy anymore because I know the trend may not last…however, I did purchase one at WHBM this weekend.
I love the look of a button-up vest as a sleeveless top. However, I’ve tried several and can’t find one that fits well, so I think I’ve given up on the idea.
Can you show us some vests styled in a different way. Over tees/blouses and as a layer.
Like the look you gave today.
I like the look you gave today. Could you please show us vests worn in a different way.
With tees/ blouses under them or as a layer
Thank you
Check out this video – she shows it with a t-shirt.
Since you asked…..I will be skipping this trend. I just get a 70s vibe that takes me back to middle school. My mom was an excellent seamstress. She fell in love with this trend, the fitted ones and the open vests (longer and looser) that were so popular in mid 70s. And of course she made me wear them to school. I just can’t get past how I felt about wearing that while my friends were wearing hip huggers and bodysuits. 🤣 Not sure that would have been a good look for me either.
The vest look is really cute on you however and on so many others.
So funny how trends cycle! I grew up in the late 80s/early 90s and was just thinking it reminds me of my childhood too! Except in a chintzy fabric, over a turtleneck, with “mom” jeans!
OMG, Megan – this made me laugh outloud. You description reminds me of the Mom Jeans skit on SNL. BTW – I love the vest look – I am 100% into it!
Hahaha!! Too funny!! Now I have that song stuck in my head! I actually like the look, provided it’s done in a very modern and updated way like Jolynne did here.
I really like this trend! In fact, I have this same vest and wore it for a day of travel since we were headed straight off the plane somewhere. I paired it back to black linen pants and caramel sandals. I’ll post a picture on FB page soon. I’m curious on styling … I see some with the bottom button done and some with it undone. Is there a rule that leans one way or the other?
I also have the Shutz slides form last summer in nude. I think they’re so fun! A word to those with finicky feet or prone to PF… I am certain wearing these too much brought on my plantar fasciitis again. Lesson learned for me 🙁 Love how you paired this vest with the ecru, I’m going to try that. I also may want to try shorts with a vest the way so many are showing them now. If the Spanx one doesn’t work out for you, I believe Aritzia has quite a few vests.
Your travel outfit sounds really cute. I think I tried this vest with these shorts, but I can’t find a picture.
I’ve noticed the undone button thing too. It’s something to play around with, I guess, but it’s one of those things like the button-up with one shirttail tucked in and the other side left out. It feels a little “try hard” to me, even though I like it on other people.
I love vests and have amassed quite a few in the past 4-5 years, each fairly different from each other.
My latest is the white one from WHBM. You may want to give it a try as it seems more tailored/fitted to me than the Evereve you have here.
I hadn’t thought to wear open over a tank, I may be motivated to try that today 😉
Is it this one? I wasn’t sure I’d like the pockets, but it’s worth a try.
Yep! I think it’s worth a try. I have a smaller chest and that could make the difference between liking the pockets or not.
Thanks for this post! I have a black suit vest I got at J Crew years ago. I’ve been thinking of trying it, but would prefer something under it (t shirt) or over it as shown with the linen blazer in the post you’ve attached. Any suggestion how to style my black cotton vest or do I break down and buy a white one?
Definitely try styling the black one! I would try it over a white tee with blue jeans, for starters.
No thoughts on the vest trend other than I do like them but have not tried any yet.
Keep meaning to comment that Becca looked gorgeous in her prom dress. Loved the color and fit in her.
Thank you! I thought so too. 🙂
I like the look but haven’t tried one on. I think I might sit this one out, as I see it not being on trend next year. I’m in the process of purging my closet and trying to be intentional on my new purchases.
I’m on the fence regarding this trend. I like how you look wearing the suit vest as a top, but it doesn’t fit my personal style.
I LOVE the vest trend – so much so I have 4! It’s my “go to” look this season. I love it for casual with denim but also for work with oxford shoes. I’m totally embracing the suit and athletic shoe look as well!
I purchased 2 vests from Evereve last year and it helped that it had the adjustable strap in back. I recently purchased one from Loft and it fits well.
So, I considered the post and just said, ‘meh.’
Then reading the replies I read Jo Lynne’s response to Janet and clicked on the link. JL: You gave me the perfect idea for that bodysuit languishing in my closet.
Now it’s off to Chico’s! Thanx so much 🥰
I like the vest look but probably will find it hard to fit. Back in the day when I was a 32B they fit great. I don’t want to spend too much on one. I tried one at Target but wouldn’t button up . I missed out at Old Navy too. I think these vests fit better on smaller busts.
I bought my vest at J.Crew Factory in white, just a couple weeks ago when it was on sale, but it’s very low inventory now. I’m 36C so I’m kind of busty and had to size up to a 4 for the vest to fit well, but it looks really cute! I like the trend. I just won’t be wearing it over tees or shirts, I like the clean look of just the vest.
That one looked good. I wanted to include it in my round up, but it is so low inventory.
Loving the vest look! I’m old enough that I wore it in HS and I’m wearing it again! I have a white linen one w black pinstripes I’m loving right now and my fav way to style it is with my wide leg black linen pants and black slides or sandals. So cute!
I plan to try the halter style vest trends. I feel the halter neckline looks best on an athletic frame with larger arms like I have. It’s just finding what works for you.
I think the way you styled it looks very nice and fresh. I personally don’t think it would fit into my very casual lifestyle but would love to see it styled overtop of a more fitted long sleeve or 3/4 sleeve blouse maybe to achieve an hourglass effect maybe with modern trousers or even shorts.
BYW I loved the picture of Becca in her prom dress, beautiful!
I started out skeptical, then realized I have wide leg black linen pants that would look great with a vest – I’d do a fitted t shirt underneath – thank you for this! I think it will look great for work this summer.
Nice! Let us know how it works out.
Looks good on you! I was wondering what you think of the sandals Schutz Victorie transparent cork? I bought them they fit great but I don’t know if they look too trendy.
I like them, but they do look trendy to me… not in a way that looks too young or try-hard, but they may not have staying power. I would probably wear them for 2 seasons.