Long vests are having a bit of a moment, and I’ll admit—I wasn’t sure I could pull them off. But after trying a few styles, I actually found two I really like: one in a breezy black linen and another in a bold red sweater knit. Turns out, they’re a great way to add structure and polish to a summer outfit without wearing layers.
If you’ve been wondering what to wear with a long vest, I’ve got two simple outfit ideas that feel current and wearable—even in warmer weather. One leans classic and minimal, and the other is bolder and a little more fun. You’ll have to let me know which is your favorite!
Long Linen Vest Outfit: Chic and Polished
This first look features J.Crew’s Cutaway vest top in linen, paired with their coordinating Carolina flare pant in stretch linen blend. These trouser-style pants are made from a linen/polyester fabric that’s lightweight, comfortable, and easy to mix and match with other summer pieces in your closet.
And the long linen vest top is 100% linen and fully lined, with a modern cutaway detail at the hem. It has a lot of structure for a flattering fit, and it comes in a wide range of sizes (00–20) and several classic colors.
J.Crew Cutaway vest top in linen (8) // Carolina flare pant in stretch linen blend (8) // Tory Burch wedge espadrilles (8) // Freja Caroline // Jenny Bird earrings & bracelet
I went with black for a chic, minimal look that feels elevated but still very wearable. Looking back, I wish I’d worn a lighter shoe to keep the outfit more summery—I tried it with these at home, but for some reason went with these black wedge sandals for our shoot. Funny how you notice things in photos that never jump out in the mirror!
Either way, this is a polished linen vest outfit that could easily work for the office, church, or dinner out. I’m even considering wearing it to a memorial service this weekend.
Red Sweater Vest with Wide Leg Jeans
The second outfit has a totally different vibe—a red sweater vest paired with wide leg jeans for an easy, fun look that’s perfect for lunch with the girls or a casual dinner out.
WHBM v-neck sweater vest (M) // MOTHER Roller (29) // Dolce Vita Mylee (7.5) // similar camera bag // YSL sunnies // similar earrings // similar necklace // similar bangle
What I love about this sweater vest is the comfortable knit fabric. It wears like a lightweight sweater, but the tailored details, like the flattering V-neck and cutaway waist, give it the polished structure of a true vest top. The gold organic-shaped buttons are such a pretty touch too—they almost work like jewelry and add just enough shine without needing extra accessories.
To finish the look, I went with neutral strappy sandals that feel a little more interesting than your average slides. They have a soft blunted toe, a cantilevered heel, and just a touch of gold hardware on the thong strap, which ties in nicely with the buttons on the vest.
Both of these long vests are bra-friendly, figure-flattering, and easy to wear—and they’ve definitely made me a believer. If you’ve been on the fence about trying one, I’d love to know: does this post inspire you to give the trend a shot? And which style would you choose?
Shop Long Vests for Summer
Whether you prefer a structured linen vest or a softer sweater knit, a long vest is a versatile way to switch up your summer style. I rounded up a few great options below, in a range of price points.
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27 Responses
Beautiful! You are rocking the style!
On the toe ring sandals, I just purchased a pair by Vionic on QVC. Didn’t realize they were trending but was looking for a comfortable pair of sandals in tan, they are the Carmela style. Love them. Enjoy your day!
Good to know, thanks for the suggestion!
That first look on you is perfection! And I like the shoes you chose to wear with it as well. This trend is a pass for me, though. 🙂
These are both fun! I haven’t tried the trend yet so I’ll look for a vest top that has an open neckline. Saw a few in your widget.
Curious on the JCrew outfit… are the pants something you’d use other than with this vest? I’d love to see you style them!
I do think the red sweater one is FUN!
I’ve been eyeing that black vest. Was sorry I missed it when it was on sale. I love both outfits but I think the black linen outfit looks incredibly classic and sophisticated. Thanks for sharing. I would love to see a post on how to style either vest in different ways. I have a shorter black linen vest from Gap that surprisingly pairs with many of my shorts, skirts and pants. I’m not sure if the long one would be just as versatile given the proportions.
The black linen vest and trousers are gorgeous and look great on you. Perfect for the memorial service you mentioned. I’m looking at the red vest as well — love the look!
I love both vests on you (but I wouldn’t consider either one “long”!!). I would love to see the black one layered over a white T and left open. I think I would prefer a more traditional v-neck vest like the Rails or Talbots examples in the widgets. Thanks for giving us such great style options.
Love how you look in these vests. My guess is we want the 1/3 to 2/3 ratio. I ask because I am short (5’2”) so need to keep this in balance as try this look.
Jolynne, you mentioned you wish you had worn a different shoe with the black outfit. A nude shoe? Can you share what shoe might have worked better?
Thank you !
Deb
The Dolce Vita ones I’m wearing with the jeans are more of what I have in mind.
And yes, the 1/3 to 2/3 ratio is why I wore both with full length pants and a heel. I should have mentioned that!
I like both, but for work I would have to choose the black. I’m not sure I would wear it because of my arms. I would just have to try! 🙂
Love both outfits. Did the long vests in the 90s. If they were a trend that would be around for awhile, I would buy the JCrew outfit. Unfortunately, the only place I would wear is work and next summer they will be out. I won’t get the cost per wear.
If I were to try a long vest, I would go with the knit one because I think it would be easier to launder, and because black is a harsh color for me to wear close to my face.
I have the black JCrew linen vest and Carolina pants and love that outfit. The black vest also looks cute with straight leg denim and black shorts. Both of your vest outfits look great on you!
I love the vest trend and this post has me all excited, lol! These outfits are some of the best you’ve styled lately! I have a short linen v-neck white vest from JCrew Factory and a black one, same style but can’t remember where I got it. The red one you styled is tempting. I may pair my white vest with black linen shorts for my DR vacation. I also have those Dolce Vita sandals you wore, initially shown on Cyndi Spivey. They are surprisingly very comfortable! Love the Mother jeans too. Hope they go on sale soon!
Love both outfits but the red is my favorite!!! Do you like it with white jeans? Shorts? Thanks for the great post!
I didn’t try either with shorts, but I do think the red vest would look amazing with white jeans. I plan to try it!
I’d have appreciated you showing possible pairings of the vests with shirts or blouses. I tend to not wear clothing that are sleeveless yet I love the look of a vest—so polished & tailored looking.
Perhaps you could do a post of vests being paired this way.
I enjoy following you—thank you for modeling the items you write about.
I love both of the vest outfits. The black linen, especially. Looks great on you! The sweater vest is so cute, too. I used to have a lot of vests but as the years went on, I didn’t think they would ever come back. Boy was I wrong. I also had toe ring sandals. I believe I was the only one, in my crowd, that had them. I loved them! 😍
The vests look great on you. Is anyone out there layering them over something light like a linen T-shirt? I avoid exposing that whole arm-underarm-shoulder area on me. If I were plus-sized but tan or darker-skinned, or ghostly white but slim, maybe, but I’m both plus and ghostly! The Dolce Vita sandals, on the other hand, I’m not going to be able to resist much longer.
I feel like I haven’t really seen that look with these, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it. I’d be curious what you think!
I love the black vest and pants on you. So chic. I love those vests but don’t like going sleeveless anymore. I’m hoping they make fall winter vests so I can wear a long sleeve top underneath. I asked a question about the crochet top from. Gap in an email. I wanted to know if it’s clingy. What size are you wearing. I would be one size smaller.
Sorry, I missed that question. I feel like it’s cut pretty generously. I was able to wear the small comfortably.
I love both looks!! When I look at the sizing on the black medium I worry that it wouldn’t fit around my waist since I have the spare tire look going on. Trying to do exercises for this part. I will look at the red one it might be better for my body.
I love this look….but I just can’t do sleeveless. Do you see anyone wearing them with t-shirts? Thanks!
Not really, but you can certainly try it! It’s a different look, but it could be cute.
You look fabulous in these outfits ♥️
Both the vests look great and so stylish on you. Do you think it’s okay to wear them both in the winter with a long sleeve top, like a nice tee under them, but we all enjoy your ideas if you have another suggestion.
Maybe you will style them that way and we can also see how they look please. I live in Sarasota Florida and would also wear a vest in the winter if you think that would be okay. We all wore so many sweaters last winter!