Vests Are Entering Their Elegant Era—5 Elevated Ways to Wear Them

Vest outfits
(Image credit: @anoukyve; @nlmarilyn)

From the rise of sweater-vests several years ago to the popularity of longline buttoned waistcoats, vests have sustained a continued presence in the fashion space. I would have expected to see the tops start to reach a point of decline now, but instead we are seeing even more outfits integrating the piece, which has risen to the status of closet staple. We are, however, noticing a shift in how they are styled.

Now, vests are entering their elegant era, which comes as no surprise since that is a running theme we are seeing in fashion this year overall. Instead of pairing the tops with denim or slouchy shorts, the style set is wearing them with skirts in a range of silhouettes including everything from voluminous A-line shapes to sleek leather pencil skirts to elevated satin minis. Ahead, see how to wear a vest, including outfit ideas and pieces to shop for each elevated look.

1. Add an A-Line Skirt

Vest outfit

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

If you've collected one of the beautiful A-line skirts that are everywhere this season, style one with a buttoned waistcoat and strappy heels.

2. Try a Tonal Look

Vest outfit

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

When in doubt, wear tonal looks with pieces from the same color family. It's a foolproof way to get dressed, especially when you are test-driving a new trend.

3. Pair With a Miniskirt and Ballerinas

Vest outfit

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Make a micro miniskirt more elevated by styling it with a vest top and classic leather flats.

4. Style With Sleek Leather Pieces

Vest outfit

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

While buttoned waistcoats are one of the most popular vest styles right now, we're also seeing knit styles return. Wear one with a leather pencil skirt and timeless pointed slingback heels.

5. Put Together a Matching Set

Vest outfit

(Image credit: @posse)

Matching sets are not only an easy way to get dressed but also a surefire way to have an outfit that looks intentional.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.