I absolutely love wearing vests in the summer! As a fashion writer and stylist, I have quite a collection of vest tops and see them as such a versatile piece for the warm weather months. There’s just something about a vest that exudes effortless chic. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my favorite ideas for how to style a vest for summer.
Whether you prefer a casual chic vibe, want something polished and professional, or like playful and sporty looks, there’s a vest outfit here for you. I’ll take you through different outfit ideas so you can really nail that perfect summer style.
Casual Chic
I love a relaxed yet still put-together casual chic style in the summer. It’s all about looking stylish but not feeling overdone. From wide leg denims to a cool pair of cargos, here are my top casual chic vest outfit ideas.
1. With Light Wide Leg Denim Jeans and Sandals
I’m a huge fan of wide leg denim jeans – I just find them so flattering and I love the laidback style. One of my favorite summer outfits is a linen or cotton vest paired with light wide leg jeans, either in blue or white denim. I’ll add brown leather sandals or espadrilles to complete the casual chic vibe. I find this outfit so easy to just throw on but still look stylish in.
I recommend looking for a vest in natural fabrics like linen, cotton, or even silk. As for the wide leg jeans, I tend to opt for a light wash to keep things airy and summery. Some subtle distressing can add a nice texture too.
2. With Tailored Shorts and Sandals
Another one of my go-to casual vest outfits for summer is pairing a sleeveless vest with some tailored shorts and flat sandals.
To balance the tailored vibe of the shorts, add bohemian-inspired details like fringe sandals or a woven bag. I also think adding some lightweight kimono-style cover up is a great way to transition this outfit from day to night.
3. With Cargo Pants and Sandals
Cargo pants have made such a comeback and I’m loving the utilitarian vibe paired back with a feminine vest top. To highlight the practical pockets and details of the cargo pants, keep the rest of the look minimal.
Simple flat sandals are an ideal choice, complemented by a small crossbody bag for summer essentials. This combination allows for a hands-free, stylish appearance.
4. With Skort and Chunky Sandals
For those wanting to wear a skirt in summer but also crave the comfort and coverage of shorts, a skort is a great alternative. Pair one with an easy vest top and platform sandals for a playful weekend look.
I like to choose a skort with some sort of design detail like buttons, pockets or stitching to add visual interest. Then keep the vest very simple and streamlined in a neutral shade. Finish it off with chunky sandals or platforms to balance the proportions.
5. With White Tank Top and Trouser Pants
Here’s another one of my favorite styling tricks for vest tops – layer it over a fitted white tank or bodysuit. The peekaboo of white underneath adds a subtly sexy edge. Then contrast the feminine bodice with wide-leg trouser pants.
Finish the look with simple strappy sandals to let the unique layering shine. This versatile outfit is suitable for both the office and dinner outings, with the white camisole providing a grounded base.
6. White Top and White Shorts
You can never go wrong with a monochromatic outfit in the summer. An easy go-to is pairing a white vest top with some white denim shorts. Then let the texture of the fabrics be the focal point. Choose a vest with an interesting weave or crochet details and contrast it with crisp white denim shorts.
The neutral color scheme allows for flexible accessorizing with any color bag or footwear. Tan leather sandals or woven espadrilles complement this look beautifully. Adding pops of color, such as turquoise jewelry or a vibrant red pedicure, enhances the overall appeal, making this all-white outfit both chic and fuss-free.
Effortless Elegance
For those that want summer style with elevated elements for an effortlessly elegant vibe, vest outfits can definitely achieve that too. Flowy skirts, satin fabrics, and maxi lengths are perfect pairings.
7. Black Vest and Slip Skirt
The slip skirt is making a comeback and I’m definitely a fan of this effortlessly sexy look. Pair a black sleeveless vest with a silky cami-style slip skirt in either black or nude. Then finish the outfit with strappy black sandals with some metallic details.
You could also opt for lace-up gladiators if you want to emulate the 90s vibe slip skirts give off. I’ll then accessorize with delicate gold jewelry for contrast. I love the blend of edgy and feminine this outfit embodies. A black vest top works year-round so is a smart addition to any wardrobe.
8. Denim Vest and White Skirt
Put a fresh spin on double denim by pairing a denim vest with a crisp white denim skirt. I’d then contrast the textures by choosing a distressed denim vest and an A-line skirt in stiff, rigid denim. Then finish it off with your favorite white sneakers – chunky platforms or minimalist low tops both work well.
I also recommend adding a colorful accessory like a bright blue bag or vibrant hair scrunchie to make this Canadian tuxedo outfit really pop. I enjoy how unexpected but perfectly balanced this look is. A great option for casual Friday at the office or weekend activities.
9. Linen Vest Top and Linen Pants
My favorite fabric for effortless summer style is linen – it’s just so breathable and easy to wear. An outfit made entirely of linen exudes that carefree vacation vibe. Choose a linen vest in a neutral color like ecru, tan or gray then pair with coordinating wide-leg linen pants. Finish with flat leather sandals for a hint of polish.
I also love accessorizing linen outfits with wood details like a beaded bracelet or woven handbag. The natural fabrics and textures give such an earthy, elemental elegance.
Polished and Professional
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you can’t still look polished and professional. Vest tops can definitely transition to the office or events with tailored silhouettes and classy fabrics. Here are some vest outfit ideas for a chic summer business style.
10. With Matching Trouser Pants and Sandals
Choose a vest and pants in matching or coordinating prints for a distinctive business chic outfit. Then finish with ankle strap block heel sandals and a structured tote bag.
This matching set means you’ll stay cool while still looking smart and sophisticated. I’d also add a statement cuff or geometric earrings to complement the graphic prints. Having go-to sets like this make getting ready for summer weddings or important meetings so easy.
11. With Straight Leg Denim Jeans and Heels
Stay polished but still casual by pairing your vest with dark wash straight leg denim jeans and block heel sandals. Choose a vest with interesting structural details like a sweetheart neckline, cut-outs along the hem or shoulder pads to elevate the outfit.
Then keep the jeans a classic dark indigo without any heavy distressing or embellishments. Finish with ankle-strap block heels in a natural material like raffia or wood. Add a straw bag and oversized sunglasses to complement the earthy tones.
12. Crop Vest Top and Tailored Trousers
Here’s another way to make your vest work appropriate – pair a cropped sleeveless top with high-waisted tailored trousers. Choose a cotton vest with subtle feminine details like lace trim or a keyhole back closure. Then contrast the cropped length with wide-leg pants in a crepe or linen fabric.
Complete the outfit with sneakers for an elegant touch. You could also wear block heel sandals if your office dress code allows it. Definitely make use of any pockets or belt loops to add polish with small accessories too.
13. All Black Outfit
An easy way to nail professional polish is by wearing an all-black ensemble. Pair a black sleeveless vest in a matte fabric like cotton or linen with crisp black wide-leg pants.
Finish with simple black leather sandals or heels, depending on your office vibe. The monochromatic black color scheme is sharp yet effortless. Accessorize with a printed silk scarf tied on a handbag or a vibrant cuff on the wrist. This foolproof formula works for all my summer speaking engagements or important client meetings.
14. Tailored Vest and Relaxed Pants
Put an edgy spin on office attire by playing with contrasting silhouettes. Choose a very structured and fitted vest top in a charcoal gray or navy. Then balance the sharpness with a pair of relaxed wide-leg pants in a lightweight linen or silk.
Finish with lace-up leather flats in a neutral tone. I’ll also add a colorful clutch and architectural jewelry to complement the geometric vibe. I enjoy how the unexpected blend of tailoring and fluidity makes this outfit feel modern yet still very polished. It’s my go-to formula for wanting business chic with a subtle twist.
15. White Vest and Tailored Pants
Similar to a classic white button-down, a white vest top has that crisp, minimalist elegance perfect for summer professional wear. Pair it with high-waisted, wide-leg trousers in navy or black. Choose pants with interesting seaming details like pleats or side buttons to add depth.
Then let the white vest be the focal point by keeping jewelry and footwear simple – metallic sandals or neutral pumps work well. A straw tote bag also echoes the summery cleanliness of bright white. This formula is foolproof for making my vest work perfect every time. A white vest is a true warm-weather essential.
Playful and Sporty
Don’t think you need to sacrifice playfulness or comfort just because it’s hot out. Vest tops allow you to stay cool while still having fun with prints, bright colors and sporty vibes. Crop tops and shorts are perfect pairings for maximum summer fun.
16. With Cropped T-Shirt and Maxi Denim Skirt
Put a fresh spin on Canadian tuxedo by layering a denim vest over a cropped graphic tee then pairing with a maxi denim skirt. This allows you to mix different denim washes and silhouette shapes.
I’ll choose a vintage-style vest in a light wash then contrast it with a darker denim skirt with front-slit detailing. Finish with white sneakers – either leather or canvas. I also recommend adding colorful hair clips and candy-colored jewelry for extra personality. This is such a fun summer outfit formula that always puts me in a good mood.
17. Denim on Denim: Denim Vest with Jeans
Of course a classic denim on denim Canadian tuxedo look is always a good choice for casual summer style. Stay streamlined by choosing slim jeans and a fitted denim vest in matching or similar washes. Then inject personality into your accessories.
I love western-inspired elements like a bandana print scarf or beaded turquoise jewelry with denim. Cowboy boots or fringed leather sandals make great shoe pairings. You can never go wrong with an all-denim outfit.
18. Navy Vest and Navy Shorts
Another easy go-to summer outfit formula is to choose one color and wear it head-to-toe. Navy is a great option as it comes across polished yet still neutral. Pair a sleeveless navy vest with tailored navy shorts.
Then you can build lots of fun looks on top of this matching set. Try colored sneakers or metallic sandals on bottom. Then loads of personality can be shown through bags, hats, jewelry and other accessories.
19. Knit Vest Top and Linen Trousers
Here’s a comfy weekend look that’s still so chic – pair a lightweight knit vest with linen trousers. Choose a vest in cotton, linen or a breathable knit fabric. Tie-dye, stripes or marled knits have great texture. Then contrast the softness on top with wide-leg linen pants on bottom.
Finish with leather slides or thong sandals to fully embrace the relaxed vibe. Oversized sunglasses and a straw bag complement this outfit perfectly.
20. Black Vest and Black Shorts
I’m obsessed with monochromatic outfits in the summer as they’re so sharp yet effortless. An all-black look is eternally chic and perfect for hot weather. Pair a simple black vest top with black denim cut-offs or tailored shorts.
In conclusion, learning how to style a vest opens up a world of outfit possibilities for summer. Whether you’re dressing for the office, a casual day out, or a special event, there’s a vest outfit that’s perfect for the occasion. I hope these 20 outfit ideas have inspired you to experiment with vests in your own wardrobe. Remember, the key to mastering how to wear vests is to balance proportions, play with textures, and most importantly, wear your outfit with confidence. Happy styling!