25 Ways to Wear Summer's Suit Vest Trend

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The best suit vests for women are on a path toward fashion world domination. Suit sets featuring modernized waistcoats are everywhere right now: in Parisian street style at couture fashion week, in celebrities’ red carpet press wardrobes, up and down the hallways of Bazaar headquarters. I've acquired no fewer than two suit vests in the past month myself.

Mytheresa fashion director Tiffany Hsu told me suit vests in any cut or fabric are a nod to the resurgent ’90s styling of the moment. Behind the runway interpretations at Blumarine, Chloé, and Saint Laurent, to name a few, the suit vest also has an appealingly practical element: "They are extremely versatile and can be either androgynous or sexy depending on the season," Hsu said.

The 25 best suit vests for women ahead are tailored yet relaxed—the pinnacle of summer suiting from Chava Studio to Sea. Versions fit for the height of July come in breathable linens and light neutral tones; for transitional weather outfits, lined wool and cotton suit vests are the answer. The following suit vests were chosen because they can be worn with denim, work pants, and skirts of all lengths; ask a fashion expert, and they'll say a vest is complete in a set: "A cinched vest with a matching pant is the perfect set to take you from day to night without trying too hard," The Frankie Shop founder Gaelle Drevet said.

Bring a hint of tailoring to your best summer outfits with the suit vests ahead.

Maesa Vest

The Frankie Shop's summer suiting includes more than one classic vest worthy of your wardrobe. But its suit vest with an off-kilter closure feels so fresh.

Sizes: XS–L

Mathilde Vest in Linen

This vest is cut so well, I wore it three times in the first week I owned it: First with a matching navy skirt, second with a white maxi skirt, and third with navy shorts. All three ways, I was asked where I bought it.

Sizes: XS–XL

What reviewers are saying: "Material and construction feel extremely high quality. Lays beautifully and feels really comfortable. I had been wanting one of these linen vests for at least a year and I’m so glad I finally pulled the trigger."

The Favorite Vest

This linen dress earns its name, in every shade from creamy white to navy pinstripe. "We've seen it worn to weddings, parties, work—even on the red carpet," Favorite Daughter cofounder Sara Foster Foster said.

Sizes: XS–XL

What reviewers are saying: "Love this vest! Runs a bit more snug in the waist than my other pieces the same size but cut and fit are so flattering. I love that the V-neck and arm holes are high enough that they are work appropriate (even for my conservative work environment) but still fashion forward. This vest can truly do double duty."

Technical-Blend Twill Waistcoat

When summer ends, you'll still want to reach for Tibi's suit vest. It's made from the brand's best-selling technical fabric that's adaptable to all seasons (and outfits).

Sizes: 00–14

Floral-Appliqué Wool Vest

This vest deserves its flowers—or specifically, its statement rosette embellishment.

Sizes: IT36–IT48

Belted Tailored Vest

For a healthy balance of ease and drama, consider this belted vest by Another Tomorrow. A wide belt creates a sense of proportion even within a monochromatic palette.

Sizes: 0–14

Linen Square Neck Vest

Chava Studio pays obsessive attention to fit and tailoring, even offering made-to-measure garments, a feature that's made it a favorite among Bazaar editors. Behind this perfectly cut vest's fabric, there's a story: Each piece is also made of textiles from small European mills, sent to a family-run shirting studio in Mexico City.

Sizes: 0-10, made-to-measure sizes

Baylin Lace Vest

The suit vest goes coastal with Sea's version. The rich lace fabric and tie-up front will feel right at home on the beach with nothing but a white maxi skirt.

Sizes: XS–L

Wrap Vest

Bold, bright, and beautiful: This Jil Sander vest's appeal starts with its rich shade of blue. But the appeal deepens when you pull it on, thanks to its raised, slightly pointed shoulder and wrap detail.

Sizes: 2–8

Devin Twill Vest

This is one of the best starter suit vests I've come across, from the slate of neutral colors to the nipped-in waist and button closures. The cut works as a standalone top, or layered over a white T-shirt.

Sizes: 0–12

Longline Double Breasted Vest

The delicate blush shade and slouchy, oversized fit balance each other so well in this Eloquii suit vest. Chunky silver earrings—Bottega Veneta's drop studs, perhaps?—would be an ideal finishing touch.

Sizes: 14–32

Pinstripe Wool Vest

YSL's suit vest comes with Hsu's extra stamp of approval. Her reasoning? It's "a great classic wool grain option that can be worn day or night."

Sizes: FR34–FR42

Cotton-Corduroy Vest

Consider combining some seventies texture with your tailoring, via this Chloé corduroy vest. It's the exact fabrication to take you from late summer well into fall.

Sizes: FR34–FR46

Leni Button-Front Bodice

Something about this suit vest's cut makes me think of straw bags, straight-leg jeans, and espadrilles. At the same time, I can see it complementing formal black circle skirt with ease.

Sizes: 0–3

BR ARCHIVES Denim Vest

You're not imagining the vintage appeal with this denim vest. Banana Republic dipped into its archives to re-release this jean suit vest with double pockets.

Sizes: XXS–XL

What reviewers are saying: "Cannot wait to wear this beautiful vest! Fits beautifully and the material has a nice feel to it. Seems to be true to size."

Oversized Vest in Cotton

Just like the oversized blazer you wear all fall–minus the sleeves. All it needs is a tennis necklace and coordinating trousers.

Sizes: P/S, M/L

Knitted Waistcoat

Some of the best suiting is tailored and relaxed at once. For example? This waistcoat that has the same suit vest structure, knit from a cozy cotton blend.

Sizes: XS–XL

Primrose Tailored Vest

There's a romantic edge to this suit vest, with the combination of slightly frayed edges and rose buttons with a molten sheen.

Sizes: 0–12

Blue Slouch Vest

Dressing for a vacation dinner? Slip into a suit vest that's oh-so-comfortable and dyed a dreamy blue to match the waves at your resort's beach.

Sizes: XS–XL

Alis Cotton Denim Top

For those wondering whether a suit vest can also double as a going-out top: Yes, it definitely can. Aya Muse's undulating seams and sexy zip-up closure are proof.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Striped Suit Waistcoat

Bazaar deputy fashion news editor Alison Cohn recommends this linen-cotton suit vest. It's as chic with the matching skirt as it is with a contrasting pair of pants in black or navy.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Gray Windsor Vest

Try a vest that does the styling for you. The Garment's gray waistcoat has an asymmetric closure that makes a haphazardly chic impression.

Sizes: XS–L

Rowan Bone Vest

Editors haven't been able to stop talking about Australian label Dissh in the Bazaar hallways. Put on this suit vest with its matching mini skirt, and you'll immediately understand why.

Sizes: 2–12

Wool Vest

Channel the insouciant ease of the Olsen sisters with this wool vest by The Row. With a slim-fitting skirt and soft loafers or Adidas Sambas, you'll look every bit the New York style expert.

Sizes: 0–14

Gelso Woven Waistcoat

The suit vest trend is dominated by neutrals, but every so often a pop of color comes up. Consider this hot pink set for a tailored option that's also appropriate for your tickets to the Barbie premiere.

Sizes: XS–L

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