How to Wear a Long Black Vest?

by Anonymous

I bought a long black vest a couple of weeks ago, and I can't find anything to wear with it other than white which is kind of boring.

What can I pair a long black vest with?


Is it an open or button down vest? Fitted or flowy?

Black is a versatile color so you can pair it with all kinds of colors and prints.

Here are some ideas on how to wear it:

How to Wear a Long Black Vest

I'm using a black wrap vest (waistcoat) from Miss Selfridge as an example.



Look #1
You can other basic colors with the vest - such as a simple gray t-shirt. Or a brown top with a sprinkle of colorful accessories.

Black is flexible so you can wear it with whatever color you like. I would wear jeans, khaki skirt or denim shorts with this combo. Or basic spandex leggings if the tee is long enough to cover at least 2/3 of your butt when bending over.

Look #2
A nice print camisole would go with the black long vest along with a belt wrapped around the waist. If your vest is open (no buttons) you can wear it as a wrap top and wrap a double skinny belt around it. Remember to add a thin cami underneath it just in case the vest flies open.

Look #3
Turtleneck sweaters look good with black vest. I would personally add a long necklace (strand of pearls or a nice pendant) to it to avoid looking stiff.

Look #4
A casual jersey mini dress or tunic top. Can be worn to parties or as a part of your everyday outfit (along with black leggings or skinny/straight jeans, etc. of course). For parties you can also add a pair of lace or wet look leggings.

Look #5
A black vest works well with a print dress. Being the boho gal that I am I added a
Santa Clara Hippie Dress from ModCloth as an example.

If you're tall you can also combine it with a maxi dress. However if you're short you can select a fitted maxi dress to go with it.

Look #6
For a trendy look wear the vest with a plaid shirt and denim shorts or skinny jeans.

These outfit ideas will also work for button down vests as well.

August 2011 Update: For more tips on vests, check out these links:

• How to Wear Fashion Vests Stylishly (outfit ideas)
• How to Disguise Your Problem Areas with Fashion Vests

I hope I gave you some ideas!

Sincerely,

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How Can I Wear a Grey Striped Vest With It Looking Good?

by Tia

I need help on how to create an outfit with a white and gray striped vest that buttons up. I would wear dark skinny jeans with it along with either boots or heels.

However, what do I do about the shirt underneath the cotton vest?


Hey Tia, I'm not sure what kind of look you're aiming for and what personal style you have - I don't know your body shape or height either, so it's difficult to figure out the exact details.

So I've made a wild guess that you're a young woman, maybe in high school or college? ;-) The beauty with your vest is that grey and white are basic colors, commonly known as neutrals, which look good with all kinds of colors and even prints.

I would personally wear the vest unbuttoned, especially with a blouse or anything loose-fitted, for that laid-back, flowy style. Buttoning up the vest with a loose top underneath it creates lumps and bumps, making a person look chubbier around the middle. So if you want to button up the striped vest then a slim-fit tee, basic top or camisole are the most appropriate tops for this look.

I've made 4 different outfit ideas for you:

Outfit idea #1
This is a basic, classy outfit comprised of a black scoop neck tee (Lightweight Scoop-neck Tee/Old Navy, indigo knee shorts (Frayed Knee Shorts/Topshop), chunky gladiator sandals (Kenneth Cole Reaction Pine Language Gladiator Sandals/Zappos ) and a fun surprise element (Jessica Simpson Pendant Necklace/Zappos).

The black tee will counter the widening effect of the striped vest and streamlines with the dark wash shorts for an elongated silhouette. You simply combine a simple tee with skinnys, and add an eye-popping accessory and sassy chunky sandals. Very chic.

However, you might want to be aware that a white tee on a dark bottom can shorten your height so if you're short or have curves, stick to a dark colored tee.

Outfit idea #2
Outfit number 2 is infused with romantic details; a cute pink tank top (Petal Trim Tank/OldNavy) and a pearl beaded bracelet (Rosaling Bracelet Set/Forever 21 ), along with basic dark wash skinny jeans (Stretch jeans/Charlotte Russe) and American rustic-inspired suede tan knee boots (Nine West 'Frollic'/Endless).

Outfit idea #3
Third outfit is more laid-back but trendy-chic, consisting of distressed skinny jeans (Always Skinny Destructed Jeans/Gap), white print tee (Follow Your Dreams Tee/Forever 21), studded multi leather bracelet (Pyramid Studded Leather Bracelet/Zappos) and a pair of canvas pumps (Canvas Pump/Urban Outfitters)

Outfit idea #4
Last outfit is inspired by my bohemian clothing personality :-) You can combine a boho floral tunic top (Sassafrass Kaftan Top/Zappos) with skinnys (Stitch Denim Legging), oversized cocktail ring (Cocktail Ring With Wood) and slouch ankle boots (Zar Double Stitch Boot).

You can also swap the blouse with a white dress or tunic shirt for a more polished look.

I hope I gave you some ideas! Let me know how it goes :-)

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