White vests are a versatile staple that can be styled in many ways. When figuring out what to wear with a white vest, there are a few key factors to consider such as season, formality of the event, and your personal style preferences. By pairing a white vest properly, you can create fashionable and put-together looks for any occasion.
Guidelines for Wearing White Vests
Here are some general guidelines to follow when wearing a white vest:
- Choose the right vest style – Tank tops, sleeveless, or short sleeve are common options. Consider the look you’re going for.
- Layer properly – Wear an undershirt or camisole underneath to avoid showing too much skin.
- Pick complementary colors – White goes well with most colors but especially neutrals, pastels, and jewel tones.
- Mind the fabric – Linen, cotton, or lightweight knits work best for warm weather. Try merino wool or cashmere in winter.
- Accessorize thoughtfully – Add jewelry, hats, scarves, or jackets to complete the look.
- Be aware of fit – Aim for a flattering silhouette. Not too tight or too loose.
- Care for it properly – Pre-treat stains, wash gently, avoid the dryer to keep white looking bright.
What to Wear With a White Vest in Summer
A white vest is a perfect warm weather staple. Here are some great summer outfit ideas with a white vest:
- White vest with jean shorts, strappy sandals, and a straw hat for a casual daytime look.
- Pair with a print midi skirt and wedges for a chic daytime option.
- Layer under an unbuttoned chambray shirt and wear with cropped jeans or trousers for weekend casual.
- Dress up with wide-leg linen pants, strappy heels, and bold jewelry for evening.
- Wear under an oversized blazer or kimono with shorts or skinny jeans for an effortlessly cool vibe.
- Pair with a flowy maxi skirt and flat sandals for a comfortable boho ensemble.
- Create a monochromatic look with white jeans, trousers or skirt.
In summer, focus on breathable fabrics like cotton, linen and rayon. Try sleeveless vests or lighter knits. Pastels, brights and tropical prints can work well too.
What to Wear With a White Vest in Winter
Come winter, a white vest can add a crisp pop of color. Some chic cold weather outfit ideas include:
- Layering under a turtleneck sweater and pairing with trousers or jeans.
- Wearing under a wool blazer or coat for extra warmth.
- Pairing with rich textures like tweed, corduroy or velvet.
- Complementing with cool weather colors like forest green, burgundy, navy or charcoal.
- Adding interest with patterns such as buffalo check or houndstooth.
- Wearing under a pinafore dress or jumper.
- Partnering with a button-down and scarf for refined style.
- Mixing with metallic accessories and jewelry.
Look for merino wool, cashmere or thermal knits for white vests in winter. Long sleeve styles can work too for extra warmth. Keep silhouettes streamlined.
What to Wear With a White Vest for Work
A white vest can also be worn to the office with the right styling. Some ideas for work-appropriate outfits include:
- Under a blazer or suit jacket with dress pants or skirt.
- With a pencil skirt, heels and statement necklace.
- Pair with cropped dress pants and point-toe flats.
- Complement an A-line dress with a structured white vest on top.
- Wear with dressy culottes and simple pumps.
- Layer under a cardigan or blazer with dress trousers.
- With high-waisted trousers, kitten heels and small earrings for a retro vibe.
Focus on polished fabrics like suiting or ponte knits. Structured vest silhouettes tend to look most professional. Keep accessories minimal and opt for closed-toe pumps or loafers.
What to Wear With a White Vest for Night Out
Dress up a white vest for evening with these ideas:
- Style under an embellished or satin blazer with tailored pants.
- Pair with leather leggings, metallic heels and bold lipstick for an edgy look.
- Wear with a midi bodycon skirt and strappy stilettos.
- Complement a sequin skirt with a white vest and statement earrings.
- Layer under a sleek jumpsuit with metallic platforms.
- With tailored wide-leg trousers and pointy pumps.
Have fun with luxe fabrics like satin, silk or faux leather. Dramatic silhouettes, embellishments and bold accessories amp up the glam factor.
| Season | Best Fabrics for White Vest | Style Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cotton, linen, rayon | With jeans shorts and sandals; Print midi skirt and wedges; Under chambray shirt with cropped pants |
| Winter | Merino wool, cashmere, thermal knits | Under turtleneck sweater; With velvet trousers; With dress and tights |
| Work | Suiting, ponte knits | Under blazer with dress pants; Pencil skirt and pumps; Cropped dress pants and flats |
| Night Out | Satin, silk, faux leather | Embellished blazer with pants; Bodycon midi skirt; Jumpsuit with metallic platforms |
Tips for Styling a White Vest
Keep these tips in mind for foolproof ways to style your white vest:
- Create visual interest by pairing with contrasting colors and prints.
- Add layers like jackets, kimonos or cardigans for new silhouettes.
- Incorporate eye-catching accessories like hats, jewelry and handbags.
- Balance an oversized billowy vest with a more fitted bottom.
- Choose sleek pencil skirts, tailored pants or skinny jeans for a streamlined base.
- Mix up fabrics and textures – denim, leather, silks work beautifully with a white vest.
- Cinch the waist with a belt for an hourglass shape.
- Play with proportions – a cropped boxy vest can balance a maxi skirt.
Best Colors to Wear with White Vest
White vests pair elegantly with a wide range of colors. Here are some of the best options:
- Neutrals – Beiges, tans, greys and blacks are easy complements. Create tonal palettes for refined style.
- Pastels – Soft pink, mint, lilac and powder blue work for a delicate feminine vibe.
- Jewel tones – Rich blue, emerald, purple and garnet shades make bold statements.
- Earth tones – Rust orange, olive green, tan and espresso brown for an organic look.
- Metallics – Shiny gold, silver, bronze and pewter add glamour and sparkle.
- Bright colors – Yellow, red, cobalt blue for fun pops of color.
- Monochrome – Wear head-to-toe white for high fashion appeal.
Focus on 2-3 complementary colors in one outfit. Vibrant shades can be great statement pieces. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find color combos you love.
Conclusion
White vests are extremely versatile basic pieces that can be dressed up or down seamlessly. Keep the season and occasion in mind when styling. Layer properly and choose colors and silhouettes that are flattering for your figure. Feel free to get creative with patterns, textures and unique color pairings too. With the right complementary items, you can build countless stylish outfits anchored by a white vest.
