With much less commitment than a full three-piece suit, the suit vest and a matching trouser (or skirt and shorts) means business. The chic combo is also a favorite of the street style set. You can always expect to see a The Frankie Shop vest on the streets of Copenhagen Fashion Week or a Loulou Studio waistcoat over in Paris. And in New York, suit vests from Salon 1884 to Róhe are topping every fashion girl’s wish list. Need more proof? On the spring 2024 runways, several designers, including Stella McCartney and Hermès invested in the vest.
But we’re not here to talk about the suit vest a standalone item. It reaches its full polished potential when styled as a matching set. Take Faithfull the Brand’s high-neck, linen vest and maxiskirt, for example. The twosome is the embodiment of summer-in-the-city style, requiring just a simple black sandal and festive raffia tote to complete the look. Similarly sleek options include Loulou Studio’s button-front vest and black poplin skirt. We can’t forget about Posse’s viral skirt set, either. Short sets from Aritzia, Another Tomorrow, and J.Crew are more modern takes on the trend, worn best with a relaxed penny loafer or charming Mary Jane. Meanwhile, the suit vest and trouser combination is about as classic as it gets. Go for Massimo Dutti’s blue-and-white pinstripe style or Victoria Beckham’s dusty rose duo.
Speaking of chic colorful combos, Esse Studio’s mellow-yellow, halterneck vest is the perfect mate for a pair of wide-leg pleated pants, while St. Agni’s powder blue set is like dipping your toes into icy cold waters on an especially warm day. You could never go wrong with Cara Cara’s polka-dot vest and trousers or Whistle’s little black set, either. Finally, double the denim this summer and pair Haikure’s denim vest with a longline denim short—an unexpected, yet totally welcome outfit formula to consider. Below, 40+ best suit vests for women to shop now, plus, how to style them.