How to Style a Button-Up Vest: Fresh Outfit Ideas for Every Occasion

Elevated classics are becoming more and more popular as people want to dress more classy and embrace quiet luxury. You have probably seen a version of the button up vest/waistcoat that has been trending on Pinterest. It is a gorgeous elevated classic that can be styled in various ways from a casual chic lunch with the girls, spending time with family, a day at the office, to a date night with your partner. This button up vest is the ideal classic that you need in your closet and is super easy to style up or down.

This season, think beyond the usual pairings and explore how this classic can be reimagined with everything from mini skirt to flowy skirts. Whether you're aiming for polished minimalism or a playful twist, the button-up vest is ready to elevate your style game, offering endless ways to make a statement without sacrificing comfort. Ready to discover fresh ways to style this must-have piece? Let’s dive into a world of chic, 7 effortless combos perfect for every occasion.

1. Playful Lines in a Mini Skirt

The buttoned up vest and mini skirt combination is the epitome of femininity. This outfit looks gorgeous when the waistcoat is long, with the mini skirt slightly peeking out the bottom. In the 1995 Christian Dior Spring/Summer runway show, office wear was a main theme for the collection. This beautiful red vest and skirt set that would easily be desired by many women in today’s society.

2. Crisp Layers Over a White Shirt

Layering is great for those colder Spring days and remains a trend that is only increasing in popularity. Pair your vest with a plain white t-shirt for an effortlessly casual, everyday look. It can also make your outfit more modest for those days when you want to cover up. If you want something more dressed-up you can layer your waistcoat with a white button-up shirt and for an elevated dramatic look go for a shirt that has interesting shoulder designs.

3. Bold Shapes with Wide-Legged Trousers

Elevate the comfort factor of this top by pairing it with loose, wide-legged pants—a chic yet relaxed combo that lets you experiment with colour and make the look uniquely yours. Even celebrities like Kendall Jenner are embracing wearing this waistcoat combination as a casual everyday outfit. For an effortlessly stylish touch, slip on some comfortable slides; we’re loving the Birkenstock Arizona Saffiano slides for that perfect blend of ease and sophistication, making even a grocery run feel runway-ready.

4. Sophisticated in Matching Office Trousers

Pairing your vest with matching suit trousers just screams power! Which woman doesn’t love to wear a suit set to work? The cut off sleeves on this vest makes the outfit less intimidating to wear. You can really move freely, yet feel like a ‘boss’ while getting your tasks done. Even though it’s perfect for a day at work, this outfit can easily be styled up with some accessories and heels for a drink with the girls. If you want to take the matching set to a new level - get a blazer in the same colour and layer your outfit. This is great if you want to look very put together or just if you are feeling cold and need a cover-up that matches your outfit.

5. Classic Denim and Unfiltered Ease

Beautifully tailored denim jeans will never go out of style. Channel that effortlessly chic “cool mom” vibe from every 2000s rom-com with this look: Pair pair a fitted waistcoat with some straight or slim cut blue jeans and elegant slides for a smart casual feel. For a bit of a lift wear kitten heels or take it up a notch with high heels for an early-dinner date. Finish off the look with a coordinating bag, some cute sunnies and you're good to go!

6. Elegance in a Flowing Maxi Skirt

Maxi skirts and midi skirts are making a huge comeback, reclaiming their spot in the fashion world. After being frowned upon for so many years by the mainstream, we can finally enjoy the feminine feeling that comes with wearing a long and poofy skirt. The beauty of a maxi skirt lies in its versatility–it’s comfortable, yet so stylish and chic. Pairing a waistcoat with a maxi skirt to create a beautiful silhouette for any occasion. This could be a fitting outfit to go shopping in, to wear on your European summer holiday, to go wine tasting in or to have a coffee date in. You can change up the style of the skirt from medium length to maximum, and from wide and poofy to slim and structured, depending on your taste.

7. Tailored Shorts and Sunlit Days

Michael Kors really knew what he was doing when he showcased a gorgeous two- piece set at his 1993 Spring/Summer Ready To Wear fashion show. Christy Turlington turned heads in a perfectly tailored grey pinstripe button up waistcoat with matching shorts–an effortlessly chic look for warm days spent, with friends, or exploring the city. Want a bit more coverage? Layer on a structured coat or slip a shirt underneath the vest for an extra layer of sophistication. To dress it down, swap heels for slides or sneakers, or elevate the look with stilettos for an evening out. You can also play around with different colours and volumes, like pairing a high-neck button-up vest with oversized voluminous pants to create an interesting silhouette and make it your own.