The denim jacket knows no style boundary. Work your true-blue topper with leather pants and ankle boots for an off-duty-rocker vibe, go girlie with a floral Summer dress, or double down with a chambray shirt. The possibilities appear to be endless — until Summer hits. When the temps climb to 92°F, with a pleasant 71 percent humidity, the last thing you want to do is wrap up in a bulky, nonbreathable fabric, but what's a denim-lover to do? That's easy — you turn to the denim jacket's cooler, literally and sartorially, younger sister: the denim vest.
I know what you're thinking: "Am I starring in a remake of The Dukes of Hazzard?" No, you're not — though we believe Jessica Simpson [1] as Daisy Buchanan is solely responsible for the resurrection of Daisy Dukes. A denim vest is just as versatile, if not more, than a jean jacket. We are firm believers in the power of layering, and we can't think of a better way to beat the heat while remaining chic.
To prove our thesis, we propositioned 10 of our editors to fashion and illustrate a diverse collection of styles centered around the denim vest. Prepare to be inspired!
Photos: Grace Hitchcock [2], Randy Miller
The Denim: Gap
Similar style: Takara Embroidered Vest [3] ($39)
The Editor: Hannah Weil
Photo: Randy Miller
Get the Look
- Ray-Ban Aviators [4] ($150)
- L.L.Bean Hunter's Tote [5] ($29)
- Birkenstocks [6] ($120)
- Splendid Maxi Dress [7] ($145)
- Takara Embroidered Vest [8] ($39)
- C. Wonder Initial Cuff [9] ($48)
- Kate Spade Heart of Gold Bangle [10] ($32)
The Denim: Tibi
Similar style: Blank NYC Denim Vest [11] ($88)
The Editor: Kate Schweitzer
Photo: Randy Miller
Get the Look
- Clarks Shira Danika Sandal [12] ($120)
- Topshop Midi Skirt [13] ($90)
- Sole Society Marlena Clutch [14] ($40)
- Robert Rose Coil Bracelet [15] ($23)
- The Base Project Bracelet [16] ($25)
- Blank NYC Denim Vest [17] ($88)
- Jaeger Stripe Top [18] ($102)
The Denim: Vintage
Similar style: ChicNova Distressed Denim Vest [19] ($43)
The Editor: Jessica Cruel
Photo: Randy Miller
Get the Look
- Wildfox Couture Catfarer Glasses [20] ($169)
- ChicNova Distressed Denim Vest [21] ($43)
- Loeffler Randall Peep-Toe Booties [22] ($350)
- Majestic Tee [23] ($34)
- River Island Superskinny Jeans [24] ($80)
The Denim: Denim & Supply by Ralph Lauren
Similar style: Current/Elliott Distressed Denim Vest [25] ($270)
The Editor: Mandi Villa
Photo: Grace Hitchcock [26]
Get the Look
- Current/Elliott Distressed Denim Vest [27] ($270)
- Alexander McQueen Knucklebox Clutch [28] ($1,254, originally $2,085)
- Alexander McQueen Skull Bangle [29] ($395)
- Michael Kors Oversized Watch [30] ($275)
- DKNY Plaid Sneaker [31] ($150)
- Marco Sartini Leather Skirt [32] ($568, originally $757)
- Honey & Hive Stripe Dress [33] ($69)
- Fiona Paxton Crazie Mazie Necklace [34] ($300, originally $500)
The Denim: Vintage
Similar style: Roÿ Roger's De Luxe Vest [35] ($123, originally $152)
The Editor: Randy Miller
Photo: Jessica Cruel
Get the Look
- Roÿ Roger's De Luxe Vest [36] ($123, originally $152)
- ChicNova Retro Stripe Dress [37] ($40)
- Super Ciccio Sunglasses [38] ($189)
- Gryson IllBeCa by Joy Burgundy Crossbody [39] ($134, originally $255)
- Michael Michael Kors Winston Sandal [40] ($98, originally $150)
The Denim: Mossimo
Similar style: Topshop Moto Denim Vest [41] ($70)
The Editor: Lisette Mejia
Photo: Grace Hitchcock [42]
Get the Look
- Topshop Moto Denim Vest [43] ($70)
- Tibi Tapestry Print Cami [44] ($198)
- Derek Lam Snakeskin Sandals [45] ($695)
- Forever 21 Wild Thing Skirt [46] ($14, originally $20)
- Dezso by Sara Beltrán Woven Bracelet [47] ($115)
- Rachel Roy Evil Eye Bracelet [48] ($20, originally $35)
- Tom Ford Retro Sunglasses [49] ($395)
The Denim: Vintage
Similar style: Current/Elliott Leopard Print Vest [50] ($157, originally $348)
The Editor: Aemilia Madden
Photo: Sarah Wasilak
Get the Look
- New Era Cap Central [51] ($35)
- Current/Elliott Leopard Print Vest [52] ($157, originally $348)
- Choies Tribal Shift Dress [53] ($37)
- Rag & Bone Harrow Bootie [54] ($495)
- Betseyville by Betsey Johnson Aviators [55] ($12, originally $24)
The Denim: Levi's
Similar style: H&M Light Denim Vest [56] ($30)
The Editor: Lauren Levinson
Photo: Randy Miller
Get the Look
- H&M Light Denim Vest [57] ($30)
- Tart Henley Maxi Dress [58] $100, originally $250)
- Warby Parker Mabel Sunglasses [59] ($95-$150)
- Chloé Elsie Bag [60] ($1,550)
- Tom's Cork Wedge Sandals [61] ($69)
- CC Skye Double Spike Bracelet [62] ($150)
- Kule Leather Cuff [63] ($155)
The Denim: Mossimo
Similar style: Topshop Moto Denim Vest [64] ($70)
The Editor: Emily Bibb
Photo: Grace Hitchcock [65]
Get the Look
- Topshop Moto Denim Vest [66] ($70)
- Pour La Victoire Lane Boot [67] ($55-$111, originally $340)
- Giles & Brother Link Bracelet [68] ($185)
- Fossil Link Bracelet [69] ($28)
- Marc Jacobs Aviators [70] ($290)
- Rip Curl Horizon Watch [71] ($200)
- Mason by Michelle Cami Dress [72] ($224, originally $448)
The Denim: Vintage
Similar style: ChicNova Retro Cropped Vest [73] ($35)
The Editor: Sarah Wasilak
Photo: Aemilia Madden
Get the Look
- ChicNova Retro Cropped Vest [74] ($35)
- Rachel Comey Crest Coat [75] ($540)
- Dorothy Perkins Skater Dress [76] ($44)
- Nadri Initial Pendant [77] ($38)
- Free People Biko Mira Pendant [78] ($168)
- Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Bracelet [79] ($88)
- Splendid Roland Ankle Boot [80] ($188)
Links:
[1] https://www.popsugar.com/Jessica-Simpson
[2] http://www.gracehitchcock.com/
[3] http://www.dillards.com/product/Takara-Embroidered-Yoke-Denim-Vest_301_-1_301_504582749?df=04236028_zi_light_blue&categoryId=672754&ref=popsugar.com
[4] https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/100626255/type/dlg/sid/___psv__p_35200832__t_w__d_d_/https://www.macys.com/shop/product/ray-ban-sunglasses-rb3026-aviator-ii-large?ID=616201&CategoryID=28295&LinkType=
[5] http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/35198
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[9] http://www.cwonder.com/Categories/Jewelry/Bracelets/Enamel-Initial-Cuff/product/CWWSP12-JWB50.html?ref=popsugar.com
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[11] http://www.shoptiques.com/products/denim-vest-5?ref=popsugar.com
[12] https://nordstrom.sjv.io/c/1141873/1960196/23920?u=http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3586096?cm_cat=datafeed%26cm_pla=shoes:women:sandals_slides%26cm_ite=clarks%2528r%2529_%2527shira_danika%2527_sandal:956837%26cm_ven=Linkshare&subId1=___psv__p_35200832__t_w__d_d_&subId3=product
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[16] http://www.blueandcream.com/women_accessories/BASE-3CAVANGO.html?ref=popsugar.com
[17] http://www.shoptiques.com/products/denim-vest-5?ref=popsugar.com
[18] http://www.ist-track.com/ProcessClick.ashx?companyId=17910aed-1bae-4362-9580-b523eb87a91e&itemId=wwtxwpiam&bid=t&ref=popsugar.com
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[22] http://www.barneys.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BNY-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=503142259&ref=popsugar.com
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[26] http://www.gracehitchcock.com/
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[30] https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=OHlcvPYhHQM&mid=42352&murl=http://www.shopbop.com/mens-oversized-watch-michael-kors/vp/v=1/845524441946235.htm?folderID=2534374302024641%26fm=other-shopbysize%26os=true%26colorId=11739&u1=___psv__p_35200832__t_w__d_d_
[31] http://dkny.donnakaran.com/women/shop-by-category/new-arrivals/23341827/carmilla-plaid-wedge-sneaker?p=0&ref=popsugar.com
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[37] http://www.chicnova.com/retro-style-stripe-print-high-waist-sleeveless-chiffon-dress.html?utm_source=linkshare&utm_medium=cpc,banner,email&utm_campaign=product&LSNSUBSITE=LSNSUBSITE&ref=popsugar.com
[38] https://go.skimresources.com/?id=1025X1701743&url=https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/accessories/eyewear/PRD~A5011/A5011.jsp&xcust=___psv__p_35200832__t_w__d_d_
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[40] https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/100626255/type/dlg/sid/___psv__p_35200832__t_w__d_d_/http://www.zappos.com/n/redirect.cgi?q=vz384007621z124&si2635009&channel=194
[41] https://nordstrom.sjv.io/c/1141873/1960196/23920?u=http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3780200&subId1=___psv__p_35200832__t_w__d_d_&subId3=product
[42] http://www.gracehitchcock.com/
[43] https://nordstrom.sjv.io/c/1141873/1960196/23920?u=http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3780200&subId1=___psv__p_35200832__t_w__d_d_&subId3=product
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[50] https://popsugar.prf.hn/click/camref:1100liF96/pubref:___psv__p_35200832__t_w__d_d_/destination:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theoutnet.com%2Fen-US%2Fproduct%2FCurrent-Elliott%2FThe-Sleeveless-Moto-leopard-print-denim-vest%2F463491
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[56] https://go.skimresources.com/?id=1025X1701743&url=http://www.hm.com/us/product/24560&xcust=___psv__p_35200832__t_w__d_d_
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[65] http://www.gracehitchcock.com/
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