Vested Interest: 10 Real-Girl Ways to Style the Denim Vest
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 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, Randy Miller
The Editor: Hannah Weil
Photo: Randy Miller
Get the Look
- Ray-Ban Aviators ($150)
- L.L.Bean Hunter's Tote ($29)
- Birkenstocks ($120)
- Splendid Maxi Dress ($145)
- Takara Embroidered Vest ($39)
- C. Wonder Initial Cuff ($48)
- Kate Spade Heart of Gold Bangle ($32)
The Editor: Kate Schweitzer
Photo: Randy Miller
Get the Look
- Clarks Shira Danika Sandal ($120)
- Topshop Midi Skirt ($90)
- Sole Society Marlena Clutch ($40)
- Robert Rose Coil Bracelet ($23)
- The Base Project Bracelet ($25)
- Blank NYC Denim Vest ($88)
- Jaeger Stripe Top ($102)
The Denim: Vintage
Similar style: ChicNova Distressed Denim Vest ($43)
The Editor: Jessica Cruel
Photo: Randy Miller
Get the Look
- Wildfox Couture Catfarer Glasses ($169)
- ChicNova Distressed Denim Vest ($43)
- Loeffler Randall Peep-Toe Booties ($350)
- Majestic Tee ($34)
- River Island Superskinny Jeans ($80)
The Denim: Denim & Supply by Ralph Lauren
Similar style: Current/Elliott Distressed Denim Vest ($270)
The Editor: Mandi Villa
Photo: Grace Hitchcock
Get the Look
- Current/Elliott Distressed Denim Vest ($270)
- Alexander McQueen Knucklebox Clutch ($1,254, originally $2,085)
- Alexander McQueen Skull Bangle ($395)
- Michael Kors Oversized Watch ($275)
- DKNY Plaid Sneaker ($150)
- Marco Sartini Leather Skirt ($568, originally $757)
- Honey & Hive Stripe Dress ($69)
- Fiona Paxton Crazie Mazie Necklace ($300, originally $500)
The Denim: Vintage
Similar style: Roÿ Roger's De Luxe Vest ($123, originally $152)
The Editor: Randy Miller
Photo: Jessica Cruel
Get the Look
- Roÿ Roger's De Luxe Vest ($123, originally $152)
- ChicNova Retro Stripe Dress ($40)
- Super Ciccio Sunglasses ($189)
- Gryson IllBeCa by Joy Burgundy Crossbody ($134, originally $255)
- Michael Michael Kors Winston Sandal ($98, originally $150)
The Editor: Lisette Mejia
Photo: Grace Hitchcock
Get the Look
- Topshop Moto Denim Vest ($70)
- Tibi Tapestry Print Cami ($198)
- Derek Lam Snakeskin Sandals ($695)
- Forever 21 Wild Thing Skirt ($14, originally $20)
- Dezso by Sara Beltrán Woven Bracelet ($115)
- Rachel Roy Evil Eye Bracelet ($20, originally $35)
- Tom Ford Retro Sunglasses ($395)
The Denim: Vintage
Similar style: Current/Elliott Leopard Print Vest ($157, originally $348)
The Editor: Aemilia Madden
Photo: Sarah Wasilak
Get the Look
- New Era Cap Central ($35)
- Current/Elliott Leopard Print Vest ($157, originally $348)
- Choies Tribal Shift Dress ($37)
- Rag & Bone Harrow Bootie ($495)
- Betseyville by Betsey Johnson Aviators ($12, originally $24)
The Editor: Lauren Levinson
Photo: Randy Miller
Get the Look
- H&M Light Denim Vest ($30)
- Tart Henley Maxi Dress $100, originally $250)
- Warby Parker Mabel Sunglasses ($95-$150)
- Chloé Elsie Bag ($1,550)
- Tom's Cork Wedge Sandals ($69)
- CC Skye Double Spike Bracelet ($150)
- Kule Leather Cuff ($155)
The Editor: Emily Bibb
Photo: Grace Hitchcock
Get the Look
- Topshop Moto Denim Vest ($70)
- Pour La Victoire Lane Boot ($55-$111, originally $340)
- Giles & Brother Link Bracelet ($185)
- Fossil Link Bracelet ($28)
- Marc Jacobs Aviators ($290)
- Rip Curl Horizon Watch ($200)
- Mason by Michelle Cami Dress ($224, originally $448)
The Denim: Vintage
Similar style: ChicNova Retro Cropped Vest ($35)
The Editor: Sarah Wasilak
Photo: Aemilia Madden
Get the Look
- ChicNova Retro Cropped Vest ($35)
- Rachel Comey Crest Coat ($540)
- Dorothy Perkins Skater Dress ($44)
- Nadri Initial Pendant ($38)
- Free People Biko Mira Pendant ($168)
- Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Bracelet ($88)
- Splendid Roland Ankle Boot ($188)