Borrowed from the boys—suit vests prove that what was once intended for men can be (and often are) pulled off by women. Thanks to designers like Coco Chanel and Vivienne Westwood who challenged the conventions, nothing is off limits when it comes to menswear in women’s fashion. Quite the opposite. In fact, the more androgynous, the better; including the classical suit vest.
You only have to scroll for a minute to know that our favorite icons and star-studded celebrities are going wild for this valiant style. And whilst many distinctive looks have emerged from the timeless waistcoat, it was Taylor Swift’s iconic Tribeca Film Festival that truly revived the piece. Paired with matching navy pinstriped pants, red heels, and lips, she carried an aspirational authority. Victoria Beckham is also a fan of the suit vest set, opting for black on black—naturally. While Dua Lipa’s signature styling proves that suit vests needn’t be limited to neutrals with an orange is the new black attitude.
What was once a symbol of male pride complete with the signature three piece set has been redefined by fierce femininity and eloquent simplicity. The suit vest carries the sensuality of a casual crop vest. But it also exemplifies elegance and class. The culmination is a delicate dance between sultry enticement and refined sophistication. Unsurprisingly, we prefer it sans blazer. We prefer it worn to let the world know that you’ll run it. And you’ll do it with toned arms—and extra long pants for extra drama.
Anine Bing Tay Vest
Slightly oversized, Anine Bing’s Tay vest exudes carefree confidence. Inspired by the brand’s bestselling Quinn Blazer, this relaxed rendition features subtle shoulder pads, classical flap pockets and two button closure. Pair it with matching tailored shorts and subtle accessories to get the total look. We could totally see Posh Spice in this all black suit vest.
Best for: All black everything.
Shop at Anine Bing | $349
| Color: | Black |
Chloe Recycled Denim Vest
Chloe’s recycled denim women’s suit vest maintains the brand’s signature French flair with a whole new level of environmental consciousness. And we’re here for all of it. The tailored fit is effortlessly flattering. While the dark wash elevated it with an air of sophistication. We adore this suit vest styled with the brand’s matching high-rise flared jeans, chunky jewelry and comfortable flats for a look that screams chic nonchalance.
Best for: Recycled and tres chic.
Shop on Net-a-Porter | $895
| Color: | Navy |
Costarellos Women’s Fashion Vest
Best known for its boutique ball gowns, Costarellos puts a new spin on evening wear with this twill suit vest set. The cropped fitted top pairs perfectly with the matching palazzo pants. While the soft beige hue speaks to the power of natural beauty. Paired with comfortable heels, this is an outfit that pronounces your arrival with understated elegance and an air of independence.
Best for: Redefining ball gowns.
Shop on Luisaviaroma | $495
| Color: | Beige |
Frankie Shop’s Maesa Asymmetric Vest Top
Made for the powerhouse modern women, Frankie Shop’s asymmetric iteration is all about challenging convention. The non traditional buttons skew to the left with an avant-garde attitude. While the tailored black silhouette celebrates the female form. Unsurprisingly, we love the brand’s full vest and pants set. But this versatile vest can also be dressed down with denims for a more relaxed rendezvous.
Best for: Reconsidering the straight and narrow.
Shop on Farfetch | $204
| Color: | Black |
Gucci Reversible GG Wool Vest
The only thing better than a Gucci suit vest is—you guessed it—a reversible Gucci suit vest. This versatile rendition is the ultimate investment into a capsule wardrobe. Embrace the monogram mania craze and showcase the brand’s signature GG print. Or opt for a more understated style and celebrate the subtle details such as monogrammed gold buttons contrasted against a soft beige wool silhouette. Both sides flaunt a distinctive take on unparalleled opulence.
Best for: Celebrating revolutions with monogram mania.
Shop at Gucci | $3,980
| Color: | Beige |
Veronica Beard Amika Vest
Sometimes you just need an item of clothing to manifest the mood you want to exude. This valiant vest for women will do that for you. The refined fit and soft hue speak to calm confidence. While the classical double breasted silhouette, padded shoulders and smart notched collar add an air of fierce resilience. Pair this waistcoat with complimentary neutrals and a designer work bag to an interview and you’ve got the job. Well, in our eyes at least.
Best for: Manifesting calm confidence.
Shop on Net-a-Porter | $558
| Color: | Camel |
Anine Bing Marina Vest
Anine Bing deserves a second mention for good reason. And we’d be remiss to leave the Marina off our list of the best suit vests for women. The more fitted silhouette is perfect for evening wear. A line of tiny buttons further adds to the sophistication of the style. The green khaki hue speaks to the masculinity of the suit., whilst it simultaneously adds a soft eloquence to the overall design.
Best for: Menswear gets a sultry makeover.
Shop at Anine Bing | $249
| Color: | Green Khaki |
Burberry Smart Silk Vest
Trust Burberry to take the revolution one step further. And this smart silk vest suit for women does just that. The oversized silhouette and black silk lining are reminiscent of a traditional smart men’s suit—sans sleeves. Dress it up with sleek black trousers and kitten heels. Or take it down with a tee and denims. Either way, this versatile suit vest is an effortless way to spice up your capsule wardrobe.
Best for: All guns blazing.
Shop on Net-a-Porter | $1,650
| Color: | Black |
Saint Laurent Waistcoat
Just like a loyal friend, a good vest suit brings out the best in you. Renowned for their popularization of women’s trousers, you can trust that Saint Laurent has your back in reinventing women’s fashion. This cute waistcoat is case in point. Made in white, this cropped silhouette only makes wise decisions—when it comes to style at least.
Best for: Guiding good style choices.
Shop on Farfetch | $1,390
| Color: | White |
Alexandre Vauthier Cady & Satin Vest
With sensual glamor distinguishing the namesake label, Alexandre Vauthier’s sexy women’s suit is everything we love about the French designer. The white satin vest is cropped and fitted to accentuate the waist. While a plunging neckline speaks to the sultry allure of the sophisticated silhouette. Pair this waistcoat with the matching high rise pants and white kitten heels for a not-so-innocent take on all white.
Best for: Sweet and sultry.
Shop on Luisaviaroma | $1,463
| Color: | White |
Helmut Lang Open Back Twill Vest
With an open back and loose fit, Helmut Lang’s take on the traditional menswear suit is cool and contemporary. Perfect for any sophisticated soiree, the black colorway pairs well with every ensemble. Dress this versatile vest for the daytime with white sneakers and Randolph sunnies. Or keep it clean with black on black in the evening.
Best for: Business in front; party at the back.
Shop on Net-a-Porter | $375
| Color: | Black |
Frequently asked questions about the best suit vests for women
Can a woman wear a men’s vest?
Menswear has inspired women’s fashion for centuries. But now androgynous clothing is more popular than ever—including vest suits. The classical waistcoat is effortlessly versatile, light to wear and sumptuously elegant. We especially love them styled with matching shorts or long trousers for the ultimate, powerhouse modern women set. Take a look at our selection of the absolute best suit vests for women to find the perfect one for you.
Should I wear a vest with my suit?
Vest suits were traditionally designed as a part of a three-piece suit. But these days women are wearing them with or without the complementary blazer. A vest suit and matching pants is the perfect polished outfit for warmer climates. But it can also be worn as a chic undergarment with a matching blazer.
How do you style a vest?
There are endless ways to style a vest. You can dress it down with denims or shorts for the day. You can wear women’s dressy vests as completed suit sets with matching high rise pants and cute kitten heels for more sophisticated soirees. Or you can wear them under a blazer as originally intended.
What is the purpose of a vest in a suit?
A vest suit was originally designed as an undergarment in the traditional three-piece suit. These days it is styled in a myriad of different ways. You can wear it alone to show off toned arms for a sultry-yet-elegant take on a women’s suit. You can wear it with relaxed matching shorts for a more nonchalant style. Or you can layer it under a blazer in cooler climates.
