I'm All About Easy Outfits—5 Vest-Top-and-Jeans Looks I Rate

Continuing on my quest to find easy outfits that look immediately put together, I thought it was high time I give this often-overlooked combination the attention it deserves. Vest-top-and-jeans outfits are the ultimate combination of low-key cool and and casual chic; a pairing that’s transcended the decades and remains a popular look amongst fashion types. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity, which is in part why it feels so prevalent right now—an off-shoot of the quiet luxury aesthetic that’s sweeping social media, this is one of the easiest and attainable ways to emulate it. 

While I agree that you could pair just about any vest top with any jeans and the pairing would work, there certain things to look for in either piece that can further elevate your ensemble. When it comes to choosing a vest top, there are countless options at your disposal; from classic cotton tanks to ribbed styles, there's a vest top to suit you and your preferences. Racer necklines continue to be a key consideration in basics this season, but if you prefer boxier fits that cut at the shoulders, rest assured they still feel current. 

As for jeans, they’re a staple in the wardrobes of many of us, so chances are you’ve already identified the fit, colour, and style you like to wear most. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. So long as you feel confident in your jeans, they’ll work with any vest top you decide to wear them with. However, if you’re looking to upgrade your denim collection for the season ahead, you may be interested in considering a looser-fit pair, or perhaps even a summery ecru.

Whether you're heading out for a casual lunch date or a night out with friends, a vest-top-and-jeans outfit is a fail-safe option that will never let you down. From heels to flats and blazers to tote bags, I’ve outlined five different ways to style the combination below. 

1. Just Add Heels

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(Image credit: @iliridakrasniqi)

Style Notes: Flats are all the rage right now, but heels and jeans will always be a match made in heaven. 

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2. Try a Tonal Combination

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Style Notes: Ecru jeans look luxe with camel hues, as confirmed by Lydia. 

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3. Layer a Shirt

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(Image credit: @modedamour)

Style Notes: Vest tops loan themselves to a myriad of layering possibilities; the linen shirt being the easiest to pair them with. 

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4. Stick to Black and White

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(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Style Notes: Black and white outfit combinations always look sleek, even with the pieces err on the casual side. 

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5. Elevate With Tailoring and Earrings

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Style Notes: For a sleek evening look, elevate your vest-top-and-jeans outfit with gold earrings and a sharp tailored blazer. 

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Next Up: Skirts Have Peaked This Year—9 Styles I Keep Seeing Everywhere

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Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.