The long vest is still very popular this year. And, with good reason! Long vests are incredibly slimming and flattering as they create long, lean lines. In this article, you’ll find inspiration on how to put together long vest outfits, together with a capsule featuring long vests. We’ll show you lots of options on how to wear a long vest and look super chic.

Here are just a few reasons why the long vest works so well

  • Long vests create a long lean line.
  • Perfect for hiding bellies and distracting attention away from them.
  • Great to give you some extra warmth and a fabulous transition piece for fall.
  • Easy to layer. Wear over a variety of tops and wear cardigans or jackets over them when it gets really cold.
  • You can play with different fabrics.
  • They come in a variety of fabrics and weights and sometimes allow you to create an architectural look.
  • You can create various looks depending on your vest. From edgy to bohemian to minimalist to casual chic.
How to wear a sleeveless vest - Rira wears a sleeveless vest over her jumpsuit | 40plusstyle.com

Rita @ritapalazzi above (read her style interview here) teams a long vest with her print jumpsuit. This is a great way to break up the look of a print, allowing you to create different outfits from the same jumpsuit.

Check out these jumpsuits from Karen Millen, FLORET STUDIOS and Amazon that you can wear with this similar pair of vest, sandals, clutch and earrings.

The best long vests to choose in stores now

We’re going to show you lots more long vest outfit inspiration. But first, let’s look at some of the most stylish long vests to choose.

Long blazer style vest

A blazer style vest like the Nordstrom option (below) is a stylish, smart choice. You could easily wear for work, or dressing up your jeans.

Nordstrom Two-Button Longline Vest | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom Two-Button Longline Vest

belted vest

If you have a slim waist that you want to show off, choose a belted option. This is a great choice if you have an hourglass figure.

H&M Bow Long Vest | 40plusstyle.com | 40plusstyle.com

H&M Bow Long Vest

blazer vest

Think about where your vest ends. Generally, the longer the better to create slimming lines. For example, the Karen Millen vest (below) is relatively short, ending just below the hips. Perfect if your hips are part of your body you love, but if you’re a pear shape and trying to draw attention away from your hips, choose a longer style.

Karen Millen Relaxed Tailored Sleeveless Blazer Vest | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Relaxed Tailored Sleeveless Blazer Vest

How to wear a sleeveless vest for work | 40plusstyle.com

Boma @mrs.gaf above shows how you could wear your long vest for work.

Steal her look with this similar blouse, pants, vest, pumps and handbag.

Sleeveless coat – trench style

A trench coat is a timeless classic, and a sleeveless trench will also stand the test of time. Wear it for work over your white shirt, or layer over your knitwear when the weather gets colder.

H&M Sleeveless Trench Coat | 40plusstyle.com

H&M Sleeveless Trench Coat

satin vest

If you want to wear your vest for the evening, look out for luxurious materials like silk or satin.

Vince Camuto Belted Satin Vest | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Camuto Belted Satin Vest

denim vest

Denim (that isn’t your regular jeans) is particularly on trend for Fall 2023. Wear with a simple white shirt and black leggings, or layer over your favorite dress.

HALITOSS Mid Long Denim Jean Vest | 40plusstyle.com

HALITOSS Mid Long Denim Jean Vest

knitted vest

Stella Carakasi’s vest comes in either gray and white, or black and white. It’s super versatile. Leave it buttoned up as a sweater, or leave it open as a duster jacket.

Stella Carakasi A-List Vest | 40plusstyle.com

Stella Carakasi A-List Vest

crochet vest

A crochet vest is an ideal choice if you love a boho look. Or, you want to wear a long vest in warmer weather. The crochet vest (below) would look good with a tank top, shorts and sandals.

GLEAMISS Crochet Vest | 40plusstyle.com

GLEAMISS Crochet Vest

long vest

If you want to create lovely long lines, perhaps to look taller and slimmer, then a longer vest like the duster style (below) is perfect.

Isaac Liev Duster Vest | 40plusstyle.com

Isaac Liev Duster Vest

Jumpsuit worn with long cover-up | 40plusstyle.com

similar jumpsuit, vest, pumps, tote, necklace and sunglasses

coatigan

For extra warmth, choose a thicker style like the Karen Millen coatigan (below), and wear it over your sweaters.

Karen Millen Wool Blend Boucle Belted Sleeveless Coatigan | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Wool Blend Boucle Belted Sleeveless Coatigan

Open front cardigan

The lightweight cardigan vest (below) comes in a huge choice of colors and prints, so you’re sure to find one you love. Reviewers say the material is soft, and it’s perfect for warmer weather.

Design by Olivia Sleeveless Draped Open Front Cardigan Vest | 40plusstyle.com

Design by Olivia Sleeveless Draped Open Front Cardigan Vest

Asymmetric open vest

Asymmetry can add interest to your outfits. The Lock and Love open front vest (below) comes in 25 color choices, and wearers say it is perfect for adding stylish layers without looking bulky.

Lock and Love Asymmetric Hem Open Front Cardigan Vest | 40plusstyle.com

Lock and Love Asymmetric Hem Open Front Cardigan Vest

lightweight vest

A longer choice with an asymmetric hem for you now, the Anna-Kaci vest (below) comes in either black, red or cream, and features an asymmetric hemline that ends below the knees.

Anna-Kaci Brushed Lightweight Draped Long Cardigan Vest | 40plusstyle.com

Anna-Kaci Brushed Lightweight Draped Long Cardigan Vest

How to wear a long vest – outfits & ideas

Which is your favorite long vest from above? And, how should you wear it? Below are  just some ideas on how you can wear the long vest this season.

casual chic

Mix casual and formal elements together to create a chic outfit. Nora @juststylela below (read her style interview here) wears her long vest with a casual jeans and t-shirt outfit, and elevates the look with her accessories.

Check out this similar tee, vest, jeans, espadrilles, bag, earrings and necklace, belt and sunglasses.

Nora wears a beige sleeveless vest with her jeans | 40plusstyle.com
Casual chic | 40plusstyle.com

Lock and Love Asymmetric Hem Open Front Cardigan VestStine Goya Eleanor Sleeveless Satin Top Wit & Wisdom JeggingsTory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet FlatTory Burch Perry Mini N/S Crossbody ToteLucky Brand Pearl Lariat Necklace

bohemian chic

Long vests are perfect for a bohemian outfit, as the boho look is all about layering. Wear a long vest over your favorite print dress.

Bohemian chic | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Camuto Patchwork Print Long Sleeve High-Low Chiffon DressPaul Green Cayanne Peep Toe Sandal – Anya Hindmarch The Neeson Herringbone Woven Metallic Leather Tassel ClutchKendra Scott Camry Drop Earrings

With a dress

The beauty of long vests is they look great over either pants or dresses. Wear yours with a dress. Look for a vest that is about the same length, or longer than your dress.

Vest and dress outfit | 40plusstyle.com

HALITOSS Mid Long Denim Jean VestNordstrom Two-Button Longline VestTreasure & Bond Rib Henley Midi DressPaul Green Cayanne Peep Toe Sandal – Kurt Geiger London Shoreditch Convertible Crossbody BagKendra Scott Camry Drop Earrings

All neutrals with a pop of color

The long vest looks very chic in a minimalist outfit. This does not necessarily have to be black and white. You can add a pop of any color to your outfit.

Natalie wears a pink and cream outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Natalia @odin.stylish.me above opts for cream and pink.

Get her look with this similar top, vest, skirt, sandals, bag, earrings, necklace and sunglasses.

All neutrals with a pop of color | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Wool Blend Boucle Belted Sleeveless CoatiganVince Slim Silk BlouseVince Camuto Wide Leg TrousersKate Spade New York Garnish PumpTory Burch Perry Mini N/S Crossbody ToteKendra Scott Jovie Imitation Pearl Hoop Earrings

With leather or coated jeans

Leather or coated jeans are perfect for cooler months, and look great with a long vest layered over them. You can dress your coated jeans and vest up with heeled booties, or down with sneakers.

Vest with leather or coated jeans | 40plusstyle.com

H&M Bow Long VestVince Slim Silk Blouse7 For All Mankind Coated High Waist Slim Kick Flare JeansPaul Green Cayanne Peep Toe Sandal – Kurt Geiger London Shoreditch Convertible Crossbody BagKendra Scott Camry Drop Earrings

with shorts for summer

Just because the weather is warmer, that doesn’t mean you can’t layer. A lightweight vest looks stylish worn with your shorts and sandals.

Vest with shorts for summer | 40plusstyle.com

GLEAMISS Crochet VestVince Camuto Rumpled Satin BlouseWit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Cuffed Denim ShortsFranco Sarto Glenni SandalTory Burch Perry Mini N/S Crossbody ToteLucky Brand Pearl Lariat Necklace

With jeans 

Your jeans are such a versatile part of your wardrobe, that you can wear them with anything, including a long vest. Beth @styleatacertainage below (read her style interview here) shows how you can wear your long vest to dress up your jeans.

Check out this similar top, vest, jeans, sandals, bag, necklace, earrings and sunglasses.

How to wear a long vest - you will love all these options and ideas! | 40plusstyle.com
Vest with jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Design by Olivia Sleeveless Draped Open Front Cardigan VestVince Camuto Rumpled Satin BlouseWit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Itty Bitty Bootcut JeansFranco Sarto Glenni SandalTory Burch Perry Mini N/S Crossbody ToteKendra Scott Jovie Imitation Pearl Hoop EarringsLucky Brand Pearl Lariat Necklace

with a full skirt

Full skirts are particularly on trend for Fall 2023. Choose a belted vest to show off your waistline, or look for a long vest that is at least as long as your skirt.

Vest with a full skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Relaxed Tailored Sleeveless Blazer VestFavorite Daughter Cross Back Strap Rib TankHalogen Pieced High-Low SkirtTory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet FlatTory Burch Perry Mini N/S Crossbody ToteKendra Scott Jovie Imitation Pearl Hoop Earrings

Layered with other knitwear for cooler weather

As long as you aren’t expecting rain, then a long vest worn over a sweater can keep you just as cosy as wearing a coat.

Layered with other knitwear for cooler weather | 40plusstyle.com

H&M Sleeveless Trench CoatSt. John Collection Dimensional Pointelle Stitch Turtleneck SweaterWit & Wisdom JeggingsSam Edelman Shale Knee High BootKate Spade New York Scroll Silk Blend Bandana Scarf

Ideas on how to wear long vests

Vest capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

Shop the items above here:

For even more inspiration on how to wear a long vest, you can also check my how to wear a long vest Pinterest board.

Do you like the long vest look? What are your own tips on how to wear a long vest? How will you wear your sleeveless vest this season?

Like this article on how to wear a long vest? Share it on Pinterest

How to wear a long vest - you will love all these options and ideas! | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Beth @styleatacertainage

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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