Menswear-inspired tailoring, pleated trousers and neckties have been coming on strong in fashion, from the recent Thom Browne, Schiaparelli and Ralph Lauren runways to Billie Eilish’s recent red carpet turns.
For summer, the look is centering around the suit vest, as an early-2000s nostalgic, warm-weather alternative to a blazer that can be worn fitted, loose or cropped.
“I believe a lot in this comeback: the vest is going to be the key wardrobe piece in the future,” Yali designer Pia Zanardi told WWD. She’s not the only one who believes in it. Cropped vests, suit vests and more are available at all price levels, from Staud and Favorite Daughter to Miu Miu and Saint Laurent, and celebrities have taken note.
Ahead, see how stars like Jessica Alba, Willow Smith and more elevated the vest trend.
Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba
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Jessica Alba demonstrated the vest trend’s versatility when she fashioned a double-breasted beige vest with matching tailored trousers for her appearance at Wimbledon in July 2023. The Honest Company cofounder completed her sartorial statement with a pair of white sandals for the ideal summer look.
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri
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“The Bear” actress Ayo Edebiri went monochrome with her vest look at the AFI Awards in January 2024. Edebiri fashioned a cream-colored vest with flare midi trousers and matching pointed toe shoes for her spin on the trend.
Willow Smith
Willow Smith
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Willow Smith gave the vest trend a Gen Z spin during an appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on May 8. The recording artist opted for monochrome dressing, wearing sheer black tights, shorts and a pair of Converse to complete the look.
Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini
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Kelsea Ballerini embraced a crisp white look for the Save the Music and SongFarm’s fourth annual Hometown to Hometown event in Nashville in June 2023. The singer wore white trousers with a fitted vest for the occasion.
Jurnee Smollett
Jurnee Smollett
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While attending Louis Vuitton and W Magazine’s awards season dinner in January 2023, Jurnee Smollett put an edgy spin on the vest trend. The actress fashioned an oversize gray vest with statement buttons along with a shimmering embellished jacquard top with coordinated leggings.
Olivia Culpo
Olivia Culpo
MICHAEL BUCKNER FOR WWD
Olivia Culpo gave the vest trend a sassy spin at Miu Miu‘s Summer Club in Malibu event in July 2023. The model wore a two-piece khaki set, which consisted of a micro miniskirt and a cropped zip-up cargo vest for the occasion.
