Master The Vest: 10 Simple Styling Hacks To Wear This Underrated Layer Effortlessly

There was a time when the word “vest” conjured up images of school uniforms or Diwali photo albums. But 2025 has pulled the vest out of the dusty drawer and flung it right onto the trend charts. Sleek, sharp, and unexpectedly versatile, today's vest is no longer a one-style pony. Whether you're going for a formal edge, adding a surprise twist to your streetwear, or just trying to layer smartly during unpredictable weather, this is the piece to watch.

And here's the best part: vests aren't just for fashion insiders or designer budgets. From under-₹799 finds to luxe linen-blend picks, the vest is finally speaking everyone's language. Ahead, we break down ten easy, current, and seriously wearable ways to style this underrated layer, and maybe even start a few trends of your own.

Embrace The Vest: 10 Effortless Styling Ideas For This Most Underrated Fashion Comeback; Photo Credit: Pinterest

1. Pair It With Wide-Leg Trousers For Instant Cool

The sharp structure of a vest meets the relaxed ease of wide-leg trousers; it's the kind of balance that makes an outfit look considered without trying too hard. Think a black cotton vest with oatmeal-toned trousers and minimalist sandals. Or a checkered vest layered over a plain tee with denim. It gives you shape on top while letting the bottom half breathe.

Great for: Workdays that involve café hopping or casual Fridays that still need a touch of polish.

Style tip: Tuck in the shirt (if any) or go sleeveless, and add a statement belt for a touch of finesse.

2. Make It Monochrome But Not Boring

Monochrome doesn't mean lifeless, especially when you're playing with textures. A vest in the same shade as your shirt and trousers, say, all navy or all beige, instantly elevates the look. It's minimalist, but it doesn't fade into the background.

Best part? You don't need to over-accessorise. A matching vest co-ord set gives you that “I've got it together” energy, even if you were rushing out the door five minutes ago.

Budget tip: Brands like Tokyo Talkies and Roadster are offering matching sets under ₹1,500 during mid-season sales.

3. Layer It Over A Shirt Dress For A New Silhouette

If you're tired of the same old shirt dresses, throw a vest over it and watch the transformation. Whether it's a knit vest on a collared shirt dress or a structured waistcoat-style one, this pairing adds shape and depth.

The result? A silhouette that's structured yet flowy, perfect for brunches, gallery hops, or when you want to look like you made an effort, even if you're in flats.

Look out for: Sleeveless shirt dresses and vests with a belt detail or tie-up waist, super flattering.

4. Go Cropped And Pair With High-Waist Bottoms

This one's a winner for summer. A cropped vest with high-waisted skirts, culottes or jeans gives you a breezy, balanced silhouette. Think linen-blend vests in pastel tones or cotton twill options with front button detail.

This combo works just as well for college lectures as it does for casual dates. And the beauty is that you can dress it up with a longline blazer or down with a canvas tote and sneakers.

Current favourite: A tan cropped vest with high-waist khaki trousers, a combo that works in any season.

5. Slip It Over Ethnicwear For A Fusion Twist

Yes, vests work with kurtas too, and not just the Nehru jacket kind. A longline woven vest over a straight-cut kurta can be that one extra layer that makes your outfit stand out during festive dinners or office ethnic days.

Look for: Ikat prints, muted brocade, or embroidered vests that don't overpower your base outfit. Pair with mojaris or Kolhapuri heels and a soft potli bag to finish the look.

Bonus: This also makes sleeveless kurtas feel more covered and appropriate for more formal settings without killing the vibe.

Also Read: From Boxers To Briefs: Men's Innerwear Deals You Can't Miss In the Myntra End Of Reason Sale

6. Try It With Cargo Pants For a Street-Style Edge

Cargo pants have crept their way back into closets, and they're bringing vests along for the ride. This combo is less ‘fashion editor' and more ‘cool person spotted at the metro station who clearly knows what they're doing.'

Go for utility-style vests, ones with pockets, zips, or even a little buckle action. Pair with chunky trainers and a bucket hat if you're going all out, or just a fitted crop vest for a low-effort high-impact look.

Great for: College, gigs, flea markets, and days when you want people to ask, “Where did you get that?”

7. Add One To Your Blazer For A Power-Layered Look

Vests under blazers? Yes. Vests over blazers? Also yes. Power layering is back, but it's no longer limited to corporate boardrooms. The 2025 version is more fluid, vests made from soft fabrics, oversized fits, and unexpected colours.

Try a neutral waistcoat-style vest over a printed blazer or a contrast vest under a solid blazer with rolled-up sleeves. It instantly adds depth, makes your outfit feel more ‘complete,' and lets you experiment without being too loud.

Best for: Client meetings, networking events, or just manifesting main character energy.

8. Go Sleeveless But Add Layers Elsewhere

There's something oddly freeing about wearing a sleeveless vest and letting your arms feel the breeze, especially when the humidity makes you question every outfit choice. But if you still want layers, add interest through long necklaces, textured bottoms, or statement bags.

This works especially well with summer-friendly fabrics like linen, poplin and soft denim. Keep the palette light, lean into earthy tones or soft sorbet colours, and let the vest be the centrepiece.

Top styling idea: A cream button-down vest with linen palazzos and a jute tote, add some chunky oxidised earrings and you're set.

Vest Comeback Alert: 10 Clever Ways To Style This Underrated Layer For Modern Looks; Photo Credit: Pinterest

9. Use It To Transition From Day To Night

The right vest can take you from running errands in the morning to a wine night in the evening, without a complete outfit change. The trick? Layer smart. Start with a neutral base, say a plain tee and jeans, and throw on a structured vest. For the night, swap sneakers for heels and add a bold lip colour.

Look for vests with a bit of sheen, interesting buttons, or asymmetrical cuts. Keep one hanging on your office chair or stashed in your tote. You'll thank yourself later.

Pro tip: Ribbed vests in charcoal grey or navy look great under tube lights and fairy lights.

10. Treat It Like A Top, Not Just A Layer

Finally, the best styling trick? Forget the vest is a ‘layer' at all. Wear it as your main top. Whether it's a lace-trimmed vest styled like a camisole or a buttoned-up structured piece with nothing underneath, this styling hack brings elegance with minimal effort.

It's a great way to beat the heat, showcase statement necklaces, or balance out wide or flowy bottoms. Bonus, it reduces the need for bulky layers or jackets when the weather can't make up its mind.

Perfect for: Last-minute dinner plans, spontaneous selfies, and literally any moment where you want to look put-together without trying too hard.

Products Related To This Article

1. DAMENSCH Men NEO-Cotton Undershirt Vest

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3. Lux Cozi Boys Pack Of 4 Cotton Basic Innerwear Vests LUX_COZI

4. UNDER ARMOUR Launch Elite Round Neck T-Shirt

5. XYXX Men Solid Nova Super Combed Cotton Olive Round Neck Innerwear Vest

6. BOLDFIT Sleeveless Innerwear Gym Vest BFTBM1003SBlackS

7. BODYMIST Women Sleeveless Cotton Innerwear Vests

Vests in 2025 aren't just back, they're thriving. They've quietly shifted from being a forgotten basic to one of the most flexible, flattering and surprisingly fun wardrobe pieces out there. Whether you're mixing textures, layering up for the office, or building a capsule wardrobe under ₹2,000, a well-chosen vest can go a long way.

So next time you're shopping, don't skip the vest section. Chances are, the most underrated layer in your closet might just become the most worn one. Shop now on Myntra.

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.