How To Make A Casual Vest Look Good

Vests can be tricky. Done right, they make you look like you walked straight out of the pages of GQ. Done poorly, they make you look like a hybrid between a high school garage band member and a waiter at a cheap restaurant.

Want to make sure that you’re erring on the side of menswear model rather than puberty-stricken putz? Just follow our tips.

Don’t: Wear With A T-Shirt

Or a tank top. Ever. This look is the definition of “cheesy band member,” and we don’t want that for you anymore than you want it for yourself. The only way you could make it worse would be by adding a newsboy cap—so stay safe and just say no.

Do: Dress Down A Suit

When you’re trying to rock the dapper-but-laid-back look, a casual vest can be your best friend. Layer a slim (not puffy!) quilted vest under your suit coat over a skinny tie and shirt combo. Add slick leather sneakers and a knitted hat to keep the look low-key, and voila—you’re picture-perfect.

Don’t: Wear As A Shirt

We don’t know why this would even occur to you (or anyone), but we’ve seen it done. And hey, it’s great that you’re happy with your body and aren’t ashamed of it. But wearing a vest with nothing under it is not the best way to communicate that. So unless you’re doing it as part of an Aladdin costume for Halloween, do us all a favor and add a few layers, ok?

Do: Dress Up Denim

Yes, this is a look that can go very wrong, but it can also go very right. The trick? Picking the right denim. Rather than borrowing the pinstripe vest from your three-piece suit and throwing it on with whatever jeans are on your floor (which may result in people confusing you for a prom-bound punk rock teen), layer a sweater vest and tie under a denim jacket for a more adult—but still ever-so-carefree—look.

Casual vests aren’t easy to style, but that’s just why getting them right will make you stand out. And whether you end up on the street style pages of a men’s magazine or not, at least you’ll look the part—so what are you waiting for?

Casual vests can make or break your outfit.

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