Vest Tops Are The Summer Trend You Can Bring Right Into Fall 2024

Even long before Annie Hall rocked her iconic menswear-inspired looks in the 1977 film of the say name, women wearing pieces that are were traditionally made for men wasn't something new. From Coco Chanel to Katharine Hepburn, embracing style that defies gender has always been empowering. And really hot. 

"There's something sexy there because it's about the intimacy: A woman is inside men's clothes," women's studies professor at Roosevelt University Marjorie Jolles tells Vice. "That means someone was naked at one point and exchanged clothes. There are so many ways to evoke sex."

One menswear-inspired piece that's been making the rounds as of late is the vest. Like the topless blazer look that never really goes out of fashion, vests are versatile enough to be dressed up or dressed down, and they invoke a delicious androgynous vibe that's hard not to love. But while vests make sense for summer, it's certainly not the only season for them. The right vest with the right bottom makes vests an easy transitional piece that seamlessly takes you from the dog days of summer into the cool evenings of autumn.

For a look that's as effective in early autumn as it is on humid summer days, put on a white vest and pair it will a long, black maxi skirt and Mary Jane flats. If you're thinking that you can't wear white after Labor Day, put that archaic mentality to bed right now. That fashion rule has been over for a long time (with climate change, these types of things should all be forgotten) and fashion designer Coco Chanel fully believed in wearing white all year. Both those facts should be reason enough to never put away your summer whites. Add an oversized cardigan or black blazer for when the temperatures dip. 

What's so great about vests is that they're simple and chic, meaning you can have a lot of fun when choosing your bottoms. Going for bold colors and eccentric prints on trousers is an easy way to show off your personality. Throwing an oversized vest into the mix in a solid color like trendy butter yellow can keep things playful and fun. Leave the bottom button undone to show off a hint of midriff to take the look from the office to the party. Add one of the hottest shoe trends of 2024, like kitten heels or metallic flats, and you've the perfect transitional outfit for everyday wear. 

Because vests are so versatile and can go with anything, they give you free rein to explore a wide array of fall accessories. Wide-brimmed hats, for example, are a sophisticated way to complete a look while keeping the early autumn sun out of your face. But don't stop there. Dive into your capsule jewelry collection for classic pieces that really pull the entire outfit together. After all, it would be a shame not to doll up that lovely plunging neckline with some silver and gold, or maybe even both. 

Of all the fabrics that scream autumn, denim is right up there. When you wear your favorite pair with a linen vest, you effortlessly slide into the new season and look cool in the process. While a light ecru color is great for a transitional wardrobe, pinstripe or plaid can make for great vest colors to get you in an autumnal mood. In every case, the simple outfit formula is pretty much unbeatable.

Although mini skirts are an every season article of clothing, when paired with a vest, they can transform into an homage to the classic school girl outfit. Add a scarf, à la Babe Paley, and a denim jacket for cool evenings, and you've created a show-stopping look that works for every occasion. If you really want to have fun, this is where you finally give socks and Mary Janes a try.