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Whether you've recently fallen in love with a new vest or you have one that's been in your closet for ages, you may be nervous about incorporating it into casual outfits. While vests conjure up images of three-piece suits or super-glam ski bunnies, you're living in the era of anything-goes-so-long-as-you-feel-inspired. Throwing a vest over a T-shirt is a simple way to add a menswear-inspired vibe or a '70s-chic edge to your look. So get stylin' with a few new vest-over-T ideas.
Street Style
When you're ready to wear a vest, go for a street style, urban-inspired look for a simple, laid-back approach. Start with a cropped, fitted black vest -- super versatile, this will go with tons of outfits. Add your favorite T-shirt -- think classic, shrunken white crewneck with a graphic design, whether abstract or a funny little saying. Pull on a pair of charcoal straight-leg jeans and step into black flat booties. That's all it takes.
Furry Finish
Granted, when you bust out the furry cover-ups, it's usually time for snow, but sometimes a girl just needs a little cozy factor in her life. On a perfectly crisp day when there's a hint of chill in the air, go for it. Think furry cream-hued vest over a black T-shirt with puff sleeves. Pull on black flared pants and you're almost finished. Step into black platform pumps, throw a few gold bangles on your wrist and enjoy your elegant ensemble.
Boho Chic
While vests give off an uber-structured vibe, it's all about how you style them -- laid-back boho chic is totally achievable. Start with a tissue-thin, oversize T-shirt in a muted hue such as dusty lilac. Add a tweedy taupe vest with a racerback cut that hangs just past your waistband -- leave it unbuttoned for a relaxed feel. Slide on a pair of distressed, medium-blue boyfriend jeans rolled a couple times at the ankles. Pop your feet into bronze, strappy gladiator sandals and wrap a gray floral oversize scarf around your neck.
Feminine Flair
You may immediately think that a vest and T-shirt is best matched with a pair of jeans, but this is not so. If you're a girl with a penchant for eclectic, feminine outfits, you can pull this off without a hitch. Start with a short-sleeve top that's a step up from your run-of-the-mill T-shirt. Think light pink pointelle knit top with slim short sleeves that stop just above your elbows. Pull on a black high-waisted miniskirt, tucking in your T-shirt. Top your look with a pale brown, cropped crochet vest. Step into a pair of nude ankle boots with cone heels for a sweet finish.
