It has been a while since I’ve shared a one piece, many ways post. These days you can find me in shorts and a sweatshirt most days thanks to working from home during this quarantine period. When I do get dressed up I like to make it count with cute, comfy outfits. With fall being in full swing I wanted to share some fall looks and staple pieces style different ways.
The utility vest has been a popular closet staple for the past couple of years and there are so many looks for this piece. With this olive green colored vest I like to stick with black and brown clothing and accessories because I feel they work best. I see this vest as the statement piece so it looks best to have the other pieces more subtle to make sure your outfit doesn’t look to busy. Check out my top six ways to style it!
1. Plaid Top, Jeans & Heeled Booties
Plaid and fall go together like peanut butter and jelly! Any color selection of plaid would complement this utility vest well. Button-up tops are great pieces to style different ways with a vest. You can keep the sleeves down and buttoned at the wrist for a more fitted look or roll them up, like I did here for a casual feel. When the top is oversized and you want to give your look some shape, go for a front tuck. Heeled booties can give you some lift and dress this outfit up. The taupe booties and black jeans work well together for a darker fall look.
Linked: Vest – similar, Top – exact (sized up to a medium), Jeans – exact (size 4), Booties – similar
2. Short Sleeve Tee, Jeans, Patterned Flats and Hat
Here in the South there will most definitely be a warm fall day here and there and a simple, solid short sleeve tee is great for those days. This could be a perfect casual Friday look with these dark, skinny jeans and flats. Since I chose solid colors for the majority of this look I felt adding the patterned flats gave it some personality. The colors in most leopard print patterns (black and brown) work so well with this utility vest. I am loving fedoras, especially for fall, so the addition of a hat can keep this casual look trendy.
Linked: Vest – similar, Top – exact (small), Jeans – exact (size 4), Shoes – exact brand, similar style (size 7.5), Hat – exact (camel color)
3. Striped Tee, Jeans, Booties
A black and white striped tee gives this outfit a simple design and a small statement. I am not a mom but this look is giving me all of the mom vibes – cute, comfy and convenient fashion here. I went with a low heeled bootie to make it great for an everyday look, especially for those fall shopping days or ones with a lot of walking. Opting in for jeans instead of leggings give this look more structure and makes it fitting for more occasions. By cuffing the jeans just a bit it allows these booties and jeans to work well together too.
Linked: Vest – similar, Top – similar, Jeans – exact (size 4), Booties – similar
4. Long Sleeve Tee, Leggings and Sneakers
A relaxed look, perfect for the weekend or a chill hang out with friends. This comfy look is a great alternative to my typical sweatshirt and leggings look for everyday, outside of work wear. Since most utility vest come with pockets and buttons it is best to keep your top simple for casual looks. Beige is such a great color to complement this olive green. Since it is a simpler look platform Vans or sneakers give this outfit some personality and lift.
Linked: Vest – similar, Top – similar, Leggings – exact (small), Shoes – exact (size 7)
5. Chambray, Leggings and Boots
Honestly, I don’t know a piece of clothing that doesn’t go with a chambray top. This color chambray or even a lighter wash pairs nicely with this vest. This color of chambray goes best with black leggings because it is a darker wash. Adding tall boots give this outfit all of the fall vibes, especially with riding inspired boots. This look could easily transition into early winter as well by adding a beige, cable knit scarf.
Linked: Vest – similar, Top – exact (small), Leggings – exact (small), Boots – similar
6. Shift Dress & Wedges
If you are looking for a dressy casual look to style with a utility vest, this is a great option. A long sleeve, black shift dress is a obvious closet staple for all seasons and can be styled with multiple accessories. Earlier this year I shared 6 Ways to style this dress and love this new look with the addition of the taupe wedges. In this outfit I kept it simple but you could add a longer necklace or bold earrings to dress it up depending on the occasion.
Linked: Vest – similar, Dress – exact (small), Wedges – exact (size 6.5)
Scooping up a utility vest for your closet will serve your wardrobe for years and I hope some of these outfits inspired you to get creative and rock some cute fall looks this season.
-Warmly, Emily
