Ladies' Denim Waistcoat: Fashion Staples for Every Wardrobe and Lifestyle

A ladies' denim waistcoat will take you from a city look to a country look in a flash and make a strong fashion statement. Just like the little black dress, a denim vest is a must-have wardrobe basic.

Ladies' Denim Waistcoat

Waistcoats, which are also called shirtwaists or vests, are sleeveless garments worn over a top, paired with a suit or jacket, or worn solo. Denim waistcoat styles range from simple unconstructed vests that open down the front to elaborately embroidered, embellished button- or zip- front waist-whittling attire. Because of the perennial popularity of waistcoats, they are available in a wide variety of colors from the iconic indigo blue to black to white or even khaki.

Typically, waistcoats have a V-neck or curved lapels and a three-button front. The tailoring is clean and sleek but often includes a variety of pocket or other neckline options like a boat neck or welt pockets. Most are unlined and designed to fit snugly through the midsection.

How to Wear Denim Waistcoats

Pair a denim pencil skirt with a white blouse with a schoolgirl collar and a denim waistcoat, and accessorize with blue denim sling backs or black slouchy ankle boots to create the perfect ensemble for a western themed wedding. Denim Daisy Duke shorts, a crisp white tee, and a denim vest are made for lazy summer days, and you can swap the shorts for denim leggings for a night out on the town.

Don't limit yourself to just pairing waistcoats with other denim attire like jeans, shorts, or skirts. Because denim is essentially a neutral, it mixes and matches with a great variety of other colors, and can be used to create an endless array of fashionable outfits.

Red, white, and blue combinations are always popular choices, but try a denim vest with a poppy orange or chartreuse top to add an on-trend pop of color and verve. Pop a denim waistcoat over a white strapless sundress to provide a little extra coverage or under a lightweight summer jacket to add a touch of femininity. No matter how you wear them, they always look and feel good.

Shop for Denim Vests

You can find ladies' denim waistcoats at your favorite local boutique or retail store, or shop online with retailers like these:

Polyvore: Shopping at Polyvore is like shopping at your favorite outlet mall without the hassle of parking the car and walking from store to store. Comparison-shop quickly and easily to find the best deals on denim vests.

Store Twenty-One: Express your inner bohonista with this paisley dress and denim waistcoat that is perfect for garden parties or alfresco dinners.

Appleseeds: Match this sophisticated looking denim jacket with khaki slacks and an Oxford blouse and create the ultimate casual Friday look.

Save Money on Denim Vests

Thrift stores, yard sales, consignment shops and even off-price stores are veritable treasure troves for the smart shopper who is looking for a bargain on a denim vest. Because these garments are timeless, they are always in fashion and a preworn bargain looks as fresh and modern as the most expensive new vest. However, regardless of whether you invest in a new one or opt for a second-hand bargain, a ladies' denim waistcoat is an essential fashion staple for any woman's wardrobe.

Sources:

Author's own experience as a clothier and image consultant
Fashion 101: A Crash Course in Clothing, Karen Macklin, Editorial Director