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Something weird has been happening in the fashion world over the past few years: top models, such as Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid, have seemingly managed to turn basic, unexpected wardrobe staples into cool, sexy must-haves. First, it was cardigans, with undone buttons and belly-baring cropped options. Then, oversized 'work' pants became a thing, styled with bralettes and even corset tops. Now, it seems this crowd is all about vests, and instead of wearing them in the traditional, preppy kind of way — over a tee, button-down, or sweater — they've gone a whole other route, transforming this piece into the shirt of the summer.
Shests — as in shirt-vests — were first on our radar this time last year, when we began noticing celebrities and influencers skipping a bottom layer and wearing their vests solo. But leaving the house was rare back then, and when we did get out, we didn't dare ditch our sweatpants, so the styling trick had little time to thrive. Thankfully, though, it refused to go away completely. After spotting Jenner wearing her structured vest as a top, we knew shests had somehow managed to stick around. Good news, since the days of fun fashion are starting to return.
The key to pulling off the look is easy: all you you need is a vest of your choice to pair with your go-to bottom. If you're into the light academia vibe, wear your pick with khakis or a plaid skirt. And since summer knitwear is also going strong, you can even coordinate your sweater vest with a matching pair of shorts.
Of course, you don't have to overthink this trend. As models like Hadid have proven, vests look pretty great when styled in a minimalist way, paired with jeans or solid pants.
Shests are clearly the hot trend right now, and are surely cool enough for the season's rising temperature. But this piece is a good investment as well. Once the fall rolls around, you'll be able to go back to wearing these babies the old fashioned, layered way — so essentially, it's a staple that pulls double duty, allowing for twice the outfit options.
It's time to shop a shest for yourself.
Zara Striped Knit Vest
Shop now: $36; zara.com
ASOS Design Curve Jersey Suit Vest
Shop now: $22; asos.com
Care FP Downtowner Boxy Vest
Shop now: $50 (Originally $128); freepeople.com
Samsøe Samsøe Ina Floral Sweater Vest
Shop now: $160; nordstrom.com
Lisa Says Gah Eva Sweater Vest
Shop now: $75 (Originally $149); lisasaysgah.com
4th & Reckless Duke Sleeveless Blazer
Shop now: $60; nordstrom.com
BP. Crewneck Sweater Vest
Shop now: $29; nordstrom.com
Molly Goddard Blair Stripe Lambswool Sweater Vest
Shop now: $430; nordstrom.com
NAKEDCASHMERE Lexi Vest
Shop now: $225; nakedcashmere.com
H&M Ribbed Sweater Vest
Shop now: $35; hm.com
Princess Polly Maya Cropped Sweater Vest
Shop now: $40; princesspolly.com
Tove Norah Poplin Top
Shop now: $$318 (Originally $530); net-a-porter.com
Abercrombie & Fitch Fleece Half-Zip Vest
Shop now: $49; abercrombie.com
River Island Double Breasted Denim Vest
Shop now: $88; nordstrom.com
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