Between this year's Met Gala theme and the viral '90s-coded office siren trend, suiting is having a major moment in fashion right now. Tailored apparel (think oversized button-downs, pleated pants, and even neckties) has gone from being a back-of-the-closet option you only pull out for interviews to a statement piece you can wear pretty much anywhere. So it should come as no surprise that the biggest summer trend is another workwear staple: a breezy linen vest.
As someone who works in an office full-time, I can tell you from personal experience that linen vests are about to be an essential part of your year-round wardrobe. The lightweight and breathable fabric is perfect for the heat (hiiii, sweaty New York summers!), while the silhouette effortlessly layers under jackets or over a turtleneck for colder seasons. As you shop, here's what I'd keep in mind: think about the length, neckline, and silhouette you'll gravitate towards the most in your everyday dressing.
Looking for a classy, office-appropriate top that'll also look cute at a weekend brunch? Try a cutaway linen vest to add a tailored, almost sculptural element to your outfit. Prefer a slick-back pony and minimal accessories? Shop for a high-neck vest to help frame your face. Or, play around with some of the season's biggest themes, like pinstripes or pastels, for a truly trendy result.
Classic Linen Vests
If you're looking for a staple linen vest that you can wear with literally a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g, opt for a classic cut. The boxy silhouette makes these vests easy to layer over tees and turtlenecks or style with skirts, jeans, and trousers.
Abercrombie Cropped Linen-Blend Button-Through Vest
The Drop ESMA Linen Vest
Everlane The Vest in Stretch Linen
Cutaway Vests
For a polished yet comfy office look, go for a longline cutaway vest. The emphasis on tailoring adds structure and a little ~drama~ without drowning you in fabric. I also love that this trend comes in so many different colors and cuts, allowing you to try different patterns, necklines, and lengths.
Madewell 100% Linen Scoopneck Cutaway Vest
Reformation Jaden Vest
Abercrombie Mara Linen-Blend Button-Through Vest
Square-Neck Vests
Instead of sticking with a classic V-neck silhouette, a square-neck vest feels a little more casual—and gives you permission to play around with accessories to your heart's content. Try pairing collarbone-grazing styles with a pair of button earrings for a polished 1960s vibe or pair a lower-cut vest with your favorite necklace stack for some extra sparkle.
Banana Republic Linen Square-Neck Long Vest
Aritzia Hepworth Linen Top
Sanctuary Square-Neck Linen Vest Jacket
Halter Vests
Halter linen vests are the unexpected hero of a hot and sweaty summer (or a flirty post-work drink). The "business in the front, party in the back" style is just laid back enough to keep your casual outfits from feeling too stuffy. Layer it with an oversized blazer to beat the office air conditioning, then throw it on with a silk skirt on weekends for endless styling opportunities.
Banana Republic Linen Halter Vest
Reformation Tate Linen Top
Mango Linen Suit Waistcoat
Samantha Jones is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst Magazines, where she writes and edits across ELLE, Cosmopolitan, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, and more. She has close to a decade of editorial experience in the wellness, fashion, and lifestyle space, with bylines at other publications including PEOPLE, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Food & Wine. As someone who spent years curating her own personal style, Samantha can often be found reporting on emerging style trends or wear-testing the most underrated jewelry brands for a story. She is also an avid runner and former Division I athlete with particular expertise in workout apparel and running shoes. (In fact, when she’s not at her desk, she’s probably out for a run.)
