The cargo vest is a versatile piece that can instantly elevate your everyday look, giving it a rugged edge. Unlike other types of vests, the cargo vest has a unique ability to make even the most casual outfits appear more polished. Its practical design adds a tough touch to any ensemble, making it an effortless addition to your wardrobe. While styling a cargo vest is relatively straightforward, I’ve curated some outfit ideas that showcase its versatility and ease of wear.
From casual to dressy, these looks are perfect for incorporating into your daily routine.
Cargo Vest Over Black and White Striped Tee
Pairing a cargo vest with a horizontal striped top like this long sleeve black and white t-shirt is a winning combination. To complement this look, opt for black skinny jeans or leggings as the bottom half of your ensemble. Finally, complete the outfit with a pair of leather ankle boots to add a touch of sophistication.
Wear with Striped T shirt Dress
Pairing the cargo vest with a horizontal striped T-shirt dress creates a harmonious ensemble that’s well-suited for the spring season. The addition of the vest addresses the common issue of feeling chilly on mildly cool spring days, making it an excellent solution for those moments when a light T-shirt just isn’t enough to keep you comfortable.
Plaid Boyfriend Shirt with Cargo Vest
Opting for a versatile androgynous look, pair the cargo vest with a plaid boyfriend shirt to create a stylish ensemble. Ground the outfit with a pair of fitted skinny jeans and complete the look with neutral-toned flat shoes.
Wear with Grey T Shirt and Black Skinny Jeans
When donning a cargo vest, you not only gain a touch of extra warmth, but also inject a dash of personal style into your ensemble. This is particularly true when paired with the ubiquitous grey t-shirt and skinny jeans combo. By layering the vest over this classic setup, you can instantly elevate your look from sloppy to stylish.
White Tee, Black Pants & Knee High Boots
Transforming a mundane ensemble into a fashion statement is as easy as adding a few clever accessories. Take, for instance, the classic white T-shirt paired with black skinny pants – a combination that’s tried and true, but perhaps a tad too predictable. However, by incorporating a cargo vest and knee-high boots, you can elevate this outfit to new heights, injecting it with a dash of style and sophistication.
Wear with Blue Knee Length Dress
Transform your look by combining bold color contrast with contrasting textures. For instance, pair an army green cargo vest over a blue knee-length dress. The finishing touch is black or grey ankle boots that add a sleek and modern vibe. The striking visual effect comes not just from the contrasting colors but also the juxtaposition of the dress’s femininity against the vest’s ruggedness, creating a captivating and one-of-a-kind ensemble.
Wear with Horizontal Striped Tee & White Sneakers
While ankle boots are a staple in many striped-tee outfits, I’d like to showcase an alternative way to style a cargo vest – with white sneakers. This casual combination is surprisingly versatile and easy to pull off, regardless of body type. The best part? You probably already have all the necessary pieces in your wardrobe, making it a low-risk fashion experiment. So, take a chance and give it a try!
Wear with White Button Up Shirt & Cuffed Jeans
For companies that embody the entrepreneurial spirit, this business casual ensemble is likely to be well-received. While it’s common for startups to adopt a more relaxed dress code, dressing professionally can actually help you get into the right mindset. In terms of styling, pairing a crisp white button-down shirt with cuffed jeans is a classic combination. To elevate the look, add a touch of sophistication with a cargo vest and complete the outfit.
Wear Over Black and White Polka Dot Dress
The fusion of the black polka dot dress and the rugged cargo vest creates an intriguing visual juxtaposition. This unique combination exudes both whimsical charm and tough-as-nails attitude, making it a great choice for individuals with bold personalities who aren’t afraid to express themselves through their fashion choices.
Wear with Long Sleeve Form-fitting Grey Tee & Jeans
To achieve a sleek appearance with this ensemble, it’s essential to opt for a grey T-shirt that skims the body tightly. This strategic choice allows the cargo vest to be layered effortlessly, preventing the overall look from appearing bulky or cumbersome.
Wear over Black T Shirt Dress and Nude Heeled Sandals
The cargo vest in this outfit is effortlessly stylish, despite its understated design. The expertly cut pieces blend seamlessly together, creating a look that’s both chic and effortless. I’m particularly fond of this ensemble, which consists of a black t-shirt dress paired with an army green cargo vest and nude heeled sandals.
Wear with T Shirt Dress and Felt Hat
To add a touch of creativity and artistry to your outfit, consider pairing a black T-shirt dress with a cargo vest and a felt hat. This unique combination is sure to turn heads. If you’re looking for more inspiration on how to style a felt hat, be sure to check out my other blog post, where I share tips and tricks for making this fashion statement work for you.
Wear Over Denim Shirt
The classic appeal of denim shirts has made them a staple in many wardrobes. To take the look to the next level, pairing it with a cargo vest is an excellent idea. The combination creates a stylish ensemble where the ruggedness of the cargo vest complements the casual charm of the denim shirt, resulting in a harmonious blend of contrasting textures and styles.
Wear Over Black T Shirt and Striped Midi Skirt
In a bold departure from traditional styling approaches, this outfit reimagines the classic stripe pattern in a unique and captivating way. Rather than featuring a striped top, the focal point of the ensemble is a horizontal striped midi skirt, which is paired with a sleek black top. This unconventional combination yields a refreshing and remarkable look that effortlessly turns heads.
Cargo Vest Over Grey Vest Top & Denim Shorts
A cargo vest is typically longer, extending below the waistline, making it a versatile piece to style. When paired with a grey vest top and denim shorts, the combination creates a visually appealing layering effect. The overall aesthetic is modern and chic, perfect for everyday wear. I’m confident you’ll find inspiration in this list of cargo vest styling tips. For more outfit ideas, be sure to explore our other blog posts.
