One Piece: Five Ways -- Utility Vest

For Christmas this year, my mom bought me a utility vest. When she came to my house for two weeks after the baby was born, we spent a fair amount of time perusing fashion blogs, and talking about fashion, inspiration, and clothing in general. And after seeing a few bloggers rocking the surplus vests, we decided I needed one. 

So, of course, being the awesome mom she is, she bought me this cute one from Old Navy.

But now after two months of it hanging in my closet, I've only worn it two or three times. I'm finding it harder to style than I expected. So it's time for a One Piece: Five Ways post featuring this vest, because it's way too versatile and has too much potential to just sit in my closet all the time.

Here's what I came up with...

Neon.

 vest: old navy (similar, similar, and similar) // sweater: nordstrom rack (similar) //  necklace: c/o wild about jewelry (shop) // jeans: american eagle (shop) // flats: old navy (shop) // purse: coach (similar) // sunglasses: forever 21 (shop)

While neon clothes can be hard to style by themselves, since you risk looking like a walking highlighter, the vest adds a nice neutral and helps break up all the bright colors. This is perfect weekend, vacation, or errand running attire.

Casual.

 vest: old navy (similar, similar, and similar) // top: forever 21 (shop) // jeans: abercrombie and fitch - old (similar) // sandals: target - old (similar) // necklace: kohls (similar)  // hat: forever 21 (shop) 

I picked up this top a few weeks ago when Kayla was visiting (she got one too and talked me into it!), and I've found it to be a great wardrobe staple. However, even though it has a little bit of visual interest on the front, the outfit is pretty plain when paired with just jeans. Adding the vest gives the outfit some structure, and layering creates additional visual appeal. Throw on a hat, a simple statement necklace, and some sandals, and I'm ready for a day at the beach, or a casual weekend. 

Layered.

cardigan: target (shop) // vest: old navy (similar, similar, and similar) // pashmina scarf: purchased in London (similar) // striped tee: forever 21 (shop) // sunglasses: old navy (similar, similar) // clutch: thrifted // jeans: american eagle (shop) // flats: forever 21 (similar) 

I sometimes struggle with collared tops, especially under sweaters and cardigans, but since this vest is so open up at the top, it doesn't constrict or cover up my neckline in a way that bothers me. And with a colored scarf, and a little striped tee peeking out underneath, it creates a nice additional layer for a very visually interesting outfit. If it was colder more often around these parts, I'd be re-creating this outfit all the time.

Over A Dress. 

vest: old navy (similar, similar, and similar) // striped tee: forever 21 (shop) // dress: tobi (shop) // wedges: payless (shop)  // bracelets: gift and target

I thought of this outfit a few days ago as I was looking through my closet, and it became the whole reason I wanted to do this one piece five ways post. This dress is so feminine with pleats and floral, so mixing it up with a more masculine piece like this vest, and a fun colored stripe top, makes this a really fun and interesting outfit.

Belted. 

vest: old navy (similar, similar, and similar) // sweater: forever 21 (similar, similar & similar) // skirt: mikarose - gift from my mom (shop) // heels: target  (shop) // belt: from another dress // necklace: francesca's - gift from my mom 

I wanted one of these outfits to be dressy, and by keeping the color palette simple (black and white only), and picking pieces that weren't overly dressy, which could look weird with such a casual vest, it created a streamlined outfit. I added a patent leather belt, which gives the vest some structure and keeps it from flopping around (which feels casual to me), and then I threw on black stilettos, a big silver necklace, and a smokey eye to complete the dressy look.

So now no more excuses for not wearing this vest!