The Best Vest Tops Include This £37 Style Loved By The A-List

It's clearly the summer of the vest.

best vest tops

by Hannah Banks-Walker |
Updated on

As soon as Kate Moss appeared on Bottega Veneta's spring/summer 2023 catwalk, it was fairly obvious that this summer was, in part, going to belong to the humble (but mighty) vest top. Moss wore a classic white vest with a checked shirt (which is actually flannel-printed leather) thrown oh-so-casually over the top, paired with baggy jeans. But what is it about this simple top that has everyone hooked? This is a very profound question I will attempt to answer, as I also bring you the very best vest tops money can buy.

Kate Moss for Bottega Veneta spring/summer 2023

Last week, Margot Robbie continued her quest for world domination, otherwise known as her Barbie press tour, arriving in Seoul wearing an updated version of Moss' Bottega ensemble. The epitome of 'quiet luxury', what looked like jeans-and-a-top to the untrained eye was in fact a look from Matthieu Blazy's autumn/winter 23 collection for the brand: a printed leather shirt, printed leather denim trousers and, of course, a white vest top.

Margot Robbie wearing Bottega Veneta in Seoul

Bottega is just one fashion house elevating the vest top to new heights, however. Case in point? The amount of tank tops that could be seen during Haute Couture week in Paris. Shakira wore a look by Fendi that included a white vest top to attend the brand's couture show, while Elizabeth Debicki was at Dior wearing a tank top labelled with the house's logo.

Elizabeth Debicki at Dior's Haute Couture AW23 show

Another label banking on a logo to make a vest top more desirable than ever is Miu Miu, whose printed vest was just recently worn by Sex Education's Mimi Keene to Wimbledon.

Shakira at Fendi's Haute Couture AW23 show

Similarly, Loewe's tank has reached viral status, having been worn by Kylie Jenner and every influencer you've ever heard of on social media. It's been so popular that it even inspired a high street homage by H&M, which caused quite a stir on TikTok – and is now only £5.

Mimi Keene wearing Miu Miu at Wimbledon

If that's not enough to convince you, Rihanna has made a vest top part of her ever-impressive maternity style, while Irina Shayk actually made headlines in May for wearing one with – gasp – sweatpants to the Met Gala after-party.

Rihanna in a white vest top

If you really want to be on trend? Wear your vest top with one of this season's most coveted items: cargo pants. Lori Harvey wore an almost sold-out tank top by Cotton Citizen with Loewe's cargo trousers, while Emily Ratajkowski wore a cropped vest with her Scanlan trousers and classic Vans.

Lori Harvey in a Cotton Citizen vest top

There is also one style loved by celebs every summer that is surprisingly affordable. Nicole Richie and Kate Bosworth both have the Everlane ribbed tank top. While Richie has been seen in the classic white version, Bosworth has worn the summery shade of olive green.

Kate Bosworth
Kate Bosworth

The vest top in question is currently available for £37 and in no less than seven colours (not to mention various different materials and finishes).

The appeal is fairly obvious and lies in the vest top's simplicity. You know it goes with almost everything, it can be layered underneath perfectly oversized shirts (à la Bottega) and just takes the faff out of organising outfits. Also, while fashion's leading houses are banking on vests in a big way, you can find more affordable alternatives, too. It's democratic! How very 2023.

SHOP: The Best Vest Tops 2023

everlane
Price: $37
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Made from super-soft, breathable cotton, there are seven different colours to choose from. Plus, if you're looking for something slightly longer, Everlane has plenty of other styles on offer.

Having gone viral a couple of years ago, The Frankie Shop's vest top with padded shoulders still regularly sells out. Luckily, you can sign up for notifications via Matchesfashion so that you can add to basket as soon as it's back in stock.

Loewe's anagram vest top is still going strong but is selling fast – get it while you still can.

ICYMI, pink is having something of a moment right now thanks to a certain film. Try your own take on Barbiecore by wearing this with a pair of wide leg, high-waisted trousers in a similar shade.

With its wide boat neckline, this is perfect if you need something a little smarter thank your average vest top. You'll want it in every colour, so the good news is its only £25.

Made from high quality cotton, this fitted style is idea for layering underneath breezy shirts with jeans for an easy, low-key summer look.

If you're more of a maximalist, Free People's printed tank will be perfect with maxi skirts or wide-leg denim. It has a bustier-inspired silhouette and a pretty frilled hem.

whistles tank top
Price: $36
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=3e7df617f02211af20ba9781fe3e0a60&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=WxFDFBUMHhgRR0UcU10OCV9ZDAZdVlRUFUtQCl1ORVsKR0sWRF5TE1NGHUZZCBVGXAcSFEJURQ8IUhFVTEVQClgUS0RYVQRVVh9FUA8NH0QNEQZ%2BfAxSUwVUB1MC&x=v1&prdId=11172561559&barcode=A1AHUVUOBwBfBgoEAgc%3D

Tuck into denim skirts and wear with Birkenstocks for a perfect outfit you don't even need to think about.

In case you want to channel Kate and Margot, Bottega's tank top is still available in most sizes... for now.

Part of LUISAVIAROMA's sustainable selection, this tank top will look best with slouchy trousers and gold jewellery.

A silky take on the tank, this top is versatile enough to work for day or night. Tuck into shorts for the former and swap for a mini skirt after-dark.

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