4 Ways to Style a Black Vest

How to style a black vest petite madewell

Last month I picked up this black vest and have worn it probably a dozen times! My exact one is backordered, so I also wanted to share this ASOS vest that’s fully stocked (ASOS typically runs a little smaller than US brands), and this petite vest that was a great cropped fit on me in 0P (see the bottom of this post). Here’s a few ways I’ve worn mine recently:

1. With A Slip Skirt
black slip skirt adidas sambas outfit
The Drop slip skirt xxs, Adidas sambas 5.5, Madewell vest 00 (see bottom of post for alteraitions), YSL sunglasses, Polene bag c/o

I’ve had this skirt for a while now, and only recently revived it in my closet. I always thought it was a little long for me, but now that full length slip skirts are trending, I’ve been embracing the length and even loving it with sneakers – something I would not have even considered 1 year ago!

Compared to my silk Quince skirt, this one is less delicate and a little thicker in weight so I find it to be more practical and low-maintenance, especially when I’m out with the kids. It’s also fairly wrinkle resistant. Looking forward to experimenting with it paired with cropped jackets and sweaters this Fall!

2. With Trousers

Heading into Fall, I still love the look of a vest with trousers for a chic dinner or girls night outfit. I’m wearing the Madewell Harlow pant in this post, but my preferred pant for this look is actually my Amazon trouser in “Khaki Thin” fabric, which are more of a drape trouser.

black vest with trousers petite outfit boston
Madewell vest 00, Harlow pant 00 Petite c/o (runs big), watch, sunglasses, Polene bag c/o. See this worn with a blazer

The Harlow are a more casual option with a looser, wider leg fit and a chino pant feel. Size 00 petite in the Harlow measures 13″ across the waist with a 27.5″ inseam. In comparison, the Amazon trousers in XS Short measures 12.5″ across the waist (when lying flat and un-stretched) with a 26″ inseam. You can read my full review of the Amazon pants in this blog post and see them at the bottom of this post.

3. With Jeans
mom and son outfit madewell petite vintage jeans
Black vest wide leg jeans sambas petite fall trends outfit 2023
4. With Tailored Shorts
black vest and shorts adidas sambas

For those still in warmer climates, I love the look of tailored on top of tailored, but then dressed down with a flat sandal or sneaker. The vest also looks nice with a long black trouser pant for a chic evening look!

Petite Alterations Tip

I mentioned on IG that I took up the shoulders of my Madewell vest a bit, which is a little adjustment I love to make pieces more petite friendly. The vest already fit me fairly well off the rack, but this subtle alteration shortens the overall length of the garment, raises the neckline, and makes the armholes a little smaller all in one swoop! Also, here’s how the aforementioned Amazon trousers look with a vest:

how to style a black vest with trousers petite
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7 Comments

  1. C wrote:

    Hi Jean, I don’t think my first comment went through but asked how comfy are the adidas? And any chance you could post on how you care for delicate fabrics at home? Recently bought silk and cashmere tops and want to be able to wash at home. I trust your recs. Thanks!

    Posted 9.29.23 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      They’re pretty comfortable for me! Most comfortable when I wear them with ankle length white socks under longer jeans.

      For delicate knits I usually just hand wash or machine wash cold on delicates cycle inside a mesh laundry bag, then lay flat to dry!

      Posted 10.2.23 Reply
  2. Jude wrote:

    Hi Jean!

    love your content. how unforgiving is the black dress around the tummy area? I feel like the silhouette leans more A line than pencil so I feel like it wouldn’t be too bad? usually a lot of these satin skirts just cling to my tummy and make me look pregnant 🤣

    Posted 9.27.23 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Jude, thank you! The satin skirt is a little more forgiving than knit skirts or pencil skirts, also that’s part of the reason why I went with black. I also wear my uniqlo shaper shorts underneath for a comfortable layer that provides a little shaping.

      Posted 9.27.23 Reply
  3. Jenny wrote:

    Hi, I will be visiting Boston soon (staying at Kendall square). What shops or stores nearby would you recommend for women’s everyday office wear (nothing fancy)? Thanks!

    Posted 9.24.23 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Jenny! I’m sorry, I’m not familiar with the Cambridge / Kendall square area! I believe they have an Ann Taylor there and then Assembly Row mall is popular with some outlet stores with womenswear. I hope you have a great visit!

      Posted 9.25.23 Reply
      • Jenny wrote:

        Thanks! Love your blog btw!

        Posted 9.26.23 Reply

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