Trim an old jean jacket, scan local thrift stores, or splurge on the latest fashions.  The vest is back and can help you to make any dull attire into the best summer style.

Layering in the summer is always a tricky thing. When you don’t feel 100% about the way your body looks in a skimpy, spaghetti-strapped number, it’s hard to layer for look and not add any unnecessary heat. If you’re not game for my summer scarf recommendation, than please pay some extra attention to one of my favorite, and always weather appropriate remedies, the vest. Whether homemade, thrift, or store bought, a vest of any style with a little creativity can add a splash of class and character to tiresome attire. 

Chambray Vest: Gap.Com: $9.99: Chambray, which may be hard to see in this picture, but is something good to note, is a lightweight fabric with light white and faded threads running through it.  It's machine washable and I say gets even better the more worn it becomes.  Gap made a wonderful three-button, v-neck, satin lined number that would match with whatever might comes its way. (My friend Cristen sports a navy blue, blocked, vest while table dancing.  Got to love her!)

Kimchi & Blue Back Cutout Vest: UrbanOutfitters.com: $68:  Although I’ve yet to pay this much, ever, on a vest, I have had my eye on this one for a while now.  Its delicate detailing makes me think that the extra cash could absolutely be worth every penny.  I think the navy and grey colors will work wonders for bronzed skin giving it a healthy and bright golden glow.   Don’t fret. This vest can be carried into the fall and winter, paired with a long sleeved, soft cotton shirt.  I say this vest is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll, for the perfectly constructed sixty-dollar slice of heaven.

The old Levi's or Jordache (Bongo if you're really lucky!) Jean Jacket Cut Up: Now, my friend Lindsey is the one to bring this amazing trend to our group of friends.  She took a child-sized, stonewashed jean jacket and ripped the sleeves off.  She let the frayed edged hang and look smoking hot.  DJPremium's online store brings you this already mapped out Fornarina vest, although I encourage you babes to DIY (do it yourself!).  Its color is slimming and very punk rock.  Paired with a feminine number you’ll leave all the boys wondering more about your beauty-bending look or go ahead and pair it with your favorite, over washed Cher t-shirt.   Here on the West Coast the Texas Tuxedo (a jean top matched with jeans) is back and better than ever.  People compliment one another on their ability to match jean with jean and I say more power to them.  If you’re not quite ready for such adventure, pair this hot, and practically priceless vest, with khaki shorts, a pinstriped skirt, or use it as a bikini cover-up.  When people ask you where you got it from, feel free to brag about the fact that you made it.

Got some vest hang ups? Some questions on how to make yesterday's jean jacket into today's favorite piece? The floor is open my fabulous friends: