Studs finish a western outfit. A studded vest adds a little shine and a lot of attitude, and it goes with flares, a skirt, pretty much anything with boots. Here's how we style one, and how to keep the hardware looking new.
Why a studded vest works
A vest shapes your waist and frames your shoulders, and the studs catch the light so you can skip big jewelry. Buttoned, a cropped one is a top. Open, it's a layer over a tank, tee or long sleeve. So it goes straight from summer concerts into fall.
7 studded vest outfits
1. Buttoned up with flare jeans
The easy one. Button the Outlaw Studded Denim Crop Vest all the way up and wear it as a top with flares like the Rodeo Revival Low-Rise Flare Jean. Boots, a belt. Done.
2. Open over a graphic crop tank
Leave the vest open over a western tank like the Longhorn Racerback Crop Tank. The graphic shows through, the studs frame it, and you're set for country concerts.
3. Over a long-sleeve tee for fall
When it cools off, add a fitted long sleeve underneath. The Sierra Hemp Long Sleeve Tee in undyed hemp and organic cotton keeps it soft and earthy against the hardware.
4. Studded vest + wide-leg jeans
For a longer line, button it and tuck it into high-rise wide-legs like the High Noon Cuffed Wide-Leg Jeans. The cropped hem and the high waist meet right at your natural waist.
5. Under a jacket on cold days
Great middle layer. Button it under the Canyon Ridge Burgundy Denim Jacket and let the studs peek out at the collar. Burgundy and light blue look great together.
6. Studded vest + skirt
Hard studs, soft skirt. Button the vest and pair it with the Valentina Cinch-Waist Skirt and tall boots for church, a wedding or dinner out.
7. All-out denim with a studded top
Want studs but not a vest? Our studded stretch-denim top with a big buckle on the front is coming in the Fall Drop. Go full denim with flares, or a black skirt and boots for a night out, and add a fringe jacket after dark (see Fringe Jacket Outfits).
Which color studded vest should you choose?
- Light blue goes with the most. Every jean wash, white, cream, earth tones.
- Dark blue is dressier and feels more like fall. Sharp with black jeans or light flares.
- Black has the most edge. Light denim for contrast, or all black for a night out.
The Outlaw vest comes in all three: Light Blue, Dark Blue and Black.
How a studded vest should fit
A cropped vest should hit your natural waist and sit close. Wearing it open over long sleeves and knits? Size up one. The Outlaw runs true to size with a structured fit, and our model wears a Small. Measurements are in our size guide.
How to care for studded pieces
Be gentle and the hardware lasts. Inside out, cold, delicate cycle in a mesh bag, or by hand. Hang or lay flat to dry. No dryer: heat and tumbling are rough on studs. Fabrics differ, so check each care label.
Studded vest FAQs
Can you wear a studded vest by itself?
Yes. A cropped, button-front studded vest is meant to be a top. Button it and wear it with high-rise jeans or a skirt.
What do you wear under a denim vest?
A fitted tank, a graphic tee, a long sleeve or a bandeau. Keep it fitted so the vest keeps its shape.
Are studded vests still in style?
Studs have always been part of western wear. With flares and boots it looks current and won't feel dated next season.
What shoes go with a studded vest?
Cowboy boots with flares or a skirt. Clean sneakers on a casual day.
Shop studded western wear
Shop the Outlaw Studded Denim Crop Vest, browse all western vests and jeans, or see what's new in the Fall Drop. Everything comes in small runs, and once a size sells out, it's gone. Free U.S. shipping $75+.
More ideas: Fringe Jacket Outfits · Punchy Western Outfits · Fall Western Outfits
