Women's waistcoats are a chic wardrobe staple - shop 10 of my favourites

They've forever been a key player in suiting and once synonymous with the boho style of Kate Moss in the 00s, but nothing has risen through the fashion ranks in the last few years quite as quickly as the waistcoat.

Now the epitome of quiet luxury, it's a piece every woman wants in her wardrobe.

Paired with linen wide-leg trousers or sleek midi skirts (it's not just a trouser suit thing) they create effortless ensembles that give the illusion you just threw something on while actually looking very chic. 

The perfect middle ground between a tank or crop top and a sweater vest, they're ideal for the warmer weather but can also be worn layered through the transitional seasons, making them one of the most worthy sartorial investments you can make right now.

I spoke to London-based fashion stylist Holly Coopey about her thoughts on waistcoats having a style moment: "Waistcoats are a great transitional piece," she said. "I love when masculine tailoring gives an androgynous look for my clients. What's more, the waistcoat can totally transform the simple jeans and tee look with a directional twist. The waistcoat also works over a printed midi dress for the ultimate 70s vibe."

Celebrity women wearing waistcoats

Always ahead of the game, Kendall Jenner wore a waistcoat and wide-leg trousers in LA in summer 2021. I love a neutral-toned waistcoat paired with black trousers for a timeless look that will take you through every season. 

More recently Alessandra Ambrosio and Trinny Woodall wore waistcoats as part of cream trouser suits at Cannes Festival and out in London respectively. Both completed their outfits with oversized sunnies and platform heels.

Sydney Sweeney is another fan of a waistcoat, pictured above pairing hers to perfection with wide-leg jeans.

How I chose the best waistcoats

• New-in: Where possible I've included the new-in pieces from team HELLO!'s favourite fashion brands. Check back for updates as the summer collections continue to drop online.
• Colour: All of the waistcoats in this edit are in black, white or neutral shades so they can be styled with everything and slot seamlessly into your capsule wardrobe.
• Price: I've chosen pieces to suit a range of budgets from H&M's waistcoat at £32 to more luxury pieces around £200.

The best waistcoats for women to shop now

How to style a women's waistcoat 

• Unless you're dressing for the office it's all about keeping the humble waistcoat from looking too work-mode. Pair yours with wide-leg trousers or a slip skirt, and most importantly? Channel your inner Kendall Jenner and wear it with confidence. Stylist Holly shared: "If you're looking for an easy way to lean into the suiting trend gently, wear on its own for a chic deconstructed tux look."
• When you wear a waistcoat in the daytime add a pair of white trainers to help keep the look casual. Keep your hair looking fuss-free - there's a time and a place for a bouncy blow-dry, but this isn't one of them. In fact, wearing your waistcoat with natural makeup and a slicked back bun is also a vibe we've seen on the cool girls of Instagram.
• For a nighttime look, make it sexy. Think glossy skin, a chic bag (no office-style totes) and a pair of barely-there heels. Channel your inner Parisian.