Rivalling seasonless silhouettes such as the oversized blazer and the crisp shirt, the waistcoat has carved itself out as a must-have womenswear tailoring classic.
If its thriving presence among the street style set is anything to go by, the waistcoat spells fresh, off-duty elegance. We’ve seen it slowly creeping into womenswear wardrobes, and has now cemented itself in the timeless capsule wardrobe.
Runways tell a similar tale, with the core piece adorning a number of collections from Tom Ford to Emporio Armani. Tom Ford showcased the waistcoat in a number of looks, from a classic grey pinstripe to a bold purple hue.
The perfectly polished piece is the easy answer to elevate any look. In the summer, we paired it with a floaty midi skirt, and as we move into the colder months, we’ll be styling it with matching suit trousers and a blazer for a sleek all-in-one look, or for a more casual style, our trusty jeans and trainers are the answer.
As a three-piece suit
Nothing will make you feel more instantly put-together than a matching three-piece suit. Whether you opt for a plain simple style, or find a set with a print or a bold colour, it’s such a sleek option and oozes elegance. Style it with loafers or pointed heels for office-appropriate, or to give it a more casual feel, opt for a trainer.
With a midi-skirt
If you’re not quite ready to stow away all of your skirts, the midi skirt is a great option as we lean into colder weather. Styling your waistcoat with it gives it a more elevated, structured feel. Just add a knee-high boot to finish off your look.
With a high-drama blouse
Dispelling the notion that a waistcoat ought only to be worn with a shirt silhouette, this look advocates the whimsical blouse and embraces the resurgence of the much-loved boho trend à la Chloé. Wear with a baggier jean rather than anything slim fitting to really tap into the trend.
To elevate your jeans
Jeans are one of the most versatile pieces in any wardrobe. Usually associated with a casual look, that doesn’t have to be the case. To give them an instantly chic uplift, add a crisp, statement shirt and your trusted waistcoat and it gives your jeans a new lease of life. To finish off the look, add a heel and minimal jewellery.
As a double denim look
When we think of double denim, we tend to think of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s iconic matching looks. However, it’s come a long way since then. Xenia Adonts gives us a lesson in winter whites and how to style a waistcoat in a more relaxed, laidback way. We love the signature gold accents on this Schiaparelli look.
With a mini skirt
One way to style with a mini skirt is to opt for a waistcoat with a longline hem. This gives the illusion of a longer torso, but also is a quick way to make a mini skirt feel more elevated and dressed up. Styling it with a chunky boot or a knee-high boot allows you to effortlessly transition into the winter months.
