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. Even Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex was pictured in one this summer, spotted out wearing a longline linen waistcoat and matching trousers by St. Agni.
Paired with 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.
- The navy waistcoat: M&S Tailored Waistcoat
- The neutral waistcoat: Mango Striped Suit Waistcoat
- The black waistcoat: Nobody's Child Black Mo Waistcoat
- The designer waistcoat: The Frankie Shop Maesa Asymmetric Vest
- The royal-approved waistcoat: St Agni Linen Helm Vest
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Celebrity women wearing waistcoats
![[L-R Sydney Sweeney, Trinny Woodall, Kendall Jenner, Alessandra Ambrosio]](https://images.hellomagazine.com/horizon/original_aspect_ratio/13bd0be84b57-celebs-in-waistcoats.jpg)
Always ahead of the game, Kendall Jenner wore this waistcoat and wide-leg trousers ensemble 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 autumn collections 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 £27 to more luxury pieces around £200.
1/9
M&S Tailored Waistcoat
Editor's note:
Made for capsule wardrobes, this is a beautifully cut navy waistcoat. It has a smart, tailored fit but added stretch for comfort, and features neat button fastenings. Add jewellery and trainers to steer it away from office attire.
2/9
Mango Striped Suit Waistcoat
Editor's Note:
Mango's versatile pinstripe waistcoat would look equally amazing as part of the suit or with a pair of straight-leg jeans. It's cut in a straight fit with two front welt pockets.
3/9
Nobody's Child Black Mo Waistcoat
Editor's Note:
For a classic black waistcoat, I love this boxy style from Nobody's Child. Keep makeup and hair fuss-free to stop it stepping into boardroom territory.
4/9
Reiss Lori Halterneck Waistcoat
Editor's Note:
The new season doesn't have to mean saying goodbye to all-white outfits. Wear this waistcoat from Reiss with your post-summer tan, glossy makeup and the matching tailored trousers.
5/9
& Other Stories Tailored Wool Waistcoat
Editor's Note:
Made from a cosy wool blend, this & Other Stories waistcoat is perfect if you're looking ahead to the colder weather. The tailored piece has a boxy cut and fastens with five centre buttons.
6/9
H&M Viscose-Blend Suit Waistcoat
Editor's Note:
H&M just dropped this longline black waistcoat and it's going straight in my basket. Fitted and fully lined, it's so easy to thrown on with a pair of jeans for a stylish autumn ensemble.
7/9
The Frankie Shop Maesa Asymmetric Woven Vest
Editor's Note:
Understated tailoring is Frankie Shop's forte and not many fashion brands create viral pieces quite like the New York based label. The Maesa waistcoat has followed suit, quite literally. It has a cool asymmetric cut and an autumn-ready green hue.
8/9
St Agni Linen Helm Vest
Editor's Note:
This is the exact St Agni linen waistcoat worn by Meghan Markle, and it's just dropped in the sale. Perfect for late summer parties, it features a barely-there backless design, side pockets and a halter-neck collar.
9/9
New Look Button Front Waistcoat
Editor's Note:
This black cropped waistcoat is so popular at New Look thanks to its clean lines, relaxed fit and affordable price tag. Wear it alone or over a white poplin shirt for a transitional look.
How to style a women's waistcoat
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."
- 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.
