First it was sweater vests for autumn and winter, and now the latest sleeveless trend for spring and summer is the waistcoat.
It’s a potentially daunting trend to try for some, but a waistcoat is in fact an incredibly versatile fashion item and an extremely useful layering piece.
For the modern, fashion-forward way to wear a waistcoat, go buttoned-up with nothing underneath – it makes for a sharp alternative evening look to a dress. For a romantic, seventies feel, pop one over a voluminous ruffle blouse.
In the daytime, throw your favourite waistcoat over an oversized T-shirt to instantly elevate a casual look. For the waistcoat-nervous, a denim iteration is your entry-level style that will go with lots of items already in your wardrobe, from floral dresses to T-shirts.
A leather waistcoat will add instant biker vibes while a suede, velvet or embroidered variety will give you an air of Stevie Nicks. Suit styles are what the fashion set are wearing, open over dresses, T-shirts – everything, really.
For cutesy, homespun vibes, quilted or patchwork styles can be found all over the high street right now – more of a jacket, these can actually provide you with some warmth rather than simply offering a styling trick.
For more direction on ways to wear a waistcoat, look no further than stylish Mancunian influencer sisters Megan and Faye Ellaby (above and below).
We’ve found 15 waistcoats on the high street that will suit all tastes and budgets –Â lots of them are even in sale right now, so it’s the perfect time to dip your toe in the trend!
15 waistcoats to update your spring summer wardrobe
Linen blend waistcoat, £29.99, ZARA
Cropped single-breasted waistcoat, £69, COS
Albaray Organic Cotton Patchwork Reversible Gilet, £89, M&S
Flowers of the Night Velvet Embroidered Waistcoat, £75, Hippie Shake
Quilted Vest, £41 (was £85), & Other Stories
Oversized gilet with pockets, £29.99 (was £59.99), Mango
Paisley print quilted waistcoat with sustainable cotton red, £27.50 (was £55), Monsoon
Maya jacquard denim waistcoat, £42 (was £60), Damson Madder
Don’t Stop Denim Embroidered Waistcoat, £59, Hippie Shake
Cropped quilted vest, £20 (was £40), Monki
