WHEN you think of relaxed and understated cool in fashion, waistcoats might not be the first thing that spring to mind.
However, there's been a resurgence in the popularity of waistcoats for men – both thanks to England manager Gareth Southgate’s styling at the World Cup and, more recently, the world's top snooker players strutting their stuff at The Crucible – and now it would seem like the look is seeing a renaissance in womenswear too.
Big fashion brands, from Dior to Burberry, have realised there’s a modern way to wear a waistcoat, as it’s actually an incredibly versatile and hard-working piece of clothing – and it’s perfect as we come up to the dog days of summer and need to start thinking about transitional dressing.
Here’s how to wear a tailored vest in 2020…
CHECK PRINTS
Major labels have fallen in love with check-print waistcoats. You can get in on the fad by wearing a check suit and picking out a matching waistcoat within the same colour scheme – a la Cher in Clueless. Even if the waistcoat itself isn’t check, make sure the rest of your outfit is.
:: Check Waistcoat, £10, Primark (available in store August 24)
:: Joe Browns Cotton Waistcoat in Yellow, £40; Quirky Check Jacket, £70; Quirky Check Skirt, £40; Simon’s Vintage Style Blouse, £40 (Gorgeous Flower Applique Bag, out of stock)
MASCULINE TAILORING
With the lines between male and female dressing becoming increasingly blurred, waistcoats – traditionally part of a masculine three-piece suit – are the perfect way to bring some androgyny into your outfit. Paired with a matching suit and jacket, it’s a sharp and modern take on the trend.
:: ASOS DESIGN Tall Mansy 3 Piece Suit Blazer in Taupe Texture, £55; Tall Mansy 3 Piece Suit Trouser in Taupe Texture, £35; Tall Mansy 3 Piece Suit Waistcoat in Taupe Texture, £35
:: ASOS DESIGN Extreme Dad 3 Piece Suit Waistcoat in Chalky Blue, £35; Slim 3 Piece Suit Trousers in Chalky Blue, £28
NOTHING UNDERNEATH
At the other end of the spectrum, an ultra-feminine way to wear waistcoats is with nothing underneath. When worn like this with jeans, a simple black waistcoat channels 90s-inspired minimalism. Layer with lots of delicate necklaces to really capture the vibe.
:: River Island Button Front Waistcoat in Navy, £20 (was £45)
:: Zara Tailored Waistcoat in Oyster White, £49.99
LOOSE AND CHIC
Women wearing waistcoats might still seem subversive, but it’s by no means a new thing. It was a particularly popular style back in the 70s, with fashion icons like Bianca Jagger and Jane Fonda championing waistcoats – not to mention Diane Keaton’s iconic outfit in the 1977 film Annie Hall. To tap into the vibe without feeling dated, opt for loose silhouettes in light materials like crepe or linen.
:: River Island Sleeveless Button Up Blazer in Beige, £65
:: Miss Selfridge Sleeveless Belted Blazer in Cream, £20 (was £49)
