The best women’s waistcoats for sharpening up your 9 to 5
Make a statement in these borrowed-from-the-boys styles
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Fashion took a turn for the understated in 2023. Amid the soaring popularity of the quiet luxury trend, brands like The Row and Loro Piana took centre stage as minimalist silhouettes and impeccable tailoring became Gen Z’s look of choice. This, in turn, made way for the resurgence of the ultimate tailoring wardrobe staple: the waistcoat. And, having been given a high fashion makeover, waistcoats have emerged as the ultimate trans-seasonal piece, and we’re here for it.
Once Kate Moss’ signature style, the best waistcoats for women in 2023 have taken on a more polished avatar than their bohemian predecessors. They’re chic and sharp, making for a great layering alternative to bulky jumpers and cardigans. Despite leaning heavily into a trend, waistcoats are also timeless. Consider a waistcoat paired with a matching suit for a classic day-to-night look or wear one over a shirt or light jumper in the colder months. Come summer, pair your waistcoat with jeans and ballet flats for a timeless off-duty model look.
Waistcoats work equally well for the office as they do on a night out (it’s the new jeans-and-a-nice-top combo). While cult favourites, like The Frankie Shop’s Gelso waistcoat and The Row’s Vegas vest, are great tailored options, don’t sleep on the denim and leather iterations that promise to up your cool factor instantly. Need inspiration? Shop our pick of this season’s best women’s waistcoats below.
The Frankie Shop Gelso waistcoat
The Frankie Shop’s Gelso waistcoat is almost always sold out, a testament to the Gen Z-favourite label’s sustained popularity. Cut for a slightly oversized fit with welt pockets, the simple silhouette pairs well with practically everything in your wardrobe. Wear with pleated wide-leg grey trousers for a chic monochrome look.
The Row Vegas vest
The Row has amassed a loyal following with its impeccably tailored pieces made from fine fabrics. The Vegas vest embodies the brand’s ethos with a 100 per cent black wool exterior lined with smooth silk and tailored for a straight fit with an adjustable belt. Wear over a crisp white shirt and pleated trousers.
Saint Laurent virgin wool waistcoat
Boxy fits are cute, but a well-fitted waistcoat oozes sex appeal, as evident in Saint Laurent’s version. Cut for a snug fit, the waistcoat is crafted from 100 per cent virgin wool and silk in an inky black. With jetted pockets, this waistcoat is perfect for a sharp formal look, but you can also shake things up with a pussy-bow blouse for a steampunk vibe.
Chloé cotton-corduroy vest
Adding a retro touch to the trend, Chloé offers a beige vest in cotton-corduroy. Grounded in traditional menswear tailoring, the waistcoat features an adjustable buckled belt on the back for a customisable fit. Lean into the ‘70s aesthetic with a full corduroy suit or pair with a denim maxi skirt and Mary Janes for a bohemian look.
Agolde Heller organic denim vest
Los Angeles-based brand Agolde is renowned for its denim offering. The Heller vest is crafted from the brand’s lightweight organic cotton and cut for a slim fit. Layer it over a roll-neck jumper with blue jeans and boots for a winter-ready denim-on-denim look.
Joseph Kinglake satin and wool-blend vest
Sticking close to the waistcoat’s menswear origins, Joseph’s Kinglake vest is a great formal iteration. The neutral-hued vest is made from a wool and mohair-blend with a satin back and tailored for a slim fit. The go-with-anything palette ensures this vest is as versatile as it comes.
Gabriela Hearst Coleridge vest
We’re still not over dopamine dressing and Gabriela Hearst’s bright yellow vest nails the joyful trend. The slightly loose vest is tailored from a soft wool, silk, and linen-blend and features welt pockets. Whether you wear it with the matching trousers or pair it with jeans, it’ll add the perfect pop of colour to gloomy winter days.
The Frankie Shop Maesa asymmetric woven vest
Another winning formula from The Frankie Shop, the Maesa vest combines a slightly loose fit with an asymmetric button closure. Rendered in a very on-trend army green, it also features darting on the torso for a more flattering fit. While the matching trousers make for a put-together look, pair with blue jeans and trainers for a striking casual vibe.
Alex Mill Mathilde striped linen vest
Alex Mill’s New York-inspired designs take on a cool, casual approach in the Mathilde vest. The lightweight white linen waistcoat is detailed with navy stripes and cut for a slim fit with adjustable ties at the back. It’ll work wonders over a turtleneck for the winter and be your favourite summer uniform when paired with linen trousers.
Citizens of Humanity Sierra cropped vest
Distilling its signature laid back Southern Californian design language into a waistcoat, Citizens of Humanity’s Sierra vest is a great investment. Tailored for a slightly cropped fit, it’s crafted from a cream cotton-twill and will look great paired with the matching trousers and lashings of gold jewellery for a timeless look.
Mother The Masked Rider denim vest
Denim label Mother is renowned for its fun, playful pieces. Drawing on uber-cool Californian style, the Masked Rider vest is crafted from a bright purple denim and features welt pockets and an adjustable back tab. Wear with flared jeans and cowboy boots for an indie take on the Western aesthetic.
Le Kilt Scotty safety pin wool waistcoat
Le Kilt’s Scotty waistcoat tweaks traditional tailoring codes with a safety pin front fastening inspired by the traditional kilt accessory. Pair the slightly loose waistcoat with a checked mini skirt or lean into the brand’s Scottish nods with a Chopova Lowena kilt skirt.
Norma Kamali faux leather waistcoat
Unadulterated glamour combined with unexpected fabrics is a Norma Kamali signature – as seen in this khaki green faux leather take on the waistcoat. Cut for a slim fit with a slight sheen, wear with the matching skirt and knee-high winter boots to make a bold statement.
Alice + Olivia Donna halterneck vest
Halterneck silhouettes strike the perfect balance between modest and revealing and Alice + Olivia’s shoulder-bearing Donna vest toes that line in a vibrant blue shade. Crafted from a glossy satin-crepe, wear with a shimmery skirt and high-heeled boots for a fun and flirty look.
Read more: The best knit dresses for a cosy winter
