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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Let’s talk about the waistcoat trend. The ultimate wardrobe staple has made a grand resurgence over the past few years and we’re here for it. Ideal for underrated trans-seasonal dressing with impeccable tailoring and styles, there’s a reason Gen Z loves them and Millennials and Baby Boomers are back in them. Waistcoat are having their moment.
Once Kate Moss’ signature style, the best waistcoats for women in 2024 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 Oscar De La Renta’s bouclé-tweed vest, are great tailored options, don’t sleep on the denim and satin 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.
Tom Ford velvet vest
Dress up a pair of jeans with Tom Ford’s velvet vest or pair with their its matching trousers for an ultra coordinated, ultra chic look. This waistcoat embodies elegance, crafted from plush velvet fabric in a deep burgundy shade and finished with classic mother-of-pearl buttons. It features racerback straps and will transform your outfit from day to night.
Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini V-neck satin waistcoat
Sleek and feminine, this well-fitted waistcoat oozes sex appeal. Cut with an asymmetric hem and V-neck, this waistcoat has a soft satin finish in an inky deep black shade. Perfect for a sharp formal look, or with a pussy-blouse underneath for a steampunk vibe.
WARDROBE.NYC Paneled Prince of Wales checked wool and satin-twill vest
Adding a preppy touch to the trend, WARDROBE.NYC offers a wool woven vest in Prince of Wales checked print. The waistcoat features a satin-twill back panel with a buckled belt for a customisable fit, and looks equally chic layered under a blazer, worn over a white puffy blouse, or simply solo.
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.
Max Mara Zuai wool and satin-jacquard vest
Keep your colour palette tonal with Max Mara’s camel waistcoat. The neutral-hued vest is made from wool and tailored in Italy for a slightly loose fit. The go-with-anything shade 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.
Oscar De La Renta Cotton-blend bouclé-tweed vest
Made from a cotton-blend bouclé-tweed in dark navy and offset with the brand’s signature ‘O’ emblem in gold-tone snaps down the front, Oscar de la Renta’s waistcoat will work wonders for dressy affairs, paired with streamlined trousers and killer heels. Tailored in Italy, it is fully lined and provides a nice fitted style, perfect for evening occasions.
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.
Blumarine floral-lace waistcoat
Blumarine’s waistcoat is a feminine, slightly flirty option in a floral-lace design, crafted from Italian cotton. A V-neck with front button fastening and partial lining, it the style is sophisticated and ideal for evenings out. Pair with stand-out gold jewellery to make the pattern pop.
Moschino striped waistcoat
Moschino’s waistcoat offers a slightly more masculine, old-fashioned design – think Peaky Blinders’ vibes. Crafted from 100 per cent Virgin wool in a classic Anthracite grey stripe, it features an adjustable strap at the back, front zip pockets and multiple patch pockets, blending functionality and style. Wear on its own or over a white shirt for a bold look.
Read more: The best knit dresses for a cosy winter
