Waistcoats have fast become a fashion staple for women this summer. Forever a key player in suiting and once synonymous with Kate Moss's boho 00s style, they're been rising in popularity and are now the epitome of quiet luxury.
Paired with cool wide-leg trousers or sleek midi skirts - as seen on celebrities and the street style set - 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 warmer winter pieces, they're ideal for layering as we move into autumn, making them the most worthy sartorial investment you can make right now.
We spoke to London-based fashion stylist Holly Coopey about her thoughts on waistcoats having a style moment for autumn: "Waistcoats are a great transitional piece for layering," 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."
Looking for a waistcoat to add to your fashion repetoire? We've found the best pieces available now, from M&S to Arket and Reformation to & Other Stories.
Celebrity women wearing waistcoats
© GettyJennifer Lawrence nailed transitional dressing in her waistcoat and wide-leg trousers while out in New York City recently. The 33-year-old actress chose contrasting silhouettes and hues, completing the look with square lens sunglasses, a Loewe tote bag and slides.
© Neil MockfordQueen of the high street Frankie Bridge went for a cropped style as she left the Apollo theatre in London last month. The West End star paired her fitted black New Look waistcoat with matching wide-leg trousers from Stradivarius.
© Bellocqimages/Bauer-GriffinAlways ahead of the game, Kendall Jenner wore this ensemble in LA in summer 2021. We love a neutral-toned waistcoat paired with black trousers for a look that will take you through autumn and beyond.
How we chose the best waistcoats
- New-in: Where possible we've included the new-in pieces from our favourite fashion brands. Check back for updates as the autumn/winter collections start to 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: We've chosen pieces to suit a range of budgets from New Look's waistcoat at £29.99 to more luxury pieces around £200.
The best waistcoats for women to shop now
M&S Tailored Waistcoat
Editor's Note
Made for capsule wardrobes, this is a beautifully cut waistcoat in a dark navy hue. It's sold out several times already, so don't wait around.
Styling Notes
We love it styled as a full suit with the matching trousers or tailored shorts. Add jewellery and trainers to steer it away from office attire.
Marks & Spencer's popular waistcoat has a slim, tailored fit, with mock pockets and neat button fastenings. Fully lined for extra comfort, shoppers say it's high quality and super flattering.
Mango Wool-Blend Waistcoat
Editor's Note
Mango just dropped this wool-blend waistcoat in the new autumn/winter collection, and it's the perfect all-rounder to take you everywhere from casual drinks to date night.
Styling Notes
The way the model has been styled on the Mango website is definitely ticking boxes. Keep it clean and minimal for a chic ensemble.
Looking for a classic black waistcoat to wear with everything this season? This one from Mango has a flattering slim-fit and features two front welt pockets.
Reiss Mila Waistcoat
Editor's Note
You can't go wrong with summer whites. Make the most of the final sunny weeks by pairing this white waistcoat from Reiss with a tan and glossy makeup.
Styling Notes
We love it worn with gold jewellery and matching tailored trousers.
The bestselling Mila waistcoat from Reiss is fully adjustable at the back to give you the perfect fit.
Arket Wool-Blend Waistcoat
Editor's Note
Navy pinstripe is having a real moment right now - and this waistcoat is so incredibly chic.
Styling Notes
Take a look on the website and you'll see Arket has also styled this waistcoat with a blue poplin shirt underneath - definitely a look to try. Makeup and hair should be fuss-free to stop it stepping into boardroom territory.
Made from a cosy wool-blend, Arket's pinstripe waistcoat will take you all the way through the transitioning seasons. It has a slim fit with buttoning at the front and tie detail at the back.
& Other Stories Waistcoat
Editor's Notes
This is selling out seriously fast, so if you're after the perfect grey waistcoat, you need to shop now.
Styling Notes
Grey and silver go together so well - be sure to add a pair of chunky silver earrings to the mix.
& Other Stories' single-breasted waistcoat is made from stretch wool twill and features shaping darts for a very flattering fit.
Frankie Shop Gelso Waistcoat
Editor's Note
Understated tailoring is Frankie Shop's forte and not many fashion brands create iconic pieces quite like the New York based brand. The Gelso waistcoat has followed suit, quite literally.
Styling Notes
This waistcoat has a cool boxy cut and a hue that will go with anything. Invest in the blazer and trousers for a full power suit.
Frankie Shop's Gelso waistcoat is cut from summer-weight twill with a back adjuster to personalise the fit. It's available in beige or black.
New Look Waistcoat
Editor's Note
I love Frankie Bridge's style, and if she declares this as a winning waistcoat, I'm all for it.
Styling Notes
New Look teamed this with a midi skirt and loafers and it's an effortless look we plan to emulate.
This linen-look waistcoat is the exact piece worn by Frankie Bridge, and at less than £30, it's so affordable. It has a fitted, cropped fit.
Reformation Devin Twill Vest
Editor's Note
Reformation's Devin waistcoat is giving autumn and we're here for it. One the most popular pieces from the celebrity-favourite brand, it's always selling out.
Styling Notes
Pair it with the matching Mason pants, either in black or the same olive hue.
This bestselling linen waistcoat has a cropped, fitted cut and is available in three different shades.
Jigsaw Hopsack Tailored Waistcoat
Editor's Note
This luxe cream waistcoat has a contrasting satin back panel and flattering slightly oversized fit.
Styling Notes
For a more casual style, wear this over a classic white tee. Ideal if you want a more modest look or when the colder weather hits.
Fully lined and made from a sustainable viscose blend with a hopsack weave, this Jigsaw waistcoat is worth the investment. The sell-out piece has a back contrast panel and a buckle waist adjuster.
Mango Pinstriped Waistcoat
Editor's Note
Pinstripes in neutral hues are so fresh for the new season. I'll be wearing this waistcoat with the matching trousers or a contrasting pair in cream.
Styling Notes
This neutral shade will truly go with everything this autumn - making it ideal for layering.
Mango's pinstripe print waistcoat comes complete with two front welt pockets on the front, a button closure and inner lining.
How to style a women's waistcoat
- If you've read our styling notes above, you'll know it's all about keeping the humble waistcoat from looking too office-mode. Granted, if you're looking to wear your waistcoat to work, that's fine, but you don't want to look like you're competing on The Apprentice. 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.
