The waistcoat, has and continues to be an essential part when it comes to perfecting English summer dressing. Thanks to the stealth wealth trend that took 2024 by storm, a pared back straight-forward summer aesthetic emerged, and continues to remain popular for 2025. Key to this dress code? The waistcoat.
A favourite of the style set, consider a well-fitting waistcoat worn with wide-leg trousers, simple sandals and timeless sunglasses your new spring/summer wardrobe. While waistcoats can be worn with nothing underneath, if you're after a little more coverage, try layering yours over a crisp white tee for a casual but cool outfit formula. After something a little more dressed up? Wear a waistcoat with trousers or split-hem leggings, a pair of kitten heels and thick gold hoops for an elevated look.
Cult faves have been continuously selling out time and time again, and now, waistcoats are taking centre stage. Aligne's Long-Line Waistcoat, took our Instagram feeds by storm, rendering it unavailable in most sizes. At a more affordable price-pint River Island's High Neck Waistcoat is also a sell-out, and top of our spring/ summer season wish list. Our favourite of the lot, however, has to be from high street retailer Marks and Spencer. Enter: the M&S Linen Rich Tie Front Waistcoat.
www.marksandspencer.com
Made from a cool, linen rich fabric, this waistcoat is the perfect transitional piece for your spring wardrobe. Like the fashion set, consider pairing the waistcoat with the matching pair of Linen Rich Twill Wide Leg Trousers for an elegant and streamlined look. Alternatively, for an off-duty look, wear with jeans and trainers, and for more formal occasions, wear with tailored wide leg trousers and leather pointed toe boots.
However, if the M&S version isn’t quite your cup of tea, we’ve rounded up some of the best alternatives to shop right now. We predict they'll fly off the shelves, especially now that spring is well underway.
Shop: The Best High-Neck Waistcoats
www.riverisland.com
River Island's waistcoat is a fan-favourite, with almost all sizes completely selling out. Available in two chic colours, beige and black, shop while you still can.
www.whistles.com
Whistles is the land of elevated basics, and this linen blend waistcoat is no exception. With front buttons and pockets (!) style this with a matching pair of trousers.
aligne.co
Snap up the viral Aligne waistcoat that has taken over our Instagram feeds. The Leo comes in three different colours, including classic black, nautical navy and a trendy, butter like, soft yellow.
www.cos.com
Shop COS' iteration, made with cosy knit fabric, perfect for spring. Pair with lighter blue jeans and some nude ballet flats for the ultimate outfit formula.
shop.mango.com
Mango's halter-neck is an excellent choice if you're looking for a waistcoat that'll work best for formal occasions.
www2.hm.com
If you're looking for a budget friendly alternative, look no further than this M&S waistcoat. Available in five different shades from black to chocolate brown, it'll become your hardest working wardrobe staple for spring and summer.
www.marksandspencer.com
Opt for M&S Asymmetric Waistcoat for a contemporary take on a classic wardrobe staple.
Image credit: @k.jadereason and @missy_elz and @jessicarosehayhurst