It’s Officially Waistcoat Season – Here Are The High Street Styles That Are Anything But Basic

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-point, River Island's Square Neck Strappy 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, whose Spring Drop featured a glorious dark denim iteration. Enter: the M&S Denim Waistcoat.

Made from stylish denim, M&S' waistcoat is the perfect piece for your spring into summer wardrobe. Like the fashion set, consider pairing the waistcoat with the matching pair of dark wash, High Waisted Smart Wide Leg Jeans for an elegant and streamlined look. Alternatively, for the office, wear with wide leg trousers and ballet flats, or 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 here and summer is well within reach.

Shop: The Best Waistcoats

Image credit: @adeleptty, @itsolivialevett and @jessica_rosehayhurst