The waistcoat has quickly become a hero piece this season - popping up everywhere from Friends re-runs to runways and Insta-feeds, it's fast becoming a must-have item. Although gaining popularity last year (in part thanks to the '00s revival) we're calling 2022 the year of the tailored vest.
Thanks to the popularity of this COS waistcoat and trouser co-ord, its time to say goodbye to the sweater vest - there's a new sleeveless silhouette in town. Just in time for summer.
Not just restricted to workwear (though we highly recommend), you should treat a waistcoat as a wardrobe substitute to a blouse, cardi or summer shacket to give your existing outfits a new lease of life.
The cool-girl answer to jeans-and-a-nice-top, waistcoats can be worn alone or layered over a tee too for casual daywear or you can easily build a date night outfit by pairing yours with tailored trousers or split-hem leggings and a statement heel. Here in the UK, we're all about layering when it comes to navigating transitioning our wardrobes between damp spells and heatwaves - throw one over a shirt or a loose-fitting dress for an easy spring ensemble. Or move like the fashion set and opt for a co-ordinating three-piece suit.
And influencers aren't the only fans, a few celebs have stepped out in a chic two-piece of late. Taylor Swift wore a pinstripe Max Mara waistcoat and matching pants while hosting a talk at the Tribeca Film Festival for her work on the All Too Well short film. The vest-sans-shirt keeps things sleek and modern with no fuss. Hats off to you Swift.
However you style yours - with jeans, matching trousers, over a tee or a summer dress - these are the very best waistcoats for women:
<br>SHOP: The Best Waistcoats To Shop Now, And Wear Forever
An influencer favourite.
This vest is made so you don't have to wear a bra under it if you don't want to. It's cute, casual, low-cut, and comes in this delicious butter yellow.
Offset a wide leg trouser with padded shoulders.
A wardrobe classic, this Raey vest is streamlined for a more tailored fit.
The perfect length to wear unbuttoned as an alternative to a cardi.
Look to Frankie Shop for contemporary suiting separates.
This 100% linen waistcoat fastens with mother-of-pearl buttons and back ties to define your waist.
Opt to be different in denim.
This chocolate brown vest will offset your neutrals perfectly.