The waistcoat has quickly become a hero piece this season, an essential part when it comes to perfecting English summer dressing. Thanks to the 'quiet luxury' trend that has taken 2024 by storm (a credit to Sofia Richie), a pared back straight-forward summer aesthetic has emerged. Key to this dress code? The waistcoat.
A favourite of the fashion-pack, consider a well-fitting waistcoat worn with wide-leg trousers, simple sandals and timeless sunglasses your new summer wardrobe. Needing inspiration? Take a leaf out of Ayo Edebiri's style book, who recently stepped out in a head-to-toe Loewe outfit, featuring voluminous cargo pants and ... drumroll ... a waistcoat. And if it's good enough for the actress (who has all of fashion's approving eyes on her), it's definitely good enough for us.
An outfit that works just as well in the office as it will for sunny strolls on your next holiday. Cult faves have been continuously selling out time and time again, and now, high-neck waistcoats are taking centre stage. Aligne's Long-Line Waistcoat, took our Instagram feeds by storm, rendering it unavailable in most sizes, and at a more affordable price-pint River Island's Crew Neck Waistcoat is also a sell-out, and top of our summer season wish list.
If you're stuck in a wardrobe rut, try swapping your usual t-shirt or cotton button-down out for a waistcoat, the cool-girl answer to jeans-and-a-nice-top and updating your wardrobe in 5 seconds flat. While waistcoats can be worn alone, 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 your waistcoat with smart suit trousers or split-hem leggings, a pair of kitten heels and thick gold hoops for an elevated look.
When it comes to transitional dressing, we're all about layering - especially when the weather is switching from blazing sunshine to unexpected downpours as a drop of a hat. Move like the fashion set and opt for a co-ordinating three-piece suit for an outfit that will work whatever the weather.
Shop the best high-neck waistcoats below.
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 three colours, cream, black and mocha, shop while you still can.
www.shopcider.com
From the quality to the fit, Cider's high-neck waistcoat ticks every box. We particularly love the cream, but you can also shop it in black, pink, blue or green.
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
While the long-line waistcoat by ALIGNE is currently sold out, you can still pick up the cropped version, which is also available in gingham.
www.johnlewis.com
Created by Savannah Miller, Sienna Miller's fashion designer sister, this waistcoat is ideal for hotter days.