Waistcoats continue to be on trend in another nod ‘90s fashion. Although they are trendy right now, I think of them more as an iconic classic. Originally a waistcoat was traditional menswear garment and one of the components of a three-piece suit. These days they are a short and fairly formal tailored vest with front buttons, and usually worn over another layer like a shirt, tee, blouse, knitted top, turtleneck, or pullover. They can also be worn as a sleeveless top over a bra, camisole, or tank top.
In Spring and Summer weight fabrics, waistcoats can be worn in warm and hot weather. Onto some outfit ideas.
1. Matching Set
Many waistcoats form part of a set, which means they have trousers, shorts or skirts that perfectly match them. The idea is to wear them together as a suit. The waistcoat can be buttoned through and worn as a top like the examples in this collection. Dress the look up or down. Add shoes and accessories that work with the outfit, and Bob’s your uncle.
This is a dressier waistcoat and pants set in a Spring tweed. The set is separated by a white blouse that picks up the white of the tweed. Chunky statement silver loafers are the chunky shoe of choice. Their black soles bookend the model’s hair. I see a silver or white bag complete the look.
2. Knitted
Waistcoats can be knitted and less fitted like the slouchier one shown here. It’s buttoned through like a top with a few left unbuttoned at the bottom to create the visual effect of a slit on the welt. The red knitted waistcoat is paired with a toffee A-line midi skirt. Jellies are the finishing touch as footwear. I see an earthy bag complete the look.
Here are more ways to wear a knitted waistcoat as a top. Some are more fitted than others.
3. Shirt
Layering a waistcoat over a shirt is a way to wear a lightweight third piece in warm weather. Here, a formal black waistcoat is worn over a relaxed and textured white shirt. It’s worn untucked to dress down the waistcoat. The cropped barrel jeans and dainty black sandals further relax the look. Add a bag to match.
4. Mismatched Set
Make the waistcoat that is part of a set work as a separate by wearing it with mismatched bottoms. Jeans, casual pants and skirts in solids and patterns are shown in the collection. Most of the waistcoats are buttoned through and worn as tops. Some are layered over tees and shirts.
5. Eclectic
Last, an outfit that incorporates a range of vibes. A casual white tee is paired with a dressy and avant-guard pair of pinstriped brown wide crops. A quilted and embroidered waistcoat with a bo-ho light vibe is worn as a third piece. Sporty silver sneakers add a casual touch. A bowling bag throws in some modern retro. Add jewellery and watch as desired.
