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.

This week’s top picks are about covered and breezy casual Summer dressing, plus some well priced sandals and a few accessories. Browse the colour and size options, and feel free to suggest your own fab finds in the comments section. 

1. Mango Patterned Cotton Co-Ords

If you enjoy wearing patterned pants sets in high Summer like I do, these options from Mango might be of interest. Items are 100% cotton, affordable, easy to wear and launder, and EXTREMELY lightweight. The cotton feels like you’re wearing nothing against your skin, and is SUPER soft and silky. It’s an excellent solution for staying ventilated, cool, and covered from the sun in high heat. Tropical, beachy, and very summery. I have the first blue set for precisely those reasons. I repositioned the buttons on the cuffs of the sleeves for a better fit. I style the top tied at the waist or semi-tucked, and scrunch the sleeves. You can wear the shirt like a jacket layered over a tank too.

If the sets are too much to commit to, items work well as separates. You might need to size down on the tops and bottoms.

2. BaubleBar Faux Pearl Necklace

This necklace from BaubleBar at Nordstrom exceeded my expectations. It’s only $48, but it looks real. The quality is nice and the pearl placement is interesting. It’s cery comfortable, and a good way to wear necklaces if you don’t like the feeling of heavy jewellery.

You can sport this necklace at three different lengths. It looks fab on bare skin AND over tops. It doesn’t come in silver.

3. Cole Haan Mirabelle Crisscross Sandals

Simple classic and comfortable sandals that are on sale and look pretty on the foot. Neat, tidy, and versatile. The metallics are effectively trimmed with white piping which adds refinement and interest. Soft leather that stretches after use. Not suited to wide feet.

4. Adjustable Notch Belt

This is a great belt, lovely quality, and good value for money. It’s fairly unique with its notched brass buckle fastening. It comes in black, cinnamon, cream, burgundy, and pink. Some belts are suede, and some leather.

A client and friend found it and suggested I try the pink. I did, and love it! I have jeans, specs, and a handbag in the same shade of pink. It works well with my wardrobe.

5. Athleta Midday Cropped Poplin Shirt

This shirt is described as poplin but made of recycled performance polyester. It has the propeties of athletic tech fabric, and looks like non-gear casual clothing. The shirt can be worn as a top or very lightweight breathable jacket. Comes in many colours, and you might need to size down.

Jorts are a jeans and shorts hybrid, and a fringe trend. They’re a nod to the ’90s and what we knew then as denim Bermuda shorts. They’re long and wide shorts with lengths that finish just above, on, or just below the knee. Rises are mid and high. There is width and volume in the legs. Some versions are wider than others. The seats are tailored, unless they’re worn oversized and very slouchy. Some versions have interesting seam detailing, waist pleats, and cargo pockets. Most of the washes are lighter and darker shades of blue. There’s a bit of black, white, and patterned denim too.

Examples of jorts:

The idea is to wear jorts casually with tees, knitted tops, boho chic blouses, tank tops, sweatshirts, flannel shirts, hoodies, sandals, sneakers and Birkenstocks. Or dress them up with dressy tops, jackets, belts, heels, fancy flats, loafers, caged sandals, boots and cowboy boots. Wearing a denim jacket or waistcoat as a top with jorts is another way to go.

Some of my clients took to wearing jorts like ducks to water. They love them, and have made them Summer wardrobe essentials. They wear them casually, and dress them up. One client describes them as her “skirt” since she’s not fond of wearing skirts. Some of my clients are dead set against the width of jorts, and prefer the sleekness of clamdiggers or capris. Some don’t like wearing long shorts, and prefer them short. And others haven’t made up their minds yet.

Personally, I don’t wear shorts because I need fuller leg coverage for sun protection. But if I wore shorts, I’d be all over these. I love the look of long shorts, and wore them a lot in the ‘90s. I particularly like knee-covering lengths, and find them elegant. The width is playful to my eye. I’m a big fan, and will enjoy them on others.

How about you?

These Gap Horseshoe Jeans are worth a look for several reasons. They are dramatic, sculptural, and roomy if you like wearing those types of bottoms. Remarkably, the denim is extremely lightweight, which is why I’m making them a fab find as we head into Summer. They feel like a pair of breezy chinos, and are super soft and comfortable. They are 100% cotton, and do not bag out at all. Although they are soft and drape well, they hold their horseshoe shape perfectly throughout the day. They come in petite, regular and tall sizes across US24 to US35, and in nine colours. You might need to size down. They are a hit with a number of my clients and some forum members.

I got the pastel rose pink mist, and have worn them several times already. Love them! They are described as high rise, but aren’t high rise in person. I have a relatively short rise and they work well on me. No need to wear them with mid-riff baring tops either. I modeled them for the forum, and happily wear them with my classic tops. You’ll probably find them on sale.