Summer suiting is the new fashion buzz-phrase. The full office siren trend which TikTok promised in one of its many ‘cores’ hasn’t quite materialised - will there be pinstripes at Glastonbury? Doubtful. But what has emerged is a new version of high low mixing and with it a riveting entry into key piece territory- the waistcoat. This may be a balm for those of you who are horrified by the wafty resurgence of Sienna Miller-approved boho.
Banish all thoughts of Gareth Southgate, instead may I bring to your attention to exhibit A, actress Ayo Edebiri wearing Loewe in New York. Think of it as the new jeans and a nice top. What to note when searching for an ideal combination? We are at a point of deep width when it comes to trousers, wide, floppy and expanded are what you’re looking for. But what goes out at the bottom, often wants a balance on top - which is where our new friend comes into play.
Edebiri here in her cargo trousers and waistcoat - is an ideal mix -is she going hiking or to a board meeting? Why not be prepared for every eventuality! Who knows where leaving the house might take you. Jeans also work well, while for those of you keen to co-ord pairing with a matching trouser is a great office and summer occasion flex.
Super stylist Nicky Yates (who dresses Phoebe Dynevor and Daisy Edgar Jones among others) wore a white three piece white Me + Em suit to the Chelsea Flower Show and made a very strong case for ditching the blooming-prints. Yates confesses to being “a sucker for tailoring, I love waistcoats because they’re so versatile, one purchase can be worn with suiting, jeans, heels or trainers.”
Clare Hornby, founder of ME+EM, adds that “it’s a great way of making quite a classic look - which tailoring often can be - feel slightly more unexpected. A waistcoat has an inherently androgynous feel which I love, and when worn slightly oversized it has an effortlessness to it.“ Happily there are numerous types available for those dipping in a timid toe.
Aligne - which is a flourishing British high street success story I can’t recommend enough - has this great long line linen take in a cherry red as well black. If wearing black, do contrast with white - a wide loose trouser here would be a catchy combination. If you’re after a more classic V neck style, see Reiss which has one in a pretty cornflower blue and Jigsaw which has a chic cream (both come with matching trousers too, which would make for a super wedding guest look if you’re in the market for such a thing).
For something a little jazzier, see Whistles’ pinstripe version which is flatteringly flared at the bottom (and again comes with matching trousers, but would look equally cute with denim). While if you seek a more off-kilter style, The Frankie Shop has a jaunty asymmetric one - in a pretty soft beige and khaki.
One last note: a waistcoat may strike horror into those who are against disrobing the arms. I do understand, but life is too short to maintain these stale self-imposed edicts. Wear the waistcoat, ditch the self-hatred.
5 of the best waistcoats
