I have written a million blog posts in my head lately… the change of season has really inspired me , so thought I would actually make one of them happen. Lets start with waistcoats or gilets or tank tops or whatever you wanna call them. I flit between names but I am a fan. They are the little bit extra to make your outfit go from average to something a little bit special. There are a lot of different styles around and I truly believe there is something to suit everyone. Whatever your style.
The types of ‘waistcoat’ that I wear are varied …. a vintage Levi’s cut off (oversized, looks great over a floaty dress but I also like it layered under a trench or khaki jacket for Autumn, a classic wool tailored black waistcoat, a quilted waistcoat, a sheepskin waistcoat gilet and a fitted denim waistcoat.
My vintage Levis was from Ebay a few years ago. There are loads about. I wear mine (oversized) with my tan vintage stud leather bag but I also love it with a fringed leather bag. It works great as an extra layer when the temperature drops too. Love it over a patterned dress and works equally well over a polo neck and wide leg jeans. If you are looking for something new in this style I love this patchwork denim gilet at TKMaxx (£14.99) If you are shopping preloved / vintage size be prepared to size up and look at mens too.
Seventy & Mochi – I love this conscious denim brand and wore my Pablo waistcoat loads this summer (in ecru) this also comes in Vintage Americana, Black denim, stripes and new for Autumn khaki and caramel (main pic, top left). With its high neck and pretty frilled edges this waistcoat def makes something special of a basic jeans and t outfit. It also looks great over a dress, a pretty blouse, a jumper or a polo neck or long sleeved T shirt. It also has matching jeans if you want the full on double denim effect. You won’t regret this and it is a piece that will work all year round. While I am talking Seventy & Mochi I also love this more classic denim waistcoat ‘Bea’ which I love over a polo neck and with the wide leg matching jeans (comes in nightfall which is a dark denim or claret.) Pictured below (middle right) Both would look fab over a maxi dress too or a sweater dress.
Classic waistcoat – so I recently saw an insta post saying that waistcoats were for minimalist styling only and didn’t work with a larger bust or non minimal styling. So I have to disagree here, whilst I have seen some gorgeous minimalist styling with a neutral waistcoat buttoned up over a neutral base, I also love them styled open over a dress whether it is full on patterned or plain. I have two wool waistcoats one is grey and is a mens one I bought preloved (size small) on Vinted, originally M&S. Very classic look, looks great over knitwear or a shirt. The other one is a vintage black wool and was too big so I added a little pearl jacket clip to the back.
The black wool waistcoat I like open over dresses, over a Breton T, a plain white t shirt but a street style look I spotted on Instagram that I particularly loved was styled over a vest with a sequin midi skirt and trainers. I would style this with the gold leather bumbag. I really think the waistcoat trend can work for anyone and can be made to look completely different and equally wonderful whatever your style, age or size! Just try it!! For reference the first time I wanted to try and wasn’t sure it would be me, I spend £5 on a preloved waistcoat to try it out. M&S are nailing it right now and hve a great collection of waistcoats as well. This bestelling tailored waistcoat, looks great with denim or with the matching trousers and jacket. Gone are the days where a suit means you are en route to the office, this look can be dressed down with trainers to make more wearable. They also have a satin waistcoat and trousers for a more dressy look. I would love this with a Silver Clutch Bag.
For a night out a waistcoat and jeans looks great with ballet pumps or heels. It also looks fab with tailored wide leg trousers or a three piece suit. Sometimes get major envy of those people who have to “dress” for work and wish this was me! I also think this style looks fab with a satin slip skirt. Love the slip skirts at Lindex loads of great colours £29.99 Green pictured above (I have the brown from last year) Love this look dressed down with a leather bumbag.
Albaray has this fab grey combo here (main image, centre left andsecond pic far right) I would style this with the black woven padded leather bag, held as a clutch, with a trench or oversized coat.
A knitted waistcoat or vest (why are there so many names!!) is something new to my wardrobe which I am loving. I have a couple which I found on Vinted (a green cotton scalloped edge beauty and a handknitted They look great over a blouse or dress. I love this arran style one from FatFace. This Whistles one is in the sale and this navy Mint Velvet one with side fastening detail looks great worn alone or layered over a polo neck or pretty white blouse. This navy knitted waistcoat Nobody's Child at M&S waistcoat has pretty detailing. These would look fab styled with tan leather. I love mine with the Woven Leather Basket.
So I am adding in gilets to this post as they all come under the same category as far as I am concerned. Not so bothered about puffer versions so won’t bother with them but quilted gilets… I like and again think these are massively versatile. I have a gorgeous checked one from Lowie from Spring Summer that I will be wearing this AW over knitwear, blouses and dresses. I am lusting after the Damson Madder leopard one (I have the dress in this print and love it) the leopard gilet is a beuat and keeps selling out. It has ribbon ties and is a little bit special. I would style this with a plain top and jeans or a denim skirt, leather trousers, culottes, over double denim, over a jumpsuit. It’s fab. Oh no, just seen it is out of stock again but you can sign up to be notified… or they have it in other colours.
Seeing as we are heading into Autumn Winter I can’t not mention my sheepskin gilets. I had this one after seeing it on Caroline's Style Hacks and have also seen it on Sarah Corbett Winder. The shop I bought it from has closed but this v similar one is available from Onaie Shop This is a super cosy warm layer and adds a bit of boho to your dresses or outfit. These are ideal for throwing on as an extra layer when the temperature drops. Lowie has a chocolate brown Shearling waistcoat (pictured above). Plumo have this hooded one too which I love.
So that is my little round up. I'd love to know wht you think or if it has inspired you to try any of these styles!
Keira xx