25 coolest waistcoats for women that'll smarten up any outfit

Playing into a current fondness of quiet luxury, waistcoats for women are one of SS23's biggest fashion trends. And you know what? We're here for it.

Let’s rewind to the late 1990s, when waistcoats (particularly pinstriped styles) with low slung jeans and trainers were a go-to styling combo for girl bands and pop icons – as were bohemian, festival-appropriate styles as donned by the likes of Sienna Miller and Kate Moss. Now, as part of a Y2K revival and along with baggy jeans, bandanas and rhinestones, waistcoats are making a return to our wardrobes.

But forget what you thought you knew: this time around, waistcoats are smarter. A chic, sleek alternative to your usual tailored layers; the perfect middle-ground between a sometimes-too-warm oversized blazer and a tank top of vest. Yep: waistcoats are a totally trans-seasonal choice. In colder weather wear them over a t-shirt or lightweight jumper but when it gets hotter (please, soon) wear them instead of a top with bare arms. A waistcoat and jeans is our favourite new twist on the jeans-and-a nice-top combo.

We’re spotting waistcoats worn as part of bold three piece suit lewks (M&S crafted the now nearly sold-out waistcoat of dreams as part of a linen combo, so sign up for back-in-stock notifications), with tailored, pleat front trousers or atop a crisp white shirt a la The Row. Elsewhere, they remain a brilliant match for your jeans, with denim waistcoats ticking off the coastal cowgirl trend, too.

There are so many cool waistcoats on the hjgh street right now, alone and as part of three-piece suits, to help you experiment with the trend. Scandi-brands like COS, Arket and & Other Stories are leading the pack. H&M’s linen blend pinstriped waistcoat for women looks great with the matching suit or separates while Albaray’s waistcoat is made from organic cotton for less environmental impact. If you’re craving a pop of colour, Boden’s suit waistcoat comes in a shade of coral they’ve dubbed ‘fox’ but, we have to admit that black will be an eternally chic - and versatile - addition to your wardrobe.

For those with a little more to spend, Maxmara’s double breasted waistcoat would be an investment you could turn to for years ahead, while The Frankie Shop’s waistcoats are set to be just as much of a cult-buy as their oversized blazers and quilted coats. It's also worth noting Sleeper's vintage waistcoat which has been approved by a flurry of influencers already this season. We expect a sell-out.

Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton.

Now, scroll through our pick of the best waistcoats for women to find your ideal style.