Trust Me—This Polished Top Trend Is the Easiest Way to Elevate Jeans and Skirts

This year, my aim is to be as self-disciplined as possible when it comes to shopping trends. (A few seasons of countless niche micro aesthetics will do that to you.) While I think designers should keep pushing towards a more timeless approach to design that prioritises longevity (hello, quiet luxury), it can be too easy to demonise the concept of "trends" as a whole. Ultimately, reinvention is what makes fashion so exciting. The key is just focusing on pieces that remain true to your personal style, and don't run the risk of being worn once and then discarded. Consider these pieces integral to one's capsule wardrobe. With this thought in mind, I've been thinking about the styles that keep reappearing on minimalistic style icons and making a shortlist of styles that will slip into my pre-existing uniform with ease. My first point of call? The waistcoat.

I would forgive you for experiencing Noughties flashbacks at the sight of a waistcoat, but this isn't Sienna Miller's and Kate Moss's bohemian festivalwear. Rather, I'm viewing this tailored piece as a more interesting alternative to my usual summer options this season. Too warm for a blazer, or even a shirt? A waistcoat is a perfectly polished answer, as Kendall Jenner has proven time and time again.

Since I started stocking up on three-piece suits earlier in the year, I realised just how versatile the vest is on its own, and I plan on wearing it with straight-leg jeans and sandals while the weather is warm, then layer it up with a blazer and trench once the sun dips. If I'm feeling particularly fancy and have a smart-casual event to attend, I might go all out with a pair of matching tailored trousers.

There are so many waistcoats to be found on the high street right now, and the majority can be found at the likes of COS, & Other Stories and Mango. But, another top tip is to check out the men's departments of the same high-street brands. You're far more likely to find beautifully tailored styles at reasonable price points (you just might need to experiment a little with sizing).

Of course, if your budget is a little more generous, then you'll find countless options on Net-a-Porter and Matches. The Frankie Shop's Gelso waistcoat has been popular amongst the fashion crowd, but I have also been coveting COS's vintage style, which would feel very '90s Julia Roberts with jeans and strappy sandals. Scroll down to see how Instagram's best dressed are styling waistcoats now, and to shop my full edit of summer-ready waistcoats. Happy shopping!

The Best Waistcoats for Women:

• Best Overall Waistcoat: Aligne Leo Long Boucle Waistcoat, £125
• Best Longline Waistcoat: & Other Stories Tailored Waistcoat, £97
• Best Cropped Waistcoat: Paige Antonella Denim Vest, £240
• Best High-Street Waistcoat: COS Slim Linen Waistcoat, £135
• Best Knitted Waistcoat: &DAUGHTER Wexford Wool Vest, £325

9 Waistcoat Outfit Ideas to Inspire Your Next Look:

Style Notes: If you fancy a more slouchy iteration, take your cues from this breezy look with a long-line, deep-V style and a pair of floor-pooling puddle pants.

White cotton skirts are a staple for warm weather and I love the look of a super-structured top with a more floaty skirt.

Style Notes: Monikh Dale offers up a masterclass in smart casual with this fitted waistcoat and wide-leg jeans combination.

Style Notes: Mixing tailoring with slouchy pieces, like a waistcoat with a long denim shorts, brings an unexpected twist to straightforward silhouettes. This is something The Row often does in their collections, and I love how this reads like you've put more effort into your look when really you've just whipped a waistcoat on.

Style Notes: You can also layer waistcoats on their own, save the undershirt. Just add a pointed-toe shoe to balance out the polish of the top.

Style Notes: Wearing waistcoats with tailored trousers is a shortcut to looking put together and sleek, especially when the piece is made out of a soft fabric like cotton or linen.

Style Notes: A cropped waistcoat is another great option too as it gives your look more dimension when worn with high-waisted pants or a slip skirt.

Style Notes: See what I mean?

Style Notes: Longline waistcoats have also been trending lately. Be sure to seek out a style that has a cinched finish for a more contoured effect.

The 19 Best Waistcoats That Get an Editor Tick of Approval