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11 best women’s waistcoat for a quiet luxury look

From black linen pieces to denim designs, smarten up your wardrobe with these styles

Daisy Lester
Friday 20 October 2023 11:25 EDT
We prioritised timeless styles that can be worn year-round
We prioritised timeless styles that can be worn year-round (iStock/The Independent )
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Quiet luxury-meet-Noughties bohemia (think the Kate Moss and Sienna Miller heyday), waistcoats are big news this season.

From tailored takes and lightweight linen styles to denim or vintage interpretations (Annie Hall is the poster girl), waistcoats work just as hard during summer as they do in autumn and winter.

A hero piece that isn’t to be buried at the bottom of your wardrobe once the season’s over, this versatile staple deserves a place in your sartorial arsenal all year round.

Much of the appeal lies in their versatility. Whether styled with jeans or teamed with matching suit pants, waistcoats lend themselves to both off-duty looks at the weekend or business-casual attire in the office.

As for autumn and winter, both the high street and designer labels have thrown their two pence into the trend – from Mango, Zara and Aligne’s affordable interpretations to Ganni’s knit takes, Agolde’s denim versions and The Row’s luxe twill designs. With so many different designs on offer, we went on the search for the best.

How we tested

A selection of the best women’s waistcoats that we tested for this review
A selection of the best women’s waistcoats that we tested for this review (Daisy Lester)

To narrow down our edit of the best women’s waistcoats, we looked for timeless pieces that you can wear all year round, party staples for the festive period ahead and designs that lean into this season’s hottest trends. Considering their value, quality and look, these are the waistcoats to smarten up your wardrobe for autumn.

The best women’s waistcoats for 2023 are:

  • Best women’s waistcoat overall – Zara linen black waistcoat: £29.99, Zara.com
  • Best budget women’s waistcoat – H&M grey marl waistcoat: £14.99, Hm.com
  • Best black women’s waistcoat – Reformation aspen linen top: £148, Thereformation.com
  • Best denim women’s waistcoat – Nobody’s Child dark denim waistcoat: £55, Nobodyschild.com
  • Best linen women’s waistcoat – Sleeper Lili Marleen waistcoat in grey: £189.67, The-sleeper.com

Zara linen black blend waistcoat

ZARA .jpg
  • Best: Waistcoat overall
  • Size range: XS-XL
  • Colourways: Black, olive green, navy, beige
  • Why we love it
    • Timeless
    • Easily styled
    • Affordable

Zara’s linen blend waistcoat has an expensive feel that belies its affordable price tag. Made from a lyocell and linen blend, the lightweight and breathable design falls into a flattering silhouette.

Elevated by the deep V-neckline and tortoiseshell button-down front, the black finish is timeless and easily styled with just about anything in your wardrobe. We’ll be layering it under oversized black blazers or throwing it on over a white tee for a more laid-back look.

  1.  £29 from Zara.com
Prices may vary
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H&M grey marl waistcoat

h&m .jpg
  • Best: Budget waistcoat
  • Size range: XXS-XL
  • Colourways: Grey marl, black
  • Why we love it
    • Affordable
    • Premium design

H&M has nailed it with this budget waistcoat. Finished in grey marl, as well as black, the piece boasts a flattering corset-style silhouette, deep, square neckline, front button placket and shaping seams at the front and back for an extra flattering fit.

Lined and crafted from a twill-effect fabric, it feels far more premium than the price tag suggests. A smart alternative to a vest, it can be easily dressed up under a matching grey blazer or down with wide leg jeans and trainers.

  1.  £14 from Hm.com
Prices may vary
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Reformation aspen linen top

reformation.jpg
  • Best: Black waistcoat
  • Size range: UK 4-16
  • Colourways: Black, white
  • Why we love it
    • Well-crafted
    • Flattering
    • Investment piece
    • Adjustable

Reformation’s aspen linen top is a fashion editor favourite for good reason. It has a super flattering bodice-style fit, while the long-length silhouette puts a contemporary spin on the waistcoat trend.

Flaring out at the hem, the high V-neck is teamed with a gold-trim button-down front and welt pockets. Style with low-rise jeans and studded ballet flats or a silk maxi skirt and trainers for an easy yet elevated autumn look. We’re obsessed.

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The Frankie Shop Maesa asymmetric tailored chambray waistcoat

frankie shop .jpg
  • Best: Asymmetric waistcoat
  • Size range: XS-L
  • Colourways: Chambray, black, brown
  • Why we love it
    • Asymmetrical design
    • Tailored
  • Take note
    • Comes up quite small

A contemporary twist on the classic, tailored style, The Frankie Shop’s Maesa waistcoat features asymmetric buttons down the front and a diagonal placket.  Finished in a neutral beige hue, the piece is made from lightweight chambray that helps retain its boxy shape.

The structured silhouette is complete with wide shoulder straps, while the slightly cropped cut styles perfectly with high waisted jeans or the matching cargo trousers (£185, Matchesfashion.com). We’d suggest sizing up, as the fit comes up quite small.

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Jigsaw velvet tailored waistcoat

jigsaw .jpg
  • Best: Velvet waistcoat
  • Size range: UK 6-18
  • Colourways: Grey
  • Why we love it
    • Velvet finish
    • Stellar quality

This shimmering waistcoat is a dazzling piece for the party season and beyond. The velvet material and contrasting back panel wear a metallic sheen, and while it isn’t a budget option by any means, it’s clear that the material and overall quality are stellar.

It has a boxy and fairly loose fit and falls to a good length. Finished with two faux pockets and black buttons, it also sports a high-shine silver waist buckle, although this can only be adjusted very slightly. A go-to if you want to impress, dress it down with a long-sleeved top or shirt for everyday or workwear with a twist of glam.

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Seventy + Mochi Pablo waistcoat, vintage Americana

seventy mochi .jpg
  • Best: Vintage-inspired waistcaot
  • Size range: UK 6-18
  • Colourways: Denim, black, dusty pink, khaki, striped khaki, striped denim
  • Why we love it
    • Sustainable
    • Well-crafted
    • Unique

One of our go-to brands for sustainable denim, Seventy + Mochi’s vintage-inspired Pablo waistcoat is a unique take on the tailored trend. The design is available in seven playful and classic finishes (from stripes to dusty rose), and the piece is detailed with the label’s signature blanket stitching on the patch pockets and a cottagecore style frill collar. As for the fit, it’s comfortably cropped.

Made from organic cotton and eco-made elastane, the denim waistcoat is structured without being stifling. Whether you size up for an oversized look or down for a fitted silhouette, the statement waistcoat is an investment piece you’ll cherish season after season.

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Nobody’s Child dark denim waistcoat

nobodys child .jpg
  • Best: Denim waistcoat
  • Size range: UK 4-18
  • Colourways: Denim, khaki, black
  • Why we love it
    • Fitted
    • Tailored
    • Lightweight cotton design
    • Adjustable fit

A cool way to incorporate denim into your autumn wardrobe, this Nobody’s Child waistcoat is a hero piece. The flattering cut features a V-neckline and tailoring details such as welt pockets and an adjustable strap at the back, as well as single-breasted buttons.

Boasting a relaxed fit that can be more structured thanks to the strap, the indigo-hued piece works just as nicely with the label’s matching maxi skirt (£65, Nobodyschild.com) or wide-leg black trousers. Made from an organic cotton blend, it’s comfortable and lightweight.

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Mango pinstripe waistcoat

mango waistcoat .jpg
  • Best: Pinstripe waistcoat
  • Size range: XXS-XXL
  • Colourways: Stripe beige
  • Why we love it
    • Smart
    • Affordable

Pinstripe is having a moment this season, and Mango’s waistcoat leans into the trend without feeling too corporate. The straight design is subtly oversized with a slightly cropped cut.

Complete with a V-neck, two welt pockets and a button-down front, the smart style can be easily dressed down with wide leg jeans and ballet flats. Or, take advantage of the high street store’s tailored range with the matching pinstripe trousers (£49.99, Mango.com) and oversized blazer (£79.99, Mango.com).

  1.  £35 from Mango.com
Prices may vary
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Free People Libby vest

free people .jpg
  • Best: Party waistcoat
  • Size range: XS-XL
  • Colourways: Black, disco indigo, chocolate, green/ecru stripe, white combo
  • Why we love it
    • Flattering
    • Party-ready
    • Adjustable

An occasion-ready take on the classic waistcoat, Free People’s Libby vest boasts a cropped, V-neck silhouette with a button-front closure. The waistcoat’s pointed bottom hem gives the piece a Seventies feel while an adjustable waist at the back lets you cinch the vest in for a more bodice-style fit.

Super flattering and comfortable thanks to the stretchy, velvet-effect fabric, it works as a stellar layering staple or party top paired with a black mini skirt and boots.

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Aligne juno denim patchwork waistcoat

aligne waistcoat .jpg
  • Best: Denim patchwork waistcoat
  • Size range: UK 6-22
  • Colourways: Denim
  • Why we love it
    • Patchwork finish
    • Relaxed fit
    • Well crafted

Adding some intrigue to your autumn ensembles, Aligne’s denim waistcoat is elevated by the contrasting indigo hues and vintage-inspired patchwork finish. It features denim jean-style buttons, a high V-neck and a relaxed, regular cut.

Whether layered over a mini dress, styled with Aligne’s matching denim midi skirt (£89, Aligne.co) or teamed with wafty black linen trousers, it’s a staple winter piece. The price tag is justified by the well-crafted design, which means it keeps its boxy shape throughout the day.

  1.  £89 from Aligne.co
Prices may vary
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Sleeper Lili Marleen waistcoat in grey

sleeper waistcoat .jpg
  • Best: Linen waistcoat
  • Size range: XS-XL
  • Colourways: Grey, navy, blue, pink gingham
  • Why we love it
    • Well-crafted
    • Tailored
    • Adjustable

Elegant and refined, Sleeper’s waistcoat is made from lightweight linen and finished in light grey (one of this season’s hottest colourways). Complete with tonal front buttons, a chic satin tie adds detail to the back while cinching your silhouette in.

The design is flattering yet smart, thanks to the classic men’s waistcoat-style back panelling and the crew neck, so it’s a stellar option for the office, whether styled with jeans and loafers or a black maxi skirt.

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The verdict: Women’s waistcoats

Zara’s black style is not only pleasingly affordable but also endlessly wearable thanks to its simple design. If you’re willing to splurge, Reformation’s Apen linen top waistcoat is a hero piece for your winter wardrobe. Effortlessly cool and easily styled, we love the bodice-style fit and unique, long-line silhouette. If you’re after a denim piece, look no further than Nobody’s Child’s waistcoat.

Looking for more autumn inspiration? Cos’s fashion-editor favourite crossbody bag is now available in silver metallic

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