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Waistcoats are the secret to easy summer styling – 15 to shop now
Forget a three-piece, this wardrobe staple shines all on its own.
Waistcoats were undoubtedly one of the biggest breakout trends of last year, and we're pleased to confirm they are back for summer 2025. Once the sole preserve of moustachioed English gentlemen, a button-down vest is now a verified women's wardrobe essential – and if you’re not a fan of dresses, they’re an easy summer styling hack thanks to their incredible versatility.
Shop Cosmo’s fave waistcoats
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For a cool alternative to wedding guest dresses, stay true to the waistcoat's roots and wear as part of a three-piece suit for formal events on your social calendar. Take yours to the office, subbing tailored wide-leg trousers for jeans to nail the smart casual look that's key to stylish workwear outfits. As for off duty 'fits, style your waistcoat sans blazer with everything from linen trousers to maxi skirts. We're even incorporating ours into cute festival outfits à la Kate Moss – the boho revival is real, ppl!
While you can't go wrong with any form of sleeveless, button-down vest in terms of fabric, cut and colour, we've noticed the high-neck blazer, in particular, is trending amongst the fashion set this season. We'll definitely be bagging ourselves this latest iteration, as well as investing in a classic v-neck design (or five).
Looking to follow suit? Keep scrolling to shop our round-up of the best women's waistcoats to shop now.
A longline waistcoat looks great with everything from jeans to maxi skirts, and we’re loving this gingham iteration. Dorothy-core, anyone?
This linen beauty is currently in the Reiss summer sale, and we’re absolutely obsessed with the cinching button-front details. Pairing them with matching navy shorts will give sailor girl in the best way.
This cropped cutie hits two of the season’s hottest trends: dill green (thanks for the low-down, Pinterest) and elevated tailoring. Plus, it’s made of linen—not only will you look cool in hot weather, you’ll feel it too.
Waistcoat styling hack alert! We love the idea of layering the pinstripes over a white tee for cooler days. Paired with black linen trousers and Birkenstock’s Boston sandals, it’s an undeniable lewk.
Been searching for an investment piece for your capsule wardrobe? This might be it. We know she’s spenny but how cute would she look with high-waisted white shorts and fisherman sandals. Plus, get extra 20% off with FIREWORKS2025 at the checkout.
We’re so into the polka dot trend RN, and this spotty waistcoat comes with a matching mini skirt! Who doesn’t love a pretty and practical co-ord — it transitions perfectly from office to after-work drinks.
Peplum tops are back, and we’re not mad about it. This waistcoat iteration offers a sophisticated update to the trend — a perfect addition to your autumn workwear rotation.
We’re dubbing ALIGNE the experts in elevated basics—and this perfectly structured waistcoat proves our point. Style it with a puffball mini and kitten heels in summer, or layer it over a turtleneck come winter.
Backless, chocolate brown, plunge neckline? This design takes ‘elevated tailoring’ to a whole new level. It will look great with jeans and a cutesy kitten heel, but don’t be afraid to rock it with jorts and fashion trainers, too.
Heatwaves call for easy-breezy styling. White linen, dainty bows, an elegant cut-out detail? This cutie is going straight into our baskets.
We’ll be living in this striped, wrap-around waistcoat and wide-leg trouser combo all summer long. Providing the weather plays ball...
If a black, neutral or pinstripe waistcoat feels too austere, try a gentle pop of colour. This mellow yellow waistcoat strikes the perfect balance between sunny and sophisticated. Plus, it’s currently on sale for £30 off the original RRP.
Made from a lightweight blend of cotton and linen for easy summer breeziness, this Rixo waistcoat is cut for a straight fit but can be pulled in at the waist using the back ties.
Okay, how sleek is this high-neck Whistles waistcoat? Style with tailored trousers and ballet flats for a contemporary work look.
This cutie is defo one that’ll live up to that cost-per-wear rule we’re all living by. It’s the perfect way to shield against the air-con without feeling stuffy, plus the knitted material means it will work over a tee in A/W, too.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.
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