There’s been no shortage of spring trends to get our teeth into this season. From updated takes on seasonal staples alongside new designs debuting in the warm weather, not to mention a rainbow's worth of eye-catching shades to fill our wardrobes with – sartorially speaking, we really have been spoiled for choice.
We called it early: the waistcoat is well and truly back in a big way right now. The sleeveless style has been reworked time and time again over the past few seasons – think new silhouettes and fresh fabrications – but somehow, it keeps delivering. And on our latest high-street scroll (all part of the job, and well, someone’s got to do it...), we spotted a style that feels like a genuinely new spin on the classic.
Now, we’re not ones for gatekeeping, so immediately came to share our find with you. Introducing Zara‘s knit waistcoat that taps into one of 2026's biggest trends, the military jacket. With classic military-inspired details including a double-breasted button front and a short stand collar, this Zara number pushes the trend further, ditching the sleeves so it works right through summer.
But why stop there? We’re all about pieces that work hard in our wardrobe, and this Zara waistcoat doesn’t just nail one or two trends; it goes on to tick off a further third trend in its matcha green colourway. Pastel hues are a given for spring/summer, but this particular shade of soft, pale green is currently dominating in line with every cool fashion girlie's obsession with the Japanese tea beverage it resembles.
The result? Less Cheryl Fight For This Love, more a high-fashion wearable take.
When it comes to how to wear it, you can’t go wrong with denim for a failsafe ‘jeans and a nice top’ ensemble. The waistcoat hits right at the hips, so opt for a mid- or high-rise pair to keep your outfit balanced. If you're after something a little dressier, try it with a floaty white midi skirt and sandals for an easy, elevated look.
Come day or night, the styling options really are endless. So, I guess there’s only one thing left to do – race ya to the checkout!
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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!
