Taylor Alert - How to style the waistcoat trend this winter

Love them or hate them, waistcoats are undeniably one of the biggest trends of the year. While we’ve got Kate Moss to thank for originally bringing the menswear piece onto our radar back in the noughties (paired with XS shorts and chunky boots) they’ve recently made a resurgence – and we’re now styling them in a completely different way.

Kate Moss made the waistcoat a staple of Noughties fashion

This time round, we’re leaning into the waistcoat’s roots in tailoring, instead pairing ours with smarter trousers and blazers. Our favourite brands (think Tommy Hilfiger, Tod’s, and Ralph Lauren) styled theirs in classic three-piece suit variations in recent shows.

Similarly, Dakota Fanning, Kendall Jenner and Taylor Swift have all been photographed out and about wearing waistcoats with tailored trousers as of late. While they come in very different styles and materials, there’s seemingly one thing these waistcoats all have in common: they’ve all been styled alone, without layering a shirt or blouse underneath.

With winter here, it’s making us feel chilly just thinking about having our arms out. So, how can this trend be styled to make it cold weather-appropriate? Read on for our favourite styling tips to make this summer trend easy to wear year-round.

4 ways to style a waistcoat this winter

Layer up

Mirja Klein

An easy way to make any waistcoat winter-appropriate is by layering it over a fine knit jumper or crisp white blouse. A blouse with an interesting collar, or subtle print, is also a great way to add some interest to an otherwise neutral look.

Opt for thicker materials

Tommy Hilfiger A/W24

When winter arrives, all we want to do is hunker down in chunky knits and thick coats, so thin waistcoats aren’t very appealing. However, if you look for styles in thicker materials (this cord Tommy Hilfiger style is a great example, but Levi’s also has a great denim alternative) you’ll be much cosier!

Wear as a 3-piece suit

It may sound simple, but wearing your waistcoat as a co-ord, with trousers and a blazer, is a simple trick to make it feel more appropriate in cooler months. Don’t worry if you haven’t got a matching set as you can mix and match pieces to create a suit, too. Try a black waistcoat with a white suit, or grey pinstripes with all-black.

Embrace knitwear

Polly Sayer

Cosy mittens, XL scarves and cashmere socks are all in this season, so don’t be afraid to layer up your knitted accessories to add some much needed warmth when wearing a waistcoat. Our only note is to make sure your accessories aren’t an afterthought, and match the rest of your look, to keep it feeling chic and elegant.

Shop the trend..