Button up: minimalist waistcoats for women

The waistcoat is back, but instead of the noughties version, as seen styled with skinny scarf and jeans for a boho rocker aesthetic, it has returned with a minimalist spin. The 2023 take on the trend has looked to the androgynous cool of Annie Hall, with oversized tailoring in a palette of neutral tones, and has been embraced by designers and celebs from Kendall Jenner (left) to Zendaya.

Kendall Jenner is seen on 26 May 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

The waistcoat-and-trousers co-ord cut a polished silhouette on the SS23 runways. Coperni embraced the noughties vibe with a fitted, pinstripe waistcoat styled with baggy cargos, while as part of a Y2K revival Celine came over all Kate Moss and Sienna Miller with a leather waistcoat layered over a striped top, worn with shorts. The high street has numerous variations, from the waistcoat and skirt co-ord in denim at Albaray (5, below), to Cos Atelier’s longline shape (£150) that extends past the hips (1, below), nipped in with two tonal buttons. For a sharper silhouette there’s the waistcoat and matching tailored trousers: the Frankie Shop have a great selection from black to beige and brown (around £200). For a budget version head to the high street for Zara’s oversized grey waistcoat (£59.99) and matching wide-leg trousers – a chic and sleek option.

Waistcoats are a perfect trans- seasonal choice. Wear them instead of a top with bare arms or, when the temperature drops, layer over a T-shirt or fine gauge knit, or style with a matching blazer (see Nobody’s Child’s fresh green version, £65). If you’re looking for a more laid-back look, this staple hits the mark styled with cargo pants. Reformation’s black Billie version (2, below) nods at urban chic when styled with slouchy boyfriend jeans. Our top tip is look at the men’s sections of charity shops for high- quality affordable waistcoats.