Waistcoats have made a stylish comeback and can currently be spotted all over the high street. Whether paired with jeans for a casual look or dressed up with smart tailored co-ordinates, the versatility of the workhorse waistcoat knows no limits. Here's how to up your style game by seamlessly incorporating waistcoats into your everyday outfits.

CO-ORDS

Co-ords are fantastic - they look so smart but they’re simple to pull on in the morning without needing too much thought. A matching head-to-toe colour will elongate your figure making you look taller – perfect for petites! For a co-ord that’ll get you noticed, instead of the usual neutrals, look for interesting colours like baby pink and powder blue. Unusual detailing such as buttons placed asymmetrically or cute ribbon ties that fasten the waistcoat at the chest are also great for adding a twist to your look. 

For a balanced overall silhouette, pair a fitted waistcoat with a looser style trouser or skirt looser and vice versa. Wear with delicate layered jewellery so the co-ord remains the star of the show.

DENIM

Waistcoats give a classy, timeless finish to wide-leg or kick-flared jeans. A simple black waistcoat adds elegance to straight-leg cut-off jeans that hit just above the ankle - dreamy with slingback kitten heels! For a more casual look, try a knitted waistcoat or a loose-fit jersey style that buttons up to the neck. These more casual knitted styles look stunning with a maxi denim skirt and flatform trainers.

As a general rule of thumb, the lighter the denim, the more casual the overall outfit will appear. For an uber-smart look, plump for a darker indigo denim. If you’re wearing a belt, remember to keep it discreet to avoid too much bulk ruining the clean lines. 

Burgundy is everywhere this Autumn, so try a rich berry-coloured waistcoat with a classic wide leg or flared jean and a block-heeled boot. Pair this with leopard print accessories and footwear to bring a rock-chick edge to the outfit. 

Along with all-things 90s, double denim is currently experiencing a revival, so try a denim waistcoat with jeans if you fancy a trend-led look. 

LAYERING

Wearing a waistcoat with nothing underneath looks cute, but as the weather has turned it's  not so practical! Layering instantly makes an outfit look more ‘put together’, so try a long sleeved crew-neck T underneath your waistcoat. The key is to find a sleek fit - if the T-shirt is too baggy it will ruin the clean lines of the waistcoat, and it’ll feel uncomfortable as it bunches up under the armpits as well. A classic monochrome pairing such as a camel waistcoat with long-sleeved white T-shirt offers maximum versatility, making it perfect for anyone looking to achieve a capsule wardrobe. 

Play with different layered textures for a surprising finish that sets your look apart. Experiment with a satin pussy-bow blouse  underneath a tweed waistcoat for a touch of country-meets-glamour. A mohair tank top style waistcoat will bring an essence of fun to your look, whilst a simple striped Breton style T-shirt gives a fun look under a simple fitted waistcoat.

WORKWEAR

For workwear, a modern take on the pinstripe power suit of the 80s can be achieved with a slim-fitting white shirt underneath a navy pinstriped waistcoat. Pair with matching tailored trousers and mix up the smart look with unexpected trainers for a contemporary feel. If you’re after something softer, go for a muted tone-on-tone colour combo, for example a grey wool waistcoat over a ribbed T-shirt that’s a few shades darker or lighter. Experiment with fun pops of colour to give the outfit more personality – a red pair of heels or a mustard-coloured bag will keep things from looking too sober. A chunky pendant necklace in gold or silver will also give an edge to an otherwise plain outfit.

To achieve the most flattering look for your shape, go for a workwear style that isn’t too boxy and follows the natural shape of your figure. Leave the bottom button of your waistcoat underdone or seek out styles that finish in an inverted V-shape at the bottom for maximum comfort.

MATCHING BLAZER

Blazers are still reigning supreme, especially in longer-line relaxed fits that hit below the hip. Wear over a waistcoat that finishes at the slimmest part of your waist to avoid you looking swamped or too boxy. For a ‘styled’ look, try wearing a blazer with your sleeves pushed up to the elbows to show off some stacked beaded bracelets.

To soften the structured appearance of a blazer and waistcoat combo, put a slightly looser look on your bottom half. A bias-cut midi or maxi skirt is perfect for this. Wear with ballet flats or trainers and bare legs now, then swap for knee-high boots when it gets colder.

How will you style your waistcoat this season? I hope I've given you some good inspiration!