HOW I’M STYLING WAISTCOATS & VESTS
There’s one trend that’s really everywhere right now that I could not be more obsessed with: waistcoats. If I had to nail down my personal style, I think a sort of sexified professional is probably it. I’ve always loved the elegance of suiting and sets, but I like to push them to break the sort of dowdy effect they can have. I know TikTok has been rather controversially discussing the idea of an “office siren” and I feel like that’s maybe the closest term, but I prefer something a little closer to actually appropriate office wear.
A waistcoat is really just that. I love the look of one worn as a tank top, with nothing underneath. I feel like that really captures *just the wrong side* of professional effect without being too OTT. Understated sexy.
WITH DENIM
My favorite way to style waistcoats is with denim. It’s such an easy answer. I adore the juxtaposition between an ultra-casual fabric like denim with a fine piece of suiting. If you’ve followed along on TikTok, you’ve also seen me wear a blazer with much the same effect.
The outfit formula for this one is relatively simple. My go-to for a blazer is a pretty lacy camisole, jeans, and a blazer on top. For warmer weather, I get the same sexified professional look by ditching the blazer and cami, and just wearing the waistcoat. Paired with simple accessories and maybe one statement piece, it makes the perfect outfit.
I like to balance the look with a pair of jeans that are a little more fitted around my hips, though an oversized waistcoat with just the top buttons buttoned, baggy jeans, and sneakers can be so casual chic as well.
WITH A MIDI
Similar to styling waistcoats with denim, styling with a midi is a really simple solution. This is a great way to formalize the outfit a little more, as a midi is generally a little dressier in vibe than denim. Even a denim midi will dress up the look just a pinch more than your favorite pair of jeans.
If your waistcoat is a little more fitted or deeply cut, a midi will help balance the overall sex appeal. Not that there’s anything wrong with the ultra-sexy plaid mini and waistcoat look. But if your style is more like mine, that can feel a bit OTT.
Again, I like to look for skirts that are a little more fitted up top to create a pretty silhouette that keeps the outfit from looking too much like you just got off work.
FULL BUSINESS, BUT SEXIER
Speaking of just getting off work, I looooove the trending business sets were seeing that are definitely not work-appropriate, but there’s that little pocket of influencers who share them as “workwear.” Yeah, no. And I think that’s where a lot of the controversy around the “office siren” idea comes from, however, I still adore the look.
I also want to add – I can totally see more creative small businesses embracing sets with a one-shoulder waistcoat, or slightly cropped effect – and I have, especially in the fashion industry. But for those of us who don’t work in fashion, it can be just a really fun, slightly dressed-up outfit.
On the days that I work from home, I love them. I feel sexy and confident, but also get the gratification (and mental health/productivity boost) of a great power suit. Outside of encouraging myself to be more productive at home, I find these looks to be great for a date night or a trip to a winery or classy distillery.
how are you feeling about the waistcoat trend?
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