<p>Keeping up with fashion is hard… there are trends and classics which evolve every season with different twists and nuances. But one item making a steady appearance on high-fashion streets this season is the sleeveless vest - also known as the waistcoat. It’s surprisingly versatile, flatters most body types and transitions from casual to formal effortlessly.</p>.<p>Here are a few styling tips to incorporate it into your wardrobe:</p>.<p><strong>Picking a vest</strong></p>.<p>Fabric matters. Breathable textiles like pure cotton or linen are ideal. Denim remains a perennial favourite, balancing style with comfort. On cooler evenings, opt for a silk vest to lend an air of quiet sophistication. For mild winters, fleece or wool options provide warmth without sacrificing polish.</p>.<p>This season, neutral tones dominate - think beige, ivory, black, and slate - though shades like pink are also trending. The versatility of the vest lies in its form - it can be worn as a standalone top or layered over a shirt or dress for added depth. To make the vest work well on you, ensure the right fit. A perfectly fitted vest will have no gaping armholes. A comfortable fit means strictly no ‘about-to-pop buttons’ look. It should also give the appearance of being loose-fitting without being it, striking a balance between tailored and relaxed.</p>.<p><strong>Elegant affair</strong></p>.<p>Dressing a vest is easy and effective. If it’s a stylish evening out, just pair a vest with tailored trousers to rock an elegant look. Select a neutral colour vest to go with dark-coloured trousers – a monochrome palette like black on black, beige on beige or charcoal – to create a cohesive silhouette. You could even have a ‘suited’ look with matching vest and trousers.</p>.<p>Another style - add a tailored shirt as a layer for a more structured, office wear look. In both cases, accessories like a clutch or a sling purse, heeled shoes or stilettoes will complete the look. Usually, neckwear is best avoided.</p>.<p><strong>Skirt-vest combo</strong></p>.<p>When you pair a flowy, twirly skirt having voluminous swirls with a pared-down vest, the silhouette becomes feminine with a modern edge. Beaded jewelry and strappy sandals can evoke a free-spirited, bohemian vibe. This is one of the several looks you could have with the skirt-vest combination.</p>.<p>Add a longer vest with a short skirt to give a summer twist. Silk on silk is one of the classiest pairings you could think of, so select a silk skirt with a contrasting or same colour silk vest to bring out a new dimension to elegance. For a powerful silhouette, go for a (faux) leather vest with structured skirt and ankle boots. This combination is best for the times when you want to make an impactful presence. For workdays, pair a skirt-blouse (usually in shades of a single colour) with a vest. Subtle accessories will make the outfit stand out.</p>.<p><strong>Denim story</strong></p>.<p>Denim created the best casual jackets. They are so adaptable that you can wear them with anything you like, be it jeans – denims of course, skirts or shorts. They layer effortlessly over jeans, skirts, dresses or shorts, and lend a slightly rugged finish to otherwise soft ensembles.</p>.<p>Try one over a plaid shirt and shorts for a relaxed look or go classic with a white button-down shirt and denim jeans - untucked, of course. There is another look you can ace with denim jeans which doesn’t necessarily require a denim vest. Pair your best pair of jeans with a colourful linen vest and rock the look, breaking the denim monotony.</p>
<p>Keeping up with fashion is hard… there are trends and classics which evolve every season with different twists and nuances. But one item making a steady appearance on high-fashion streets this season is the sleeveless vest - also known as the waistcoat. It’s surprisingly versatile, flatters most body types and transitions from casual to formal effortlessly.</p>.<p>Here are a few styling tips to incorporate it into your wardrobe:</p>.<p><strong>Picking a vest</strong></p>.<p>Fabric matters. Breathable textiles like pure cotton or linen are ideal. Denim remains a perennial favourite, balancing style with comfort. On cooler evenings, opt for a silk vest to lend an air of quiet sophistication. For mild winters, fleece or wool options provide warmth without sacrificing polish.</p>.<p>This season, neutral tones dominate - think beige, ivory, black, and slate - though shades like pink are also trending. The versatility of the vest lies in its form - it can be worn as a standalone top or layered over a shirt or dress for added depth. To make the vest work well on you, ensure the right fit. A perfectly fitted vest will have no gaping armholes. A comfortable fit means strictly no ‘about-to-pop buttons’ look. It should also give the appearance of being loose-fitting without being it, striking a balance between tailored and relaxed.</p>.<p><strong>Elegant affair</strong></p>.<p>Dressing a vest is easy and effective. If it’s a stylish evening out, just pair a vest with tailored trousers to rock an elegant look. Select a neutral colour vest to go with dark-coloured trousers – a monochrome palette like black on black, beige on beige or charcoal – to create a cohesive silhouette. You could even have a ‘suited’ look with matching vest and trousers.</p>.<p>Another style - add a tailored shirt as a layer for a more structured, office wear look. In both cases, accessories like a clutch or a sling purse, heeled shoes or stilettoes will complete the look. Usually, neckwear is best avoided.</p>.<p><strong>Skirt-vest combo</strong></p>.<p>When you pair a flowy, twirly skirt having voluminous swirls with a pared-down vest, the silhouette becomes feminine with a modern edge. Beaded jewelry and strappy sandals can evoke a free-spirited, bohemian vibe. This is one of the several looks you could have with the skirt-vest combination.</p>.<p>Add a longer vest with a short skirt to give a summer twist. Silk on silk is one of the classiest pairings you could think of, so select a silk skirt with a contrasting or same colour silk vest to bring out a new dimension to elegance. For a powerful silhouette, go for a (faux) leather vest with structured skirt and ankle boots. This combination is best for the times when you want to make an impactful presence. For workdays, pair a skirt-blouse (usually in shades of a single colour) with a vest. Subtle accessories will make the outfit stand out.</p>.<p><strong>Denim story</strong></p>.<p>Denim created the best casual jackets. They are so adaptable that you can wear them with anything you like, be it jeans – denims of course, skirts or shorts. They layer effortlessly over jeans, skirts, dresses or shorts, and lend a slightly rugged finish to otherwise soft ensembles.</p>.<p>Try one over a plaid shirt and shorts for a relaxed look or go classic with a white button-down shirt and denim jeans - untucked, of course. There is another look you can ace with denim jeans which doesn’t necessarily require a denim vest. Pair your best pair of jeans with a colourful linen vest and rock the look, breaking the denim monotony.</p>
