Vested interest!

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.

Here are a few styling tips to incorporate it into your wardrobe:

Picking a vest

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.

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.

Elegant affair

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.

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.

Skirt-vest combo

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.

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.

Denim story

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.

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.

Vested interest!