This Trending High-Street Top Is Classy and Looks Great with Jeans and Skirts—I'm Sold
When summer rolls around, a few expected wardrobe heroes always come to the fore. Basket bags are taken out of storage, airy maxi dresses are hung front and centre in our wardrobes and light linens take their place in so many of our outfit builds. But in recent years, it's not only the classic linen trousers that have become a mainstay on warmer days.
For those looking for a little extra polish even when the sun is out, the linen waistcoat has charmed its way back into the hearts of fashion people, combining lightweight, breathable material and smart tailoring to become a mainstay on our wish lists at this time of year. And on a recent evening Instagram scroll, I found many great examples of how to style it.
After regaining its title in fashion circles a few years ago, the waistcoat is now a common feature in the most stylish wardrobes. Unlike the early 0'0s iterations that were worn loosely over boho ensembles, the current aesthetic is cool yet put-together, and my new favourite waistcoat ticks all the boxes. Even better, it comes from a high-street brand we regularly turn to for brilliant forever pieces: Whistles.
Finding a great piece on the high street with an expensive-looking edge is a personal passion of mine, and this waistcoat fits right into that category. It's the finer details that make these affordable pieces look well beyond their price tag, and on this occasion, Whistles has added a smattering of buttons, perfectly placed to be worn without a top underneath and to avoid bra-exposing gaps. The slightly higher neckline exudes elegance whilst the back tab adds to the tailored detail of the piece, which can be adjusted for a fitted or loose look.
Fashion influencers Erica Davies and Sarah Hughes (pictured above and below) perfectly illustrate the waistcoat's versatility, so much so that I took it upon myself to create four summer looks to show how many ways you can style it, whether with trusty denim, floaty skirts, a full linen look or slim-line tailoring. Whether headed for coffee or out for dinner, this smart piece is sure to fit the part.
Keep scrolling to shop Whistles' Lindsey Linen Blend Waistcoat (£99), and see the four ways I'm planning to style it for summer.
SHOP WHISTLES' TRENDING LINDSEY LINEN BLEND WAISTCOAT:
It also comes in a petite fit.
I love this fresh cream shade, and it's selling out fast.
4 WAYS I'M STYLING WHISTLES' LINDSEY LINEN BLEND WAISTCOAT
1. WAISTCOAT + JEANS + HEELS
A sleek pair of hoops can be relied upon every day.
A beloved style by Arket.
Take any outfit to new heights with these understated strappy heels.
2. WAISTCOAT + SKIRT + FLAT SANDALS
The lightweight fabric makes it ideal for the summer months, or you can layer it up on milder days.
The sun is finally here, which means its time to pull out our favourite floaty skirts.
From the bold shade to the intricate weaving, this is a bag you'll treasure for years.
3. WAISTCOAT + LINEN TROUSERS + BASKET BAG
There's also a matching blazer if you're keen to re-create a full three-piece suit look.
Shop the matching Lindsey Linen Blend Blazer (£149).
If you're looking to invest in a keep-forever basket bag, Loewe's sleek styles are always a smart choice.
So good that M&S reissues them every year.
The gold frames and subtly tinted lenses give a particularly vintage feel.
4. WAISTCOAT + SLIM TROUSERS + MULES
Add some shimmer to your after-hours looks with a tennis necklace.
Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.
During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.
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