The return of the vest, plus how to style this workwear staple

Once strictly worn as part of a three-piece suit, the waistcoat or vest has evolved into a stylish, standalone piece of clothing. From tailored must-haves to evening-ready styles, and even highly- sought after trendy numbers, designers made the vest a key component in looks they sent down the runway.

With a Grand Prix- themed collection, Chanel’s breezy checkerboard look was anchored by a relaxed leather biker vest in red—a seductive counterpoint to the sporty ensemble. Dior took inspiration from the traditional Andalusian campero suit, with an intricately embroidered and embellished waistcoat worn over high-waisted trousers and wing-tipped shoes, which evoked a sense of refined adventure.

Always fashion-forward, Gucci ditched the shirt and paired their bedazzled number with equally blinged-out denims—a fit the cool street set will surely approve of. Louis Vuitton’s oversize parachute-like vest with zipper hardware, layered over a metallic top and billowy skirt, gave us epic Dune vibes. Thom Browne kept to the garment’s tailored roots with a refreshing dash of sorbet pastels which lent the elongated silhouette an instant softness and calming aura.

With such choice pickings, it’s time to shortlist your new in-vest-ment piece.

Runway: Gucci Cruise 2023

Credit: Showbit

1/10

Real Way: Vest, $347, Maje

Credit: Showbit

2/10

Runway: Chanel Cruise 2023

Credit: Showbit

3/10

Real Way: Vest, $3,748, Dsquared2

Credit: Showbit

4/10

Runway: Thom Browne Cruise 2023

Credit: Showbit

5/10

Real Way: Vest, $7,745, Jil Sander

Credit: Jil Sander

6/10

Runway: Dior cruise 2023

Credit: Showbit

7/10

Real Way: Vest, $1,326, Etro

Credit: Etro

8/10

Runway: Louis Vuitton cruise 2023

Credit: Showbit

9/10

Real Way: Vest, 3.1 Phillip Lim

Credit: Phillip Lim

10/10

This article was originally published in Harper's Bazaar.