Waistcoat Not, Want Not

I have a passion for waistcoats. They’re a forgotten accessory, an indulgent addition to our wardrobe. Do they accomplish much? Not really but they look fabulous which is reason enough.

I know, traditionally the finishing touch to the gentleman’s 3-piece-suit, but the possibilities definitely cross over to the other gender where we’ve nipped it, tucked it and made it all a bit more feminine and sexy.

Since we are talking about a conventionally masculine look here, it’s essential, I think, to add a feminine twist. Fitted (always fitted) snugly round the bust and waist nails the look. Single colours and simple patterns are often the most striking; blacks, chocolate browns, dark green tweeds. Team them with a brighter shirt and dress trousers or pin skirt and you’re in business.

There are now countless designs, shapes, colours and cuts of waistcoat that could flatter most figures. I own four, most of which are from Benetton and most of which are worn with a fitted white shirt and black waist high dress trousers. It's been suggested to me it's borderline magician but nonetheless, a good look. If I’m feeling brave I step into my brown tweed miniskirt, don my brown boat-neck waistcoat with oversize buttons and ‘hey presto!’. Perhaps my favourite is my All Saints mahogany brown one with the black lapel. The collar folds to show the black underneath but also forward for a more punky look.

So what’s the attraction? For me, the waistcoat is a classic example of style - it has been around since the 1600s. I still think the best outfits are the ageless ones ; the little black dress, the peep toe high heel, the A-line skirt. I enjoy the ups and downs of fashion as much as any girl, but I have always drifted back to the classics, when choosing a bikini, a skirt, a shirt, a dress, a coat, high heels… These simple styles just look… better, more confident, ‘classier’ (forgive the obvious) and women look… womanly. The deluge of shapeless dresses and tops currently inhabiting every high street clothes shop is just a no-no for me. I don’t want my clothes to suggest I’m bigger than I am. I can name few women who would.

I still think the women in the forties had it right. Fitted suits, sexy loosely curled hair and hats! How I enjoy a hat. But that's another blog for another day.