7 Australian creatives style waistcoats
IMAGE @howdy_hannah_/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY RUBY STALEY
All buttoned up.
Although I’m known for loving an oversized knitted vest, I’ve found myself gravitating towards a slightly more fitted silhouette just in time for the warmer months. I’m calling it – this summer, the vest-loving girlies are all wearing waistcoats.
Like so many historically masculine styles, the waistcoat has recently been adopted by femme people in another step towards the de-gendering fashion. As a vest enthusiast, I’m yet to get my hands on a waistcoat of my own because I’m holding out for the perfect fit.
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But when I do, catch me wearing mine with a pair of low-slung, light-wash jeans and the ballet flats I was recently influenced to buy. Below, seven Australian creatives show me how they like to style waistcoats.
Elyse Aparo, she/her, marketing coordinator at Neuw Denim
I’ve been loving vests this year. They have become part of my uniform, [acting] as the cherry on top of an otherwise standard outfit. I always reach for my thrifted black knit vest to dress up my boxy white T-shirt and favourite pair of baggy blue jeans, usually styled with a bomber jacket and loafers.
However, my new favourite day-to-night look as the weather warms up is a waistcoat with low-waisted jeans, both dream samples from upcoming Neuw Denim collections. Waistcoats feel like a classic piece given a new life with contemporary styling. The more buttons, the better.
Jac Lombardozzi, she/her, multidisciplinary artist
If I had to pick a favourite waistcoat, or waistcoat moment of mine – this would be it. [It’s] a tribute to the late Issey Miyake, which I wore to my recent showcase and performance art piece with Andy.R. There was something special in the air that night, being my first ever showcase (a debut of sorts) and I felt like this outfit really allowed me to step into my identity as an artist. I felt so myself, so comfortable and supported.
[I’ve paired it] with a pair of low-rise, wide-leg wool pants by Jimmy D, ballet flats by Camper and arm and leg warmness from my archive. The all-black palette allowed for the abstractly pleated textures and silverware, [with the] metal buttons complimenting my stick-on pierced bridge, silver eyelids and completely covered ears. I love the way it’s such a trim and flattering cut but also sits away from the body sort of like a soft sculpture, allowing for movement over the performance.
The small of the back has a little tie that cinches in the waist slightly but without restriction. I think the two most important parts of a waistcoat are the back feature, as well as the neck and armhole line. This frames the whole look and dictates the silhouette. I feel confident in this piece and connected to one of my greatest creative influences, Issey.
Zoe Rust, she/her, retail manager
Waistcoats are a trend I’m hoping stays around this spring. Coloured or denim, they’re so fun to style. I definitely went for a very fun, almost western theme with the double denim and maroon boots. For a softer look, [you could pair it with] a mini skirt and loafers or some patterned pants.
Hannah Leavey, she/they, eCommerce and marketing manager
Oh, there is nothing hotter than a vest. I’ve always loved a suit; I’ve buttoned my fair share of blazers and tied a tie or two over the years. So naturally, I’ve become a fiend for a vest. More recently, vests have become one of the vehicles for me to explore gender expression. [I love] styling more traditionally masculine pieces in my own way…
This isn’t unique to me though. Vests and waistcoats have an extensive history in the queer community as a tool and exploration of gender nonconformity. Wearing that little piece of history makes my lesbian heart sing – cue the carabiner clang.
My vintage navy stripe vest is my favourite. Purchased from a friend’s store, So Familia in Newtown, it’s had my back on many late-night dancefloors, pool matches and first dates. Long story short: I’m very gay and love a vest.
Lucy Murray, she/her, owner and director at Luluna
I love this outfit. I was heading for drinks in autumn and needed something warm but with a bit of an edge. I cheekily grabbed this waistcoat from my ready-to-ship rail in my studio and knew I had to keep it for myself. Paired with a long skirt and chunky shoes, this handmade waistcoat completed my look.
It added a pop of colour and total uniqueness to it, as it’s the only one ever made from a vintage baby’s blanket. Waistcoats are a great staple, all year round – easy to layer and so many ways to style. Sometimes you just have to take them off your website and keep them for yourself!!
Cat Forsyth, she/they, writer
I haven’t actually seen too many waistcoats around – I didn’t realise it was a trend! But if it is, I’m not mad. This Melbourne Fashion Week, I wore this Comos Bassington waistcoat twice! For the first night of M/FW, I styled it open and secured it with a giant safety pin, layered over a frilly skirt and blouse. I added buttery pink cowboy boots to complete the look and loved that they really juxtaposed the pinstripe vest.
When I wore the waistcoat for the second time, I played into the layered look again. I wore the Katharina Lou Ollyrose Dress over a white shirt, paired with Converse and the waistcoat on top. Since fashion week, I’ve sought out a similar waistcoat from an op shop – navy with gold buttons. It fits like a glove (no altering needed, yay!) and makes me feel gorgeous. I’m confident I’ll be wearing waistcoats long after the trend fades.
Evangeline Polymeneas, she/her, writer
There is a particular je ne sais quoi when it comes to slipping on a waistcoat over a crisp white button-down. Known by those inclined as the blazer’s swinging cousin, the garment’s appeal is found at the intersection of masculinity and femininity – where I often find sartorial inspiration.
There’s something about appropriating menswear that I find rather sexy. Perhaps it’s the subversion? Either way, the waistcoat has been a pillar in my capsule wardrobe since its inception.
To style, I’ve cinched a long waistcoat over a white shirt dress, paired with loafers, slouchy socks and an appropriate mini bag. This particular waistcoat (pictured) is from Asos, as is my white shirt dress. I secured a Prada leather pin to the vest’s pocket and paired the outfit with Prada loafers, a Vivienne Westwood necklace and a small white Telfar luggage bag.
For more on de-gendered dressing, head here.
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