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As more people return to the office, the new work wardrobe has a surprising new element: the suit vest or waistcoat, worn alone with no coordinating blazer or jacket. Think fitted with full coverage, and you have – in the words of one fashion reporter – the new white shirt. An item to wear to work and then out for cocktails, or whatever else you have on your schedule. Our correspondent Jillian Tangen shares her edit of 12 of the top suit vests and waistcoats for women from luxury fashion designers this fall, including boxy and classic cuts, and surprising versions in linen and corduroy.

Suit vests and waistcoats are a new wardrobe staple for women this fall

Once a classic menswear garment, the suit vest – or waistcoat = has emerged as the must-have wardrobe staple for women this fall.

From the runways of Gucci, Saint Laurent and Fendi to the stylish show-goers of Copenhagen Fashion Week, the tailored suit vest trend is everywhere. And why not?

Waistcoats are extremely easy to style. Despite many associating it as a more formal clothing item, tailored vest’s are a versatile addition to any wardrobe. While they can be worn traditionally as part of a three-piece set or with matching trousers, it also works styled as a more casual layering piece. Try styling one over a fine knit, a dress, a white shirt or simply wear it on its own with jeans for a more relaxed look.

Suit vests and waistcoats for women from luxury fashion designers, including boxy and classic cuts.

Suit vests and waistcoats for women from luxury designers, including boxy and classic cuts, and fashion versions in linen and corduroy.

Plus depending on the situation, vests can be serious, sexy or even androgenous. Think Annie Hall in the best way possible.

Here’s an edit of 12 of the best options in women’s suit vests and waistcoats, from linen to corduroy, and boxy and fitted silhouettes.

12 top Suit vests and waistcoats for women from luxury fashion designers this fall

1. alex mill

Skip the standard black in favor of this midnight blue linen Mathilde Vest ($145) from Alex Mill.

luxury waistcoat essential wardrobe for Fall

BUY NOW – $145.

2. gucci

Gucci’s black round front Velvet Waistcoat ($1,005) is a true investment piece that you’ll be able to wear for years to come.

luxury waistcoat essential wardrobe for Fall

BUY NOW – $1,005.

3. hutch

Think stripes are just for summer? Think again. Pair Hutch’s Classic Tailored Vest ($130) with denim for the ultimate French-inspired look.

luxury waistcoat essential wardrobe for Fall

BUY NOW – $130.

4. gabriela hearst

Let the gorgeous colors of fall foliage be your fashion inspiration this season with Gabriela Hearst’s yellow corduroy Zelos Vest ($790).

luxury waistcoat essential wardrobe for Fall

BUY NOW – $790.

5. etro

Etro’s Cropped Paisley Print Vest ($550) will add a playful touch to your fall ensemble.

luxury waistcoat essential wardrobe for Fall

Luxury waistcoats are the new essential wardrobe staple for women this Fall. Courtesy Photo.

BUY NOW – $550.

6. anine bing

Fancy a boxier cut? This Anine Bing Tay Wool Vest ($349) draws inspiration from the classic suit jacket.

BUY NOW – $349.

7. ganni

Leave it to Ganni to remix the classic vest with a cool girl twist. The classic silhouette on this Oversized-collar Denim Waistcoat ($228) honors the traditional look, while the oversized collar and diamond buttons give it a fresh touch.

BUY NOW – $228.

8. fortela

Lean into the collegecore vibes with Fortela’s beige and brown checked wool Demi Check-tweed Waistcoat ($443).

Suit vests and waistcoats for women from luxury designers, including boxy and classic cuts, and fashion versions in linen and corduroy.

BUY NOW  – $443.

9. scotch & soda

Wear this linen Scotch & Soda Double-Breasted Vest ($228) cinched closed for a professional office look or open for a relaxed afternoon brunch with the gals.

Luxury waistcoats are the new essential wardrobe staple for women this Fall. Courtesy Photo.

BUY NOW – $228.

10. dion lee

Dion Lee’s sculptural Lace-up Cotton Vest ($467) ups the sultry factor with gold metallic lace-up eyelets and buckled straps.

BUY NOW – $467.

11. frankie shop

The Frankie Shop’s oversized blazers and tailored jumpsuits are a favorite among fashion insiders. Whether worn with the matching trousers and blazer or paired with jeans, this soft pink Gelso Vest ($235) will make a great addition to your wardrobe.

Suit vests and waistcoats for women from luxury designers, including boxy and classic cuts, and fashion versions in linen and corduroy.

BUY NOW – $235.

12. maison margiela

Classic but also sexy, Maison Margiela’s Open-Back Halterneck Vest ($775) can be worn with a white shirt or alone for a spin on the classic tuxedo look.

Suit vests and waistcoats for women from luxury designers, including boxy and classic cuts, and fashion versions in linen and corduroy.

BUY NOW – $775.

Luxury waistcoats are the new essential wardrobe staple for women this Fall

That’s our take on the 12 best waistcoats to buy now and wear forever. Are you in on this trend, readers?

Jillian Tangen

Jillian is a lifestyle editor at Dandelion Chandelier covering topics like fashion, travel, entertainment and on occasion, even finance. She thinks there’s no such thing as having too many sweaters.