Credit: Courtesy of brands
Stylist Loves
Whether you call them gilets, waistcoats or vests, these lovely layering pieces will elevate any outfit
11 months ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
3 min read
The sleeveless style is the easiest way to upgrade an outfit, and there are plenty of patterns to pick from.
What does the word gilet mean to you? A padded sleeveless coat that only comes out once the winter chill takes hold? A finance-bro fashion favourite? Or are you already well-acquainted with the chic varieties starting to make their way to high street shelves, complete with leopard print, pinstripe and paisley patterns?
Fashion editor favourite brand Damson Madder had an incredible 12,000-person waitlist for its bestselling leopard print gilet last year. And there are plenty of other joy-inducing options to choose from right now, including River Island’s khaki option, Next’s knitted green style and Kitri’s double-sided layer.
So, whether you wear them over a trusty T-shirt, a simple shirt or a daytime dress, these lovely layers will elevate any outfit with ease. There’s a reason they were so popular in the 70s.
You may also like
How to wear fashion’s favourite layering piece: the joyful gilet
Damson Madder Dilly gilet
Damson Madder’s gilets are incredibly popular. In fact, the leopard print option (included below) regularly sells out in almost every size. If you’re looking to embrace the brand, this pretty pink pinstripe is still available (for now).
Joules Hatfield paisley quilted gilet
This pretty paisley print gilet is perfect for those wanting to incorporate colour into their wardrobes without reaching for anything too bold or bright. Style it with all-white outfits to keep it chic or add denim to lean into the blue look.
River Island khaki embroidered waistcoat
This khaki River Island find combines delicate embroidery with a classic colour to make a standout piece.
Seventy + Mochi pablo denim waistcoat
For those who like to keep things nice and neutral, this denim waistcoat is not to be missed. Frill detailing and contrast stitches make a subtle style statement while the wear-with-anything shade can be styled with everything in your wardrobe.
Next tie-front knitted waistcoat
Crochet and knitted tops are great once the warmer weather kicks in. This Next option comes in a gorgeous green colour and can be worn alone, tied at the front with simple bows, or over a shirt or T-shirt as an extra layer.
Blue Vanilla cream embroidered waistcoat
Liven up jeans and a T-shirt or a colour-blocked smock dress with this pretty waistcoat. Blue embroidery brightens up the cream colour to make it instantly eye-catching.
Shop Blue Vanilla cream embroidered waistcoat at New Look, £28
Kitri Gladys patched toile de jouy reversible quilted gilet
Reversible clothes always seem like more of a bargain. This Kitri find has a colourful pretty patchwork on one side and a simple blue and white stripe on the other, meaning it should work with a whole host of looks.
Shop Kitri gladys patched toile de jouy reversible quilted gilet, £150
Rixo Monica embroidered top
This Rixo option can be worn alone as a top or over dresses and tops for a layered look. With colourful floral embroidery and an exaggerated collar, it leans into the feminine look fashion fans are loving right now.
Damson Madder Tilly gilet
Toying with two key trends of the season – leopard print and coquette styling – it’s unsurprising to see this Damson Madder gilet sell out. The indigo denim version is in stock and we imagine the leopard print style will be restocked soon.
Images: courtesy of brands
Sign up for our edit of what to buy, see, read and do, and receive a free mini-mag of the top 5 fashion trends you’re sure to see in 2024.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.