BRING BACK THE WAISTCOAT!!

The British really have it right here, girls. I mean, Topshop has an entire section of its website devoted to these little beauties!! See just one of Topshop’s many lovely pieces pictured here on the left.

In defense of waistcoats: they are incredibly flattering (when worn properly, snugly), and they take any outfit from drab to daring.

I am NOT talking about some average “vest” here. While the sweater vest does have its place, the North Face puffer does NOT, particularly if you aren’t a lumberjack. Save that quilted vest for hiking, okay? Now for some guidance on how to sport the waistcoat. Experiment here, ladies!

There are a number of ways that you can don a waistcoat, and most of them don’t necessitate a menswear vibe. Although Dolce & Gabbana did show several stunning 3-piece suits for Fall 2008 (see photo of tweed combo at right, courtesy of New York Magazine), a waistcoat need not be part of a suit. In fact, it’s rather more hip if it’s completely mismatched!

For an outré look, take, for example, this Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Metal Sequin Harness (pictured at left, courtesy of shopbop.com), and layer it over a tank, under your blazer. People are going to be blown away when you shed your coat and expose this unique, stunning piece! Alternatively, wear your waistcoat unbuttoned, over a cashmere sweater.

You can even layer one of these fitted vests over your most fabulous frock! See Carolina Herrera's elegant take on the formal waistcoat at right, where an embellished vest is paired with a diaphanous floral skirt and ladylike gloves.

Have fun with it!