The leather vest is the quiet achiever of the fashion world – the jackets, skirts and leggings of the family are lavished with attention, while it slips under the radar. But dressed up or dressed down, the leather vest is a sartorial staple that fashion’s cool girls (think Alexander Wang’s squad, not Taylor Swift’s) can’t get enough of. Here’s how to wear it.

TOUGHEN UP A DRESS

So you’re more of a pants girl, but you can’t wear your boyfriend jeans all summer – this is where the vest comes in. Teamed with a long-sleeved mini-dress or sleeveless maxi, a leather vest gives even the most feminine style serious tomboy vibes. Channel models Anna Ewers and Hanne Gaby Odiele, who survive New York’s steamy summers this way.

Leather accents pair perfectly with bohemian styles and can be used to give loose-fitting styles more shape – use a vest to anchor a billowy broderie anglaise blouse or paisley print.

CLASH COLOURS

Black vest? Wear white or grey underneath. White vest? Team with black or navy.

Grey vest? You get the drill. It’s all about accentuating the star player of your outfit – so much the better if yours sings with look-at-me embellishment in the form of cosy shearling for winter, croc-effect or quilted finishes.

OVER OFF-THE-SHOULDER

It’s a common conundrum: how to wear a jacket over your off-the-shoulder? Enter vests: the layering solution this trending style is crying out for. A leather vest adds grit to a pretty off-the-shoulder look and helps it stand out. It’s just the ticket for our climate’s balmy summer nights when you don’t need a complete cover-up, just something to take the edge off.

COSMOPOLITAN STYLING

Dying for ways to dress up your nine to five? Subvert the office dress code by layering a black leather vest over a crisp white shirt and black pencil skirt or tailored trousers. Cinch at the waist with a tonal leather belt and throw on a pair of pointy-toed pumps to add instant polish. To amp up the luxe factor, look for vests with sumptuous shearling, fur or suede details.

SHOP ALL VEST