Boxy Vests Are This Season's Equivalent of Ladylike Jackets

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Suits are a sartorial staple. For several seasons, baggy silhouettes were in and that even includes the three-piece variety. Recently, there's been an almost seismic shift toward more tailored pieces. Traditional suit vests were given their time in the spotlight, often sported solo with corresponding bottoms. Now ladylike jackets are the style du jour with their collarless profile proving popular paired with either trousers or jeans. The natural next evolution? Introducing boxy vests into the equation.

First, an explanation. Boxy vests aren't like typical suit vests that tend to narrow at the waist while putting décolletages on full display. Instead, they favor a more square shape, basically looking like someone just cut off the sleeves of a top. In some cases, a crop top. Unlike their predecessors, there's no concern about revealing too much when wearing them on their own since there are no plunging necklines in sight. They also look just as amazing when paired with their matching trousers, skirts and even jeans.

While several designers are feeding this burgeoning trend with chic versions, other more affordable retailers are all over the sure-to-be sensation. Regarding the former, Veronica Beard offers a handful of great options. Courrèges is also all in supplying a cool cropped denim take. Then there's Max Mara's striped linen-blend number that oozes sophistication. When it comes to the latter, you'll see many familiar names. Like Mango and POSSE, both doing their part to make the trend accessible. Meanwhile, less-familiar brands SIMONMILLER, Faithfull The Brand, Loulou Studio, Re-cordis Paris, Leset and Sézane's contributions all ring in under $300.

Ready to get in on the ground floor of this phenomenon? Then start shopping the top boxy vests below.