This one-piece has transformed my look from casual to polished and I’ll never look back

I’ve always been a jeans and T-shirt person; until now, I’ve never considered a waistcoat as something I would wear as an everyday item for work or social events. But as I’ve seen them gain traction on the catwalks at Celine, Saint Laurent and Givenchy (and loved by everyone from Zendaya to Emily Blunt and Trinny Woodall), I decided to try one for myself. And, completely unexpectedly, it’s transformed how I dress every day.

I’d even go so far as to say it’s turned me into a waistcoat and jeans person. Why? Putting one on (mine is by Never Fully Dressed) makes me feel instantly smarter and more polished – the outcome is that I feel more empowered and confident, too. Win!

If you haven’t got into the waistcoat hype yet, it’s become such a popular top that Nobody’s Child dedicates an entire category to waistcoats on its drop-down menu. That's saying something.

Like mine, the best of them now are fitted, longline, button-up and feature a split-waist – details that create a feminine shape without me needing to try too hard, not to mention it slims my proportions. The cut works with high-waisted trousers and balances out the volume of barrel-leg or wide-leg jeans. Whistles, Marks & Spencer, Monsoon and H&M offer this style, too. Also look out for waistcoats, such as the Leo from Aligne, which feature back buckles to cinch you in further.

I think it’s their smart, minimalist and androgynous edge that make waistcoats feel fresh and polished — and it’s an easy nod to the early 2000s tailoring influence that's popping up across the trend landscape. Whether I’m pairing mine with Mary Jane pumps and a skirt for the office or layering over a tee and high-waisted Bermuda shorts with my favourite sandals for weekend brunch, my tailored waistcoat has become my unexpected go-to hero piece of the season. And because borrowed-from-the-boys-style tailoring continues as we move on from summer, I’ll carry it over to autumn, too.

I never thought something so simple would make such a difference, but my waistcoat has seriously levelled up my style. Consider this your sign to try one — and get ready for the compliments.

Here are my top 13 waistcoat picks to buy now: