I Just Bought Reformation's Aspen Waistcoat Top—I Love It

In the space of a few days two of our editors featured the same chic-looking Reformation waistcoat top in different stories, and I found myself entirely influenced by the power of Who What Wear UK's unmistakably strong edit. We only pick the best of the best when it comes to products in our shopping stories, and the taste level of both affiliate editor Emily Dawes and shopping editor Remy Farrell is never to be questioned.

So, one night last week when I was scrolling through WWW's Instagram Stories, I made an uncharacteristically impulsive decision to buy a button-down vest that I couldn't stop thinking about. But actually, ever since I saw Monikh Dale and Sofia Richie Grainge wearing the white long-line linen waistcoat (and matching maxi skirt) from Australian brand Posse, I was determined to find my own version (understandably, the Posse item sold out fast).

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What I liked about Posse's '90s-flecked piece is the fact that you can un-button it to suit your desired silhouette, and with a higher neckline I could also tick a box for modesty, as I'm not often inclined to get the décolletage out. What I also knew, in advance of finding the perfect waistcoat option at Reformation, was that I really needed something to refresh my denim collection.

I rarely stray from a white tee with my jeans, and it felt like time to switch things up. Not to mention, I just had about 10 inches taken off my hair, and there's something about more minimalistic clothes when I have a bob—they just seem to work.

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And so, the decision to buy the Aspen Linen Top became a surprisingly easy one. I find that Reformation can be a little snug on boobs (and butts) so I went for a size up from my usual, and the plan worked—this is a good fit on me. What I will say is that the cut around the armpit (for someone petite who often has to take things up at the shoulder seam) means that wearing a fuller-coverage bra is a little tricky, but if you're taller, I don't believe this will be a problem.

You can pull the buckle fastening at the back of the waist to bring it in or loosen the silhouette, and there's the also the option to undo an extra button or two depending on the look you want. I'm almost tempted to buy it in white as well as black, but I do have one criticism: This little beauty should come in extended sizes! I'm absolutely certain there will be so many women out there over a size 16 who want to buy into this sophisticated trend, and normally Reformation is a trusted go-to for on-the-money styles that come in a wider range of sizes.

SHOP THE TOP:

The Reformation

Aspen Linen Top in Black

The Reformation

Aspen Linen Top in White

SHOP THE REST OF MY OUTFIT:

COS

Symmetry Jeans

Anthropologie

The Petra Mini Drop Earrings in Gold

Raíz

Cedro Natural

SHOP MORE WAISTCOAT TOPS:

Matteau

Wool-Blend Vest

Boden

Square Neck Button Top

Paige

Irene Top

Warehouse + Plus Tailored Fitted Waistcoat

Warehouse

Plus Tailored Fitted Waistcoat

Raey

Single-Breasted Wool-Twill Waistcoat

Next Up: 6 Outfits That Make 2023's Most Casual Denim Trend Feel More Polished

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Hannah Almassi is the MD for Women’s UK at Future PLC. Following a decade-long tenure as Who What Wear UK’s first Editor-in-Chief, she now oversees Who What Wear and Marie Claire in the UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. As an expert at the intersection of content, commerce, building brands and monetising digital platforms, she now combines her editorial experience alongside business acumen to help guide digital titles into the future.