When you hear the word waistcoat, what image springs to mind? For me, a dapper chap, with character.

You see, a waistcoat needn’t be formal, and needn’t make you look like a Parisian waiter, non! There are woolen, woven, padded, collared, single and double breasted varieties and any one of these can elevate your look.

Buy two three-piece suits that coordinate (a beige and a navy for example) and you can have numerous ways to wear them and make it look like you have a vast wardrobe. Mix up the waistcoats, or the top half of your ensemble and see for yourself.

Choose a waistcoat that has colours in it that match other pieces you have and voila! You instantly add interest. This can be achieved too with a hipster style woven piece in a single colour; add a layer of comfort, disguise a paunch, benefit from extra pockets….

For a funky European style, add a padded gilet under a regular suit. This is common in Italy where they even have a name for a mini waistcoat that zips into a jacket – pettorina – more about that another time.

The interesting guy at the office always pulls off waistcoat that is mismatched with his trousers. Look closely at how. One of the colours will match.

Artistic types and the uber confident manage to do this and add more texture to their outfit with a scarf or pocket square in another of the colours. Waistcoats don’t need to be worn under suits either. A long sleeve tee and rolled up jeans is one way to wear one in a casual setting, add a pocket watch for a Peaky Blinders’ inspired look.

My last word on the subject is all about the last button. If you opt for a buttoned waistcoat, its common practice to leave the bottom button undone.