While I dress pretty strictly 50s inspired (albeit not necessarily accurately) there are many other vintage eras or aesthetics I admire. I don’t branch out into them because there’s typically something about them that I feel won’t suit me, or would require me to wear a clothing item that I’m not particularly comfortable in. For example, would I love to rock a three piece suit for a hot Peaky Blinders look? Sure, in theory, but in reality I know I don’t feel at my best in trousers, nor a wiggle skirt. So, whenever I’ve seen a vintage friend rocking a sharp outfit including a killer waistcoat I’ve often coveted it slightly but mostly just been inspired by them and their incredible style. Well, rewind to January of last year when I saw the below photo of my friend Kat on Instagram and suddenly I was like ‘hold up! This is a waistcoat look I could probably get down with!’ Kat looks amazing in everything because she’s one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met, but still—somehow it did not occur to me I could wear a waistcoat with a long or a swing skirt and have it still work.

My babe of a friend @katandrusco looking incredible, as always

At that point I knew I definitely wanted a waistcoat but wasn’t entirely sure how often I would rock it, so I went on a half-hearted search for one that a) was plus size friendly, b) was priced within my budget, because most I found weren’t. Miss Candyfloss have a few stunning waistcoats in their autumn/winter line this year but I missed out on my size in both of the vests I was eyeing up. Devastation, thy name is Amy.

Which leads up to last week, when I saw that Joanie Clothing had released a corduroy waistcoat in 3 different colours. Burgundy, navy and emerald, 3 of my favourite colours and all of which would work with my wardrobe, so choosing which one to buy was a bit of a Thing. Eventually I settled on navy and here she is, a budget-friendly vest that comes in plus sizes, multiple colours, and also matches 2 other available corduroy pieces, n A-line mini skirt and a pair of wide legged trousers so you can make the vintage co-ord set of your dreams, should you wish. 

Waistcoat: Navy Annie waistcoat by Joanie Clothing*
Blouse: Cream Luiza blouse by Collectif*
Skirt: Old Voodoo Vixen
Boots: Black Sherry boots by Rocket Dog
Bag: Black Gemma handbag by Banned Retro

This waistcoat and its matching bottoms are crafted in a soft cotton stretch cord, made from cotton grown to Better Cotton Initiative standards. Featuring a V-neckline and 4 horn-effect buttons trailing down the centre front, this vest is cut in a classic shape that can be worn in a dozen different ways, for work or play. The adjustable back strap has 2 buttonholes and 2 horn-effect buttons which allow you to alter the fit slightly–for me even on the tighter button the waist isn’t quite as fitted as I would prefer, so I’ll likely move both buttons over to gain a closer fit, a quick and easy task I know even I as a non-sewer can achieve without pain or failure. Annie is fully lined and cut in a tailored shape. 

In Joanie Clothing dresses I often size up into a 20 for extra room, despite the fact that the size 18 will often fit me, because waist seams in dresses made from non-stretch fabrics have a tendency to raise sensory issues for me. It’s usually more comfortable for me to wear a roomier dress and cinch the the waist with a belt to bring it in. As such, looking at the size chart for these waistcoats I wasn’t entirely sure whether to stick with the 20 or size down. According to the chart, the bust measurement for Annie in the 20 was a closer fit to my actual bust size, but I knew a roomy fit everywhere else wouldn’t achieve the look I intended. I went with the 18 and it was the right choice, so absolutely follow the size chart, or simply stick with your usual Joanie size if you’ve purchased from them a lot. I can confirm the flat measurements for the 18 in their size chart are correct, with the additional info that the waist stretches to 44 inches and the bust up to 46. This waistcoat is machine washable. 

The Annie Corduroy Waistcoat comes in UK sizes 8-22 in Cabernet, Green and Navy, as do the available matching bottoms, the Janet skirt and Lafayette wide legged trousers. Joanie Clothing ship worldwide.

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Disclaimer: Items marked with an asterix* are items I bought myself from companies that have previously gifted me other items for review.  All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals. 

COVID-19 NOTE: These pictures were taken alone and safely in a secluded outdoors area with no other individuals present or passing, thus practising strict social distancing measures in an effort to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.