When king charles ii restored monarchy to England in 1660, he also tweaked courtly attire by introducing the waistcoat. Ideally, part of a three-piece suit, it’s now back in fashion as a casual fashion accessory for both men and women. Women can team a black waistcoat with a crisp white shirt and trousers for work and in the evening slip into a pair of jeans. “A backless waistcoat can be worn as evening wear with jeans and stilettos. It gives a slick yet sexy look,” says designer Nainika Karan. If you are bolder still, wear a plain tie. While women can be a little experimental, men can only go as far as wearing jeans with a waistcoat. “Since it is traditionally a garment for men, it is impossible for them to appear edgy with this look…something women can do easily,” says Karan.