Vests are weird. For years, they were either the stuff of corporate 1980s nightmares or something your geography teacher wore with way too many pockets. But then, the Veronica Beard Orlinda vest showed up and basically flipped the script on what a sleeveless top can actually do for an outfit. Honestly, it’s not just a "waistcoat" in the traditional sense; it’s a weirdly perfect hybrid of a sharp blazer and a halter top that somehow works for both a high-stakes board meeting and a very expensive brunch.
You've probably seen it. It has that distinctive, almost architectural halter neckline with a collar that looks like it was stolen from a tuxedo. But then it's cut away at the bottom in this sharp, inverted V-shape that shows off just enough of your waistband to keep things from looking stuffy. If you're tired of the "oversized" trend that makes everyone look like they’re hiding under a tent, this is the literal opposite. It's built to define a waist.
What’s actually in the box?
The Orlinda isn't a one-and-done seasonal item. Veronica Beard usually drops this in a few different fabrications depending on the time of year. The one that’s been everywhere lately—the one in that "Chamomile" butter yellow—is a heavy-hitting Italian stretch-linen blend. Specifically, we're talking about 55% linen, 44% viscose, and about 1% elastane. That tiny bit of stretch is crucial. Without it, a vest this tailored would feel like wearing a suit of armor, but the viscose/elastane mix gives it a bit of "give" when you sit down.
There’s also a more structured version made from a polyester-viscose-cotton mix that feels a bit more "suiting" and a bit less "summer in the Hamptons."
Key details to look for:
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- The buttons are often opalescent or tortoiseshell, depending on the colorway.
- It has flat welt pockets at the hip (they're functional, but don't go stuffing your iPhone 15 Pro Max in there or you'll ruin the lines).
- The back is where the magic happens; it's a halter cut, so your shoulders are fully out.
The Meghan Markle Effect
We can’t talk about the Veronica Beard Orlinda vest without mentioning its most famous fan. When Meghan Markle stepped out in the navy version during her trip to Colombia in 2024, the internet basically broke. She paired it with the matching Arte pants, and suddenly, the "vest as a shirt" trend became a permanent fixture in the fashion zeitgeist. It proved that you don't need a blouse underneath to look professional.
But here’s the thing: wearing it as a standalone top is a bold move. It works because the armholes are cut high enough that you aren't constantly worried about a wardrobe malfunction, and the button placement is strategic.
The "Sizing Up" Reality Check
Okay, let’s get real about the fit. If you read the reviews on Nordstrom or Saks, there is a recurring theme: this thing runs small. Like, "I can't breathe" small if you order your usual size.
Because it’s designed to be "waist-defining" and slim-fit, the tailoring is very unforgiving through the ribcage. If you have a larger bust or a wider ribcage, most experts and buyers suggest sizing up at least one full size. A size 4 in most brands might feel like a size 2 in the Orlinda. For example, a shopper on Nordstrom Rack recently noted that even after sizing up to a 14 (she usually wears a 10/12), it was still too tight.
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If you're an hourglass shape, you might get away with your "true" size, but for everyone else? Go up. It's easier to take the waist in than it is to add fabric where there is none.
How to style it without looking like a waiter
This is the biggest fear, right? You put on a vest and black trousers, and suddenly someone is asking you for the wine list. To avoid the "hospitality staff" aesthetic, you have to play with proportions and textures.
- The Set Look: This is the easiest win. Pair the chamomile yellow Orlinda with the matching Brit shorts. It’s a "suit" but it’s short and breezy.
- The Denim Pivot: Throw it on with high-waisted, wide-leg denim. The contrast between the formal tailoring of the vest and the raw edge of the jeans is basically the "cool girl" uniform for 2026.
- The Layering Hack: If you aren't ready to go sleeveless, do NOT wear a bulky button-down underneath. It will bunch up and look messy. Instead, use a very thin, "tissue-weight" turtleneck in a contrasting color or a bodysuit. This keeps the silhouette clean while giving you some coverage.
Is it worth the $600 price tag?
Look, $578 to $600 is a lot of money for a garment that doesn't even have sleeves. But when you look at the construction—the Italian fabric from the Manteco mill, the internal lining, and the fact that it’s often made in the USA—the cost starts to make sense. It’s a "hero" piece. You don't need a lot of accessories because the vest is the outfit.
That said, if you’re hunting for a deal, this specific style often hits the sale racks at Saks OFF 5TH or Revolve at the end of the season. I've seen them go as low as $200 during clearance events. Just be warned: the popular sizes (4, 6, 8) disappear within minutes of a price drop.
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Taking care of the investment
Do not, under any circumstances, throw this in the washing machine. It’s a dry-clean-only situation. And a pro tip from the VB care label: tell your dry cleaner to cover the buttons. The opalescent and tortoiseshell buttons are beautiful, but they can crack or lose their luster under the high heat and harsh chemicals of standard dry cleaning equipment.
Also, since it’s a linen blend, it will wrinkle. That’s just the nature of the beast. Embrace the slight "lived-in" look, or keep a handheld steamer nearby. Don’t use a heavy iron directly on the fabric or you might end up with "shiny" spots on the seams.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to pull the trigger on a Veronica Beard Orlinda vest, here is your game plan:
- Check your measurements: Don't guess. Measure your narrowest part of your waist and your widest part of your bust. Compare them to the VB size chart, then add an inch for "breathing room."
- Source the "set": If you want the full look, search for the matching Brit shorts or Arte pants at the same time. Finding the matching dye lot months later is a nightmare.
- Inspect the buttons: If you're buying second-hand (like on The RealReal or Poshmark), always ask for a close-up photo of the buttons to ensure they aren't chipped.
- Plan your undergarments: Since it's a halter back, you'll need a good racerback bra or pasties. A standard bra strap will ruin the entire architectural vibe of the neckline.