Helen Skelton’s pink waistcoat and trousers show soft pastels and tailoring go hand-in-hand for summer
Helen Skelton's waistcoat and trousers have inspired us to try out the tailored co-ord trend this summer and pastel tones are the way to go

Helen Skelton’s pink waistcoat and trousers have shown that soft pastel shades and tailoring are the perfect summer combination.
Your best jumpsuits and floral dresses will always be summer wardrobe staples but for elevated casual outfits it doesn’t come much more chic than a tailored co-ord. Waistcoats and trousers have been a popular choice for summer for some time now and are the epitome of sophistication. Depending on the colour and fabric they can work for everything from a wedding to a family BBQ and presenter Helen Skelton recently wore a pink set from River Island that we won’t forget in a hurry. She took to Instagram to share a collection of her recent work looks, including this waistcoat and trouser co-ord and the combination of the pastel hue and smart silhouette was gorgeous.
So gorgeous that we were sad to discover that it’s almost completely sold out in this particular shade and in many of the others too. Whilst there are so many styles of waistcoat out there, Helen’s had a longline design and draped elegantly over the waistband of her wide leg trousers.
A post shared by Helen Skelton (@helenskelton)
A photo posted by on
Shop Waistcoat Co-Ords Like Helen Skelton's
This baby blue waistcoat is such a pretty pastel shade and whether or not you want to style with the matching trousers it's a great tailored piece to have in your collection. It has delicate covered buttons and a stunning V-neckline and would be a lovely choice to wear to summer occasions.
This sage green waistcoat is such a show-stopping special occasion piece. The sateen fabric has a sheen to it and the contrasting brown buttons work so well with the soft pastel tone. It falls to just below the waist and you could easily style it with black or white trousers as well as the matching ones.
This lyocell-rich waistcoat is beautifully tailored and has a longline shape similar to Helen Skelton's pink waistcoat. It's lined for comfort and has a hint of stretch, as well as handy welt pockets and a contrasting button closure.
Wide leg trousers are such a handy and beautiful staple to have and these would look just as stylish with a white blouse or T-shirt tucked in as with a waistcoat. The whole co-ord, though, is fabulous and heeled sandals or espadrilles would finish off the look perfectly.
The V-neckline framed Helen’s décolletage and was mirrored in the bottom hem which flared out slightly underneath the third button. The matching pink trousers had a relaxed feel to them which contrasted beautifully against the more fitted waistcoat. They fell right to the floor, giving fans only the slightest glimpse of the presenter’s pointed toe heels.
Having a more casual silhouette with her trousers helped to make Helen’s look a little less formal and this is a great tip if you want to add some tailored pieces to your summer capsule wardrobe but don’t want your outfits to look too business-like. According to Digital Fashion Editor of Woman&Home, Caroline Parr, a co-ord like this one is also incredibly versatile as you can easily mix-and-match the pieces.
"A waistcoat with matching tailored trousers will serve you so well this summer, whether you're heading to Wimbledon or wanting to stay cool at the office," she says. "A subtle blush pink hue like Helen's is a great place to start if you're a waistcoat novice, and the V-neckline will frame your favourite jewellery perfectly. The best part about this trend is that you can mix and match both pieces, meaning endless new wardrobe combinations!"
If you’ve been inspired by Helen Skelton’s pink waistcoat and trousers but aren’t sure about pink, you could also consider picking up a soft green, blue or beige co-ord to achieve a similar look. Helen accessorised her waistcoat and trousers with pink-beige court shoes that had a metallic heel.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Court shoes are timeless and you can style a neutral pair with most outfits in your wardrobe, from jeans and a shirt to a vibrant midi dress. The presenter added some chunky gold earrings and bracelets and a chain necklace with a round pendant that brought out the warm undertones in her co-ord. She wore her blonde hair straight and sleek with a centre parting and subtly matched her pink lipstick and blusher to her outfit too.
This was such a stunning look from Helen and one of many amazing outfits we’ve seen from the presenter recently. Helen Skelton’s floral maxi skirt was another pretty choice for summer that was also from River Island, and she wore it with a pale blue knitted shirt. Whichever way you look at it, pastel colours are a styling must-have for this season.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Dr Hilary Jones reveals the two 'ideal' exercises for losing weight and keeping it off for good
The doctor appeared on Lorraine to share his tips on how to burn more calories in the gym, outdoors or at home
By Grace Walsh Published
-
Denise Lewis’ sultry take on the lace trend has convinced us to give it a go at our next special event
Dame Denise Lewis wore a sensational lace pencil dress to the 2025 MOBO Awards and it's a sophisticated way to wear this trend
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Denise Lewis’ sultry take on the lace trend has convinced us to give it a go at our next special event
Dame Denise Lewis wore a sensational lace pencil dress to the 2025 MOBO Awards and it's a sophisticated way to wear this trend
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
I've been eyeing the DeMellier New York tote that's everywhere - but this alternative has saved me hundreds
This luxury bag is a 2025 must-have
By Molly Smith Published
-
Holly Willoughby's camo mini skirt, khaki tee and stylish hiking boots just perfected 'glamourflage' dressing
Holly proved why khaki and camouflage are trends we should be into with in her mini skirt with chunky boots
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Julianne Moore mastered wearing barrel leg jeans last spring - and her styling trick has never been more relevant
A lesson in balancing proportions, this is how to make statement denim look refined and sophisticated.
By Molly Smith Published
-
Louise Redknapp's burgundy tights are the between seasons staple for both warmth and trending colour
Choosing bolder tights is one of the easiest ways to accessorise in style - we adore Louise's burgundy pair
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Katie Holmes' waterproof Sorel boots nailed NYC winter - and they're 30% off today
Katie Holmes effortlessly blended practicality and style when she wore waterproof Sorel boots in 2020 and they're now in the sale
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Helen Skelton's ultra-wide jeans and pastel knitted vest just made the ultimate transitional outfit
With spring weather on the horizon, we're taking note of Helen's statement jeans moment
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Boden's brand new sheep jumper is a must-have for royal fans - and it's now 20% off
The Heather jacquard jumper pays homage to Princess Diana's most famous look
By Caroline Parr Published