The cooler weather often makes it tricky to decide what to wear, but Marks and Spencer customers have found a knitted waistcoat that’s both stylish and warm enough for winter.

Ideal for the season, this M&S Collection Air-Yarn V-Neck Knitted Waistcoat has been hailed by shoppers as a “versatile mid-layer piece that won’t add bulk”. The £22.50 item, available in either Mocha or Black, is made from ultra-fine air yarn to add stretch and to keep your outfit lightweight and best of all, it won’t break the bank.

Designed in a regular fit with a V-neckline, it has gold tone button fastening and two front patch pockets, providing a practical finish.

Instagrammer Linda Holman shared one ‘daily dog walker’ outfit wearing a leopard print shirt and a M&S knitted waistcoat under a puffer jacket. She also re-wore the top and the waistcoat and matched it with a sleeveless dress underneath for an elegant touch. 

The affordable midlayer attracted 90 reviews online and one agreed that it’s an excellent value buy, adding: “Very useful waistcoat. Adds style and warmth to any outfit. Not too bulky either. Ideal for those like me, who can’t wear wool.”

A second said it’s an ideal layering piece and a third shared: “I thought this waistcoat would be very useful underneath a coat and over a dress for my trip to London in December. It fits the bill fine.”

Another five-star shopper wrote: “Love this stylish yet practical price of clothing. Provides just the right amount of cosiness without being too thick and fits over shirts and long sleeved tops beautifully without being too loose or tight.”

One shopper shared her thoughts on the style and said: “Good fit but had an old fashioned look. Colour rather bland but neutral look okay with most clothes. Quite thin but button detail was nice.”

And a second wasn’t happy with the colour options, saying: “This really wasn’t a hit for me. Poorly fitting and as I’ve learnt with the blue air yarn knitted vest the material would have bobbled quickly. I found. The colour really dulling on me too unfortunately.”

But that didn’t steer away buyers who “like having the versatility of having it buttoned up or loose”.

The M&S Collection Air-Yarn V-Neck Knitted Waistcoat costs £22.50 and is available in sizes Extra Small, Small, Medium and Large. 

Next’s Knitted Tank Top in Oatmeal, £35, features oversized front buttons and shoppers say it washes well and “fitted the bill” for those looking for a slightly longer waistcoat.

And pattern lovers can try Seasalt Cornwall’s Fair Isle Merino Wool Vest, £75.95, which is available in mustard yellow and grey. It brings a contrast on plain-coloured outerwear with the chunky 3-gauge knit adding a welcome touch of warmth.