I’ll let you in on a little fashion secret: Once you learn how to style a sweater vest, the piece will become an unsung hero in your wardrobe. I can attest to this, having experimented with my fair share of styles — both vintage and new — ever since I noticed the knitwear roaring back into the trend cycle a few years ago.
However, I’ll admit that it took me a bit to warm up to the idea of welcoming a sweater-vest back into my closet, as it was once a core part of my school uniform. But after I got past its Catholic schoolgirl connotations, I became quite loyal to my well-rounded collection of season-transcending styles. In the spring and summer, I wear the knits solo (or over a tank top, depending on the material; some can be a tad itchy), paired with denim capris or a flowy skirt. Once autumn arrives, I can really flex my styling muscles by wearing my sweater-vests atop everything from crisp button-up shirts to long-sleeve mesh tops.
I’m far from the only fashion person consistently flocking to the knitwear; plenty of stylish celebrities can’t seem to get enough of the sleeveless sweater, either. Look to Taylor Swift, who recently wore a Ralph Lauren cable-knit sweater-vest with a pleated denim miniskirt and knee-high boots at a college football game. Kendall Jenner is another sweater-vest enthusiast, often wearing her minimalist styles over white tees. (She’s a Cali girl, after all.)
Have I persuaded you to dabble in the sweater-vest trend? Ready for some autumn inspo? If yes, take a peek at eight easy-to-emulate outfit ideas for how to style a sweater-vest, below.
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1. Lots of volume
Styling your sleeveless knit with voluminous silhouettes — like a puff-sleeve blouse and/or billowy pants — may sound, well, frumpy. But somehow the outfit formula works. The trick is to opt for an oversized sweater-vest that can keep everything in balance. To offset all the XXL proportions in this sweater-vest outfit, however, I recommend sticking to sleek accents like ballet flats and simple gold hoop earrings.
2. The classics
If you’re going for a menswear look, try layering a patterned sweater-vest — perhaps one in checks, argyle, or herringbone — over a white button-down. From there, play up the business casual vibes with slouchy trousers. The pants will look equally cool with pointy heels (as above) or leather loafers. More on how to wear loafers here.
A blouse with a statement collar paired with a cropped crewneck sweater vest is a combination that’ll always, without fail, garner attention. Up the ante with chunky jewellery and a trendy handbag. Finally, tailored trousers will ground the quirky-cute outfit.
4. The full set
When in doubt, coordinate a patterned sweater vest with a bottom in the same colour scheme. The earthy palette of sand, sienna, and khaki green shades pictured above, for instance, feels so right for a fall outfit. When chillier weather hits, add a classic turtleneck underneath or a blazer on top for another layer. Black leather pumps or kitten heels will give the look another elegant touch.
5. Paired with a matching sweater
Yes, a cable-knit sweater vest looks great on its own, but a matching pullover or cardigan tied around your shoulders takes the look tenfold. Styling tip: A shearling bag will give the outfit a jolt of personality, especially if said carryall is rendered in a trendy colour like butter yellow. And to dress it down for the weekend, consider layering a T-shirt underneath your vest and swapping the heels for sneakers.
6. Turtleneck sweater-vest and knee-highs
Enliven a solid-coloured turtleneck sweater vest with a printed midiskirt and/or knee-high boots. Once it gets too chilly to wear the sleeveless knit alone, layer an oversized trench coat or leather jacket over the ensemble. All the outfit needs are a few chic accessories — perhaps slim sunglasses and a boxy shoulder bag?
A chic (and cosy) way to punctuate a neutral monochromatic outfit is with a bright sweater vest, like this tomato-red look. As you can see from the picture, a vibrant knit with a white shirt and wide-leg cream trousers results in an outfit that’s statement-making, but not overly so.
8. Layers on layers
Take your layering game to the next level with this genius outfit formula — a sweater vest layered over a tee or polo, then over a button-down. (Still with me here?) No, it’s not every day you see this styling technique with a V-neck sweater-vest, which makes it all the more appealing. Save the getup for crisp autumn afternoons that don’t warrant a toasty jacket.
