The Rise of the Sweater Vest: A Style Guide

Are you ready to up your fashion game this winter season? Look no further than the classic sweater vest! These versatile vests have made a triumphant return and are ready to set a new trend.

Originally designed as active wear for men, sweater vests were criticized for their impractical design - how could a sleeveless sweater keep you warm, right? But don't be fooled - these vests were actually created with functionality in mind, perfect for sports enthusiasts who need full arm movement, like golfers.

But sweater vests aren't just for sports - they can also give you that vintage 90s look or be used to create many other stylish outfits.

Sweater vests are a versatile and trendy fashion item that can instantly elevate any outfit. According to recent fashion statistics, sweater vests have been increasingly popular among fashion enthusiasts, with searches for "sweater vest outfit ideas" skyrocketing by 275% in the past year alone. From argyle to cable knit, there are various types of sweater vests available, each offering a unique look that can be styled in many different ways.

In this blog, we've compiled a list of different styles you can achieve with a sweater vest. But before we dive in, let's take a look at the different types of vests available. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get started on your sweater vest journey!

Table Of Content:

• Different types of vests
  • Cable-Knit Vests
  • Fleece Sweater Vests
  • Cropped Sweater Vests
• How to style a sweater vest
  • Styling Cropped Sweater Vests
  • T-Shirt With Knitted Sweater Vest
  • Preppy Sweater with Skirt
  • With The Short Sleeve
  • Vest Dress
  • Dapper Look

Types Of Vests:

This sweater vest style has evolved into a forward-thinking wardrobe essential over the previous few seasons. It is simple to see why vests are popular and why the fashion world continues to favor them.

Wearing a vest on its own or layered over a top or shirt, for example, adds a directional aspect to an outfit. That perfect selection also offers a fun, whimsical atmosphere that many people like. Given the trendiness, there is a plethora of top-tier silhouettes to pick from.

Let’s look at some types of vests that will complement you and help you create a new winter look:

Cable-Knit Vests:

A cable knit sweater is one that has been knitted in a cabled pattern- cables are elevated patterns that resemble ropes or graids. While flashy fashion may be entertaining, functional fashion is ageless, simple, and useful.

It is why cable knit sweaters remain popular year after year and decade after decade. Cable knit sweaters are designed with practicality in mind they are designed to keep you warm in the cold.

This is because the fabric is frequently comprised of cotton and wool fibers, and the sleeves are ribbed and tapered toward the wrist, preventing chilly air from entering the sweater.

Cable knit sweater vests go well with practically every pair of jeans or skirt in your collection. They're casual enough to wear with jeans yet professional enough to wear to work with a plaid pencil skirt.

These sweaters' adaptability has served to keep the clothing item current they can be worn to a sophisticated function with the appropriate wardrobe combinations or placed over a T-shirt and leggings when sitting outside on a super cold day.

Fleece Sweater Vests:

Fleece sweater vests are a versatile and comfortable option for layering during the colder months. They are made from a soft, warm material that is designed to keep you warm without adding bulk.

One of the biggest benefits of fleece sweater vests like the North End NE714 Aura Sweater Fleece Vest is that they are lightweight and easy to move in. They won't weigh you down or restrict your movement. This makes them a great option for outdoor activities like hiking or skiing.

They come in a wide range of colors and styles, so you can easily find one that fits your personal taste. Some fleece sweater vests are even designed with a more formal look, making them a great option for dressier occasions.

Cropped Sweater Vests:

Cropped sweater vests are vests that are shorter in length than typical vests, usually finishing at or slightly above the natural waistline. This shape is ideal for wearing with high-waisted trousers or skirts to create a balanced and appealing look.

They are made from a variety of materials such as wool, cashmere, or even cotton. They can be found in different styles, colors, and patterns. You can find them in solid colors, stripes, or even with bold prints. The style is versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

When it comes to styling trendy pullover sweaters, the options are endless. One popular way to wear them is with high-waisted jeans and boots for a casual look. They can also be paired with a skirt and heels for a more formal occasion.

How To Style a Sweater Vest?

Here are a few ways in which you can style a sweater vest and create a new fashion statement.

Styling Cropped Sweater Vest:

Cropped sweater vests are a big game-changer in fashion. Want to know how? They are versatile and are loved by women. Even men are now not shying away from this chic sweater. Pair your cropped sweater vest with the oversized shirt along with some heels or sneakers and call it the day.

This whole outfit looks super cute and if you are feeling a bit more throw some leggings on. Don’t worry we haven’t forgotten about the guys.

You guys can style these awesome vests with long-sleeved banded collar shirts and trousers or chinos. Some nice boots or loafers will go very well with this whole outfit as well.

T-Shirt With Knitted Sweater Vest:

Knitted sweater vests with t-shirt is a match made in heaven if you are looking for a style that is laid-back and super casual. Pair your vest with the contrasting-colored T-shirt. Pair the outfit with some pants and sneakers and you are ready to go. This outfit is perfect to attend college in or perhaps if you are planning to visit a library café, this outfit will look classy.

Pair your Burnside B3910 Sweater Knit Vest with a long t-shirt along with some loose mom jeans, especially with a neutral accent, and achieve the effortlessly classy vibe.

Preppy Sweater with Skirt:

Wear a sweater vest over a white shirt with a pleated skirt to emulate the athleisure trend. Add some white socks and clunky sneakers to the sports-luxe look. Choose an all-white tennis outfit or be creative by blending patterns and colors. Choose a stripey sweater vest or a pastel color.

Pair your vest with a tennis skirt along with a white T-shirt. With some athletic white socks and these chunky sneakers, you'll be ready to hit the courts in this charming varsity-style ensemble.

With The Short Sleeve:

Sweater vests and short-sleeved shirts are typically considered stuffy, especially when worn together, so how can they appear so cool here?

The undone collar and oddly stylish creases on the shirt sleeves surely add to the overall off-duty vibe, but the wide-leg tailored pants elevate the whole look and give you intellectual vibes. Color also plays a vital role in it, but utilizing darker neutral colors

Too much matching might seem forced, but merely nodding to the sweater vest's striking design with a red shirt collar produces a feeling of harmony. Apart from an all-black ensemble and box-fresh white shoes, little else is required.

Vest Dress:

Yes, you have heard us right you can wear it as a dress. If you got a supersized sweat vest in the order and don’t know what to do about it, well, wear it as a dress.

You can always pair it with a blouse or even a long t-shirt. Throw on good quality glasses and a designer bag and create one of the classiest street fashion looks.

Dapper Look:

This look is more on the formal side. Wear your sweater with a two-piece suit and a white dress shirt to achieve this appearance. If feasible, wear a tie with a great design to help the appearance stand out. In terms of footwear, nothing beats a traditional pair of Derbys.

For this look, pick a sweater that is as fine as the one from Harriton M415W Pilbloc V Neck Sweater Vest. Since we are going to layer it with some blazer on top, a fine quality vest will keep you warm but will not fry you up and they look exquisite with the whole outfit.

If feasible, keep the entire ensemble neutral, except for the tie, which will add a flash of color. Furthermore, a full suit is required. Depending on the dress code, you can just wear a sports coat and ordinary chinos. To finish the look, accessorize it with a stylish watch.

Conclusion

Sweater vests are super easy to style. They are versatile and can be worn with almost anything, all you just need is a vision of how to style and incorporate them into your daily wear.

Whether you pair a sweater vest with a collared shirt for a preppy look or layer it over a turtleneck for a cozy vibe, this fashion staple is a must-have in any wardrobe. For more information on sweater vest styles and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe, check out this blog from Nasty Gal on how to style sweater vests.