How to Style a Sweater Vest

There’s something about a sweater vest that feels both preppy and effortlessly cool. It’s one of those wardrobe staples that can look timeless or trend-forward depending on how you style it. Whether you’re dressing for a crisp fall day or layering for winter, sweater vests are incredibly versatile.

Below are my favorite ways to wear them, with styling tips to make each outfit look intentional, not accidental.

How to Style a Sweater Vest (7 Chic Outfit Ideas)

1 – With a Classic White T-Shirt 

This is the easiest combo since everyone owns a classic white t-shirt. (And if you don’t, gasp… buy this perfect white tee.) It’s simple, but adding the vest makes an otherwise basic look feel more intentional. The white tee on its own is simple. The vest on its own can be a little chilly in the fall. Together? The perfect outfit for fall days, especially when paired with a long trench coat. 

Try a cropped vest like this one from Quince with high-waisted jeans and ballet flats, loafers or ankle booties. (Here are more tips for styling ankle booties with jeans.)

Style tip: No dingy white tees here. A neutral vest looks best with a bright, white tee, so replace your old one if necessary.

2 – Over a Button-Down

If you only try one look, make it this one. A crisp white button-up under a sweater vest is classic for a reason. It’s polished but looks a little more intentional than a button-down alone. (My favorite is this button-down from Frank & Eileen) 

Pair it with straight-leg jeans and loafers, or tuck it into trousers for the office. It won’t feel too “school uniform” if you leave the shirt’s cuffs unbuttoned, roll them up, and accessorize. Gold jewelry, a leather belt (B-Low the Belt makes great ones), and a structured bag work perfectly with this outfit.

Style tips: If your vest is oversized, choose a slimmer shirt so you don’t add unnecessary bulk. And you don’t always need to wear it over a white button-down. Try layering your vest over striped shirts or a chambray. (Here are more tips to style a button-down.)

3 – With a Puff Sleeve Blouse

If you want something a little more feminine, pair a crewneck sweater vest like this from Sézane with a puff sleeve blouse like this from Tuckernuck. The mix of soft volume and structured knit makes something that could lean masculine – the vest – look feminine and chic. 

Opt for a neutral-colored vest (like cream, camel, or navy) over a white or floral blouse. I prefer this with straight-leg jeans since wide-leg jeans can look a bit overwhelming when combined with the volume of puff sleeves. (Get more tips for styling wide-leg jeans here.)

Style tip: Keep accessories delicate. Dainty gold earrings (Mejuri makes my favorite earrings) and a slim belt look best, so they aren’t competing with the sleeves.

4 – With a Turtleneck

When the temperatures drop, a turtleneck is one of my go-to pieces. But layering a vest on top takes a classic look and makes it instantly cool-girl cozy without looking like you tried too hard to be on trend.

A monochromatic pairing (like a camel vest with a tan turtleneck) always looks great, and a white turtleneck paired with a navy vest or black turtleneck with tan looks great too. Try this turtleneck with this sweater vest from Quince — both fit well and don’t break the bank.

I like this look with wide-leg trousers like these and ballet flats – I’d go for these flats from Margaux.

Style tip: Make sure you wear a fitted turtleneck with this, not a turtleneck sweater, since that will be too much bulk.

5 – With a Scarf

Sometimes, it’s the accessories that make the outfit. A scarf combines two trends – equestrian and prep – without looking like a costume. It also just makes the outfit look so elevated.

Try a silk scarf like this one I got from Ralph Lauren, tied at the neck when the vest is worn on its own or with a button-down. This works best when you keep everything else simple – e.g. a plain vest, dark jeans, and neutral outerwear. If you want a more affordable option, I love this neck scarf from Amazon.

6 – On Its Own

Sweater vests don’t always have to be layered. They also look great on their own and are surprisingly flattering.

Choose a fitted or cropped silhouette (I’m in love with this sweater vest from Sézane, or go for this cable knit vest from Quince), pair it with high-waisted jeans, and layer on the necklaces. I also got this cable knit sweater vest from Amazon and love wearing it on its own.

Style tip: Balance is key. If your vest is snug, opt for a looser bottom, and vice versa.

7 – Unbuttoned

If your vest has buttons, wear it open over a tee, dress, or blouse. It instantly gives off that relaxed, layered look that feels a little more fashion-forward than a basic cardigan. Try this over a white shirt dress like my favorite one from Tuckernuck, with knee boots or with a simple tee and jeans. (If you just don’t love this look and want a different kind of layer, here’s what to wear under a cardigan.)

Style tip: I find this can lean western-vest (which I’m not going for), so this looks best with a chunky, slightly oversized knit vest like this.

Tips for Styling a Sweater Vest

• Play with proportions. If your vest is oversized, keep the bottoms sleek (think slim jeans or tailored pants). A cropped vest looks best with high-waisted pieces.
  
• Don’t go too baggy. A sweater vest looks more grown up when it’s structured.
  
• Accessorize intentionally. Add a belt, jewelry, and a structured bag. Whenever I’m unsure how I feel about a new style, accessorizing makes it look like “I meant to do this” vs. “I don’t know how to do this.”
  
• Choose your color wisely. If you only want to buy one sweater vest, go for a neutral. Camel, cream, and navy will never fail you.

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• How to Style a Sweater Dress
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• Elevated Preppy Style That Feels Timeless, Not Trendy

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