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I really, really love a sweater vest. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the sweater vest might just be my favorite menswear item—and as a menswear writer, that's high praise.
It's just that there's something so effortlessly chic and stylish about it, yet practical, too. A sweater vest is the easiest way to look like you know what you're doing, and look like you know what you're doing you will. Layering is almost always essential; a boxy tee or button-up take a sweater vest from good to great with virtually no effort required, and with baggy trousers or skinny jeans or, hell, even work pants, the sweater vest is easily the most seamlessly versatile item in your closet.
It's not a tank top. It's not quite a traditional sweater. It is perfect for this weird, in-between weather, where it isn't as chilly as winter usually is, but it's definitely not as warm as spring likes to be. If you don't know what to wear, reach for a sweater vest; if you do know what to wear, then you'll be reaching for a sweater vest anyway, plain or printed, cotton or cashmere. Let me take you through 15 of my favorite sweater vests below.
Another easy-to-style classic, in a color just as wearable in spring and summer as it is in fall and winter.
Kallspin Men's Cashmere Wool Blended Sweater Vest
Kallspin Men's Cashmere Wool Blended Sweater Vest
For a more affordable option, opt for this soft, classic sweater vest that goes with just about everything.
Two-tone is always cool, and the easiest way to add dimension to your look. This durable sweater vest from Levi's is sure to garner compliments.
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And because you know I love an oversized look, ASOS Design has a jacquard sweater vest that has relaxed tailoring built right in.
The three Cs: Classic, chic, and cashmere.
Abercrombie & Fitch Paisley V-Neck Vest
This sweater vest is not only one of our faves for it's cool paisley print, but also for its unreasonably cheap price. Snag it before it sells out.
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Madewell Wool Blend Sweater Vest
Madewell Wool Blend Sweater Vest
This sustainably-made sweater vest is easy to dress up or down. Pair it with loafers or sneakers, a tee or a button-up.
This one's simple, but timeless. Plus—who can say no to cashmere?
For a suave English professor-y look, reach for a wool sweater vest with a little bit of texture to it. Bonus points if you pair this with tweed or a cardigan.
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A slightly boxy, oversized sweater vest is the perfect relaxed piece for the season.
JW Anderson Printed Ribbed Merino Wool Sweater Vest
JW Anderson Printed Ribbed Merino Wool Sweater Vest
An apple a day keeps bad fashion taste away...
If you're looking for the softest sweater vest on the market, you've found it. Marni's new season piece is a bold statement.
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Gucci Logo-Jacquard Cashmere and Wool-Blend Sweater Vest
Gucci Logo-Jacquard Cashmere and Wool-Blend Sweater Vest
Gucci keeps things classic, with a deep V-neck and a logo patch at the hip.
For a preppy look, opt for this golfers' sweater vest, featuring mismatched stripes around the neck and a half cable-knit pattern.
Polo Ralph Lauren Crest Cotton Cricket Vest
Polo Ralph Lauren Crest Cotton Cricket Vest
No one does day-to-day poshness like Polo Ralph Lauren, so it's fitting that they have a sweater vest that looks like it's from old money.
