From old school to an essential in every closet, the sweater vest has seen a massive surge in popularity over the last year. And one thing’s guaranteed, it's going nowhere this autumn
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Whether emulating nostalgic icons like Cher Horrowitz in Clueless (who can forget her cherry-red sweater vest?) or modern influences like Harry Styles, whose love of a brightly-coloured sweater vest is widely known – the staying power of the sweater vest is indisputable.
Related: These knit sets are guaranteed to be your autumn uniform
Personally, I didn’t see the appeal at first. I found them solely reminiscent of stuffy professors and geeky characters in teen movies for a long time. They were inescapably 'uncool' and far too practical for my liking. Then, last year, something switched. Suddenly there was a celebration of all things dowdy, with editors and influencers alike embracing the quirky knitwear walking down Copenhagen runways. It was the return of the nerd, a resurgence of geek-chic.
Vogue Scandinavia's Gender Fluidity expert Mikko Puttonen in Lanvin sweater vest. Photo: Mikko Puttonen (@mikkoputtonen)
Norwegian Fashion Editor Rawdah Mohamed masterfully layers her vest over puffy sleeves. Photo: Rawdah Mohamed (@rawdis)
Danish Fashion Editor Sophia Roe bares her arms in this monochrome argyle print vest. Photo: Sophia Roe (@sophiaroe)
Today – as we’re approaching sweater vest season – the garment still has as firm a grip on the fashion world as ever. A fast favourite amongst the Vogue Scandinavia editors, versions of the sleeveless jumper have been seen on our Danish fashion editor Sophia Roe and our Norwegian fashion editor – and layering expert extraordinaire – Rawdah Mohamed.
“They bring in that element of layering without adding too much fabric,” says Rawdah. The versatility of the garment is what attracts her to the sweater vest. The innumerable cuts and crops, styles and colours to choose from make the piece a stand out in any wardrobe. “A shorter version is perfect over a roomy shirt, while a longer vest has more of a relaxed look. It suits all body sizes.” She prepares for colder mornings this coming season, planning to layer her vest underneath her trench coat for warmth. “Perhaps a colourful version. We could all use some colour for fall.”
Related: 5 sustainable knitwear designers you should know about now
The sweater vest is here to stay for autumn 2021 – and arguably, no one styles it better than the Scandi girls. Below, I’ve gathered four inspiring sweater-vest looks worn by Nordic fashion mavens.
Contrasting texture
Stylist Hanna MW combines textures in her look. Photo: Hanna MW (@hannamw)
Don’t sleep on the sartorial efficiency of contrasting textures. Pairing a knit with buttery leather and crisp cotton creates the perfect balance for an autumnal look. Here, we suggest opting for neutral tones to really let the textures do the talking.
Relaxed layers
Content creator and founder of clothing brand Dang Sthlm, Julia Dang knows how to curate a casual outfit. Photo: Julia Dang (@juliaadang)
The big question for those only recently anointed into the sweater vest cult is what to wear underneath. You can only pop a white shirt on so many times before it feels blasé. A crew neck t-shirt or figure-hugging roll-neck helps spice things up while keeping the overall impression of the outfit relaxed.
Perfectly preppy
Content creator Tina Lundin pairs the sweater vest with preppy elements. Photo: Tina Lundin (@l_t_w_s_)
Sweater vest season just so happens to coincide with students returning to school, and with preppy dressing topping the trend charts for autumn/winter 2021, there’s much potential to merge the two. Pairing a pleated skirt, athletic accessories and a sweater vest has never felt so right.
The maximalist mini
If there's one person to turn for when it comes to sweater vest inspiration it's Danish Pernille Rosenkilde . Photo: Pernille Rosenskilde (@Prosenskilde)
Cropped, cut close to the body, and dripping in dazzling sequins – the sweater vest can be so much more than frumpy. Styled over a shirt for drinks with friends or a silky dress for a special event, it has serious sartorial potential
FAQs
The sweater vest is making a stylish comeback. Check out these outfit ideas and ways to style this classic fashion piece.
Are sweater vests here to stay? ›
Apart from shackets (shirt jackets), there's a trend that's reappeared this winter. For those who love knitwear and light layering, you're in for a treat. The sweater vest trend is here to stay and we're all for it.
Are sweater vests still trendy? ›
Sweater vests are the perfect layering piece
Sweater vests are back in a big way and they're your new layering staple, from winter to the warmer months. From trending lilac to chic neutrals and studious navy hues, this season the high street has come through with something for every outfit.
What year is sweater vest trend? ›
They became popular in the 1920s as a fashion trend for men. In the 1950s and 1960s, sweater vests were commonly worn by women as well. Sweater vests experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. Today, sweater vests are still worn as a fashion statement by both men and women.
When did vests go out of style? ›
Vests had become optional when two-piece suits rose to popularity. By the time the double-breasted craze came to an end in the late 1950s, the waistcoat had become an optional item for most men and their suits. Also, many people were already beginning to wear more casual fashions in everyday life anyway.
Are women's vests out of style? ›
Vests have entered the fashion group chat in a major way. Whether as standalone tops, base layers, or part of a summer suit, this trend continues to stick around to become — dare we say — a wardrobe essential.
Do you wear anything under a sweater vest? ›
A popular sweater vest outfit involves an oversized dress shirt layered underneath a sweater vest. This combination also works with jeans and ballet pumps for a smart-casual daytime look or dressed up for the evening with boots.
Should you hang sweater vests? ›
Sweaters + Knits: Cozy woolens and snuggly cashmeres should always be stored folded to avoid misshaping. Activewear: The synthetic fabrics which comprise most activewear pieces tend to get warped and wonky on hangers, so folding is preferable.
Should sweater vests be tucked in? ›
We'd recommend leaving a thicker sweater vest untucked to allow for that casual bagginess to work its magic, but a thinner sweater vest can be tucked in with great results, especially if worn with nothing underneath, creating a striking silhouette — like our Nawa Pinstripe Vest.
Did people wear sweater vests in the 70s? ›
Despite the shaky start, however, the sweater vest came to be a hugely popular accessory by the 1970s, with both genders getting in on the fun. Some famous faces known for pulling off a vest or two include Clifton Davis, Catherine Deneuve and Sir Paul McCartney. But by the 90s, the sweater vest lost its edge.
Consider pairing your sweater dress with a fitted turtleneck or a long-sleeve shirt underneath for added warmth and dimension. To further elevate the look, layer a tailored blazer, a stylish trench coat, or a cozy cardigan over your sweater dress.
Do people wear sweater vests in the summer? ›
Though a sweater vest might seem like the go-to come fall, you may be delighted to know that you can wear your favorite fall piece all year long! With a few easy styling swaps, this one versatile piece can be created into many stylish outfits- no matter the weather.
Who wears sweater vest? ›
Sweater vests are popular among sports fans, particularly those who play golf.
What season should you wear a sweater vest? ›
Styling for fall and winter, the sweater vest was usually styled over a white top. If the sweater vest had a lower neck, it was often a crisp white button-front shirt (this is my absolute favorite white shirt – no iron and great for curves).
Are linen vests in style in 2024? ›
I promise everyone will stop and stare as you walk into the room with this gorgeous buttoned scoop-neck J. Crew. Linen is the only fabric that matters in the summer, and that's a fact. There are five shades to choose from: white, black, tan, pink, and blue—one for each day of the week, if you so choose.
Are winter vests still in style? ›
Then, in 2022, the puffer vest rose to new heights in popularity and has yet to dwindle back down. Thankfully, this means that many brands have hopped on the puffer vest trend, so here in 2023, there are a variety of silhouettes, colors, and finishes to choose from.
What is the trend in hip hop in 2024? ›
In 2024, a new wave of street style has emerged, and it blends contemporary aesthetics with nods to hip-hop's diverse culture. Retro styles from the 1990s and early 2000s are making a well-deserved comeback, with oversized silhouettes, vibrant color blocking, and iconic logos redesigned with a modern take.
What is the sweater vest style called? ›
A sweater vest (known as a tank top, sleeveless sweater, slipover or sleeveless pullover in the UK) is an item of knitwear that is similar to a sweater, but without sleeves, usually with a low-cut neckline.
