How to Style a Sweater Vest

Sweater vests are still a big trend for Fall/Winter. I have to admit, this is one trend I never saw myself wearing. I think of prep school uniforms when I think of vests. Mostly argyle and not too stylish. However, I think I’ve found a few sweater vests that have swayed my opinion. The trick to styling is to keep it modern and fun. Here are my tips for how to style a sweater vest for the modern woman!

When I first saw this sweater vest from Aritzia, I knew I had to try it right away. I love the deep brick color for Fall. It blends in so well with a traditional Fall color palette of deep browns, greens, and oranges. Plus the addition of shoulder pads makes this really polished and cool. While sweater vests have been around for quite some time, I do consider this a trend, and not so much a classic piece. As you know, I’m all about having classics in your wardrobe, as it keeps the lifecycle of your clothing going longer. However, every once in a while it’s fun to add a trend and do it in a classic way.

How to Style a Sweater Vest

Sweater vest: Plain or Patterned

The first rule for how to style a sweater vest, is to choose plain or patterned? Choosing a sweater vest now is easy! There are so many options available at just about every price point. That’s what happens when a trend takes over.

Choosing a plain style vest gives you endless options. You can wear this with jeans, pants, a skirt, even over a dress. But we will talk more about layering soon. This can easily be dressed up or down. I love a plain sweater vest with a slip skirt!

If you decide you want a fun printed vest, keep your accessories neutral or pull out a color from the vest. This will ensure that your look is pulled together, effortless, and most of all stylish.

Here are my favorite sweater vests available now:

While both styles can be worn on their own, here are my tips for layering.

Layering

My second rule for how to style a sweater vest is to add a beautiful layer underneath. Choosing a what to wear underneath, depends on your choice of vest. Adding a blouse or a tee can really make your look more personal and interesting.

I love to wear a plain vest with a patterned long sleeve shirt underneath. Although you can wear a white tee or a classic white shirt, choosing a patterned shirt is fun. When choosing a patterned top for your first layer, stick with the same color family for your vest, or choose to pull out one of your favorite colors in the pattern. It will look like it was made to be worn together.

When choosing a patterned sweater vest, stick with a simple top in a solid color. That’s always a smart option.

Here are my top layering picks:

Bottoms

The third rule to styling a sweater vest, is to choose your bottoms wisely. A short skirt will give school girls vibes and that’s not what I’m after. I’m looking for a cool-mom vibe that I will be comfortable in. I’m usually running around between my work-from-home meetings, grocery store stops, school pick-ups, and after school activities. I want to look pulled together and effortless.

Jeans are my favorite styling option as they keep the overall look casual and are so easy. To keep this look modern, I’m wearing high waisted flare jeans. I think they are super flattering on everyone. They create a nice curve and give balance to the leg. Plus, they can be styled with boots or sneakers and look fabulous either way. Just be careful of your length. It’s best to have 2 pairs of flare jeans. One a longer length to wear with high heeled boots or pumps, and another shorter length to wear with sneakers and flats. Just keep the hem from hitting the floor. It ruins the lovely curve they give.

You can also try wearing wide-leg jeans with ankle boots. Mix and match your vest with layers to cate the perfect look you’re going for!

Here are my top picks for bottoms:

 

What Shoes to Wear With a Sweater Vest

Choosing what shoes to wear with your sweater dress depends on your overall vibe, the occasion, season, and what you choose to wear as your bottoms. Right now socks with loafers are trending big! You could wear combo this with a skirt or pants.

For the fall/winter season you may want to read my Best Fall Shoes post for some inspiration, as well as my Inez Shoes Review (I have a discount code for these!)

I hope you find this guide helpful when deciding how to style your sweater vest. I would love to hear if you have tried this trend and what you are pairing with your vests!