If you follow new trends, you may have noticed that sweater vests have been popping up for a little while now.
I love it when a preppy classic like the humble sweater vest gets some attention.
Whether it’s Kendall Jenner wearing a button-front sweater vest over a white t-shirt. Or a V-neck sweater vest over a turtleneck, I don’t need to see a supermodel wearing this trend to hop on board.
I can’t resist this sleeveless sweater as a preppy topper for a white button-up shirt.
I won’t be wearing the sweater vest trend the way Gen Z is sporting it with bucket hats and a pleated tennis skirt. But I am excited to experiment with all the other ways to wear this classic look.
Shopping in Palm Springs last week, I found this fisherman’s sweater vest at the Banana Republic Factory store and had to bring it home. It’s meant to be worn as an oversized sweater vest. But I got it in a size smaller so I’m not swallowed up by it.
I love it for its neutral color and versatility.
If it fits with your personal style to wear a big pop of color, you’ll see some of the best sweater vests in all kinds of bright colors and bold patterns.
If I had a never ending budget to spend on sweater vests, I’d buy a whole stack of patterned and cable-knit sweater vests.
You may be wondering what to wear underneath a sweater vest.
What goes underneath a sweater vest?
A classic pairing with a sweater vest is a button-up shirt. Whether you have a cable-knit, V-neck, buttoned or crewneck sweater vest that’s a solid or pattern, a button-up shirt creates a sharp look under a sweater vest. Choose a solid, stripe, or plaid flannel shirt for a more expected look. A floral print is a unique way to wear it that makes a fun and funky statement. Choose an oversized shirt to match the style of the moment. Or a classic fit for a classic feel. In cold weather, fitted turtlenecks are another classic pairing that creates an academic preppy look. Choose what feels like you and have fun expressing yourself with it.
If you’re wondering if you can wear a sweater vest with nothing under it, yup! Sure can!
Can you wear just a sweater vest?
You can wear a sweater vest as a top! That’s the perfect way to wear one in warmer weather. You’ll see this look on store websites during the summer. Worn alone, it becomes a cap-sleeve top or tank top, depending on how wide the straps are on the sweater vest. Wear it with a skirt or shorts with some sneakers.
There are so many different ways to create stylish outfits and give new life to a sweater vest.
I’m here to show you 14 outfit ideas so you can see how a sweater vest can be a great addition to your wardrobe.
Let’s look at the perfect way to put together a sweater vest outfit so you can fully express your sweater vest style!
What to wear with a sweater vest
My favorite shirt to wear under a neutral sweater vest is a striped button-up. The stripes add some visual interest to the outfit. And rolling up the sleeves helps to define the waistline. Right off the bat, I pulled together 5 looks that I adore with this button-up.
Blue striped button-up blouse, boyfriend jeans, Tretorn sneakers, crossbody bag
Blue and white stripes are perfect with blue jeans. I’m leaving the shirt untucked in this look to add to the casual vibe.
I love the contrast of a proper sweater vest worn with a slouchy and casual pair of boyfriend jeans.
I had to pair them with my new navy blue Tretorn sneakers and striped-strap camera bag crossbody. Say that 5 times fast. That’s a tongue twister.
Blue striped button-up blouse, boyfriend jeans, black tassel loafer mules, black bag
Then I switched out my shoes for my black tassel loafer mules for a slightly more elevated look.
What a smart look! I love it equally as well. I added my black saddle bag to pull in another spot of black.
Blue striped button-up blouse, black ankle pants, patent leather loafers
Another pairing I love is black with blue and white stripes. So here I’m wearing black ankle pants, with the vest and button-up.
These black patent leather loafers add some shine for visual interest. And the black tote bag pulls the look together. Swoon. I love this look so much.
Blue striped button-up blouse, black trouser pants, black Adidas
Behind the scenes, I frequently experiment with outfits with my black trouser pants and black Adidas. It’s such a cool look for work, when you want to wear comfortable sneakers. But I haven’t found a top to pair with it that I love enough to put on the blog. Until now!
Gah! Let’s call this look sporty, smart business casual. I can’t even. Love it so much.
Blue striped button-up blouse, blue denim skirt, brown lug-sole boots, brown crossbody
Whatever happened to denim skirts? I’m starting to see jean skirts coming back into the stores. I have two old classic ones that I love. And I’m not getting rid of them anytime soon. They’re a bit more elevated than your casual jean skirt. This one is in a brushed stretchy fabric that is hip hugging. A slim fitting skirt is perfect paired with this slouchy vest and button-up shirt.
I added my favorite brown lug-sole riding boots and brown crossbody for a preppy vibe. With a skirt that’s form fitting and hits above the knee, I like to wear tall boots to make the legs look nice and long and for some extra leg coverage.
Blue striped button-up blouse, navy blazer, straight blue jeans, black loafer mules, black saddle bag
Here’s a business casual look that could work for a casual Friday at the office, if your work allows jeans.
I’m wearing a navy blazer and straight dark blue jeans with no distressing or bleaching so they’re suitable for work. And my black tassel loafer mules. A black saddle bag ties that black color into a second spot.
I tucked in the button-up shirt so the look is more professional. And I rolled the cuff of the shirt up over the sleeve of the blazer to reveal the stripes, pushing up the sleeves a bit to help define the waist.
Now, brace yourself, I’m swapping out the striped shirt for a plaid flannel button-up shirt.
Black cords, a Blackwatch plaid flannel shirt and black loafers
Here’s a winter look. I’m wearing a Blackwatch plaid button-up shirt, black skinny cords, and my black patent leather loafers and a black tote bag.
I know kids these days are against skinny jeans. But the softest, most comfortable and warmest pants in my closet are skinny cords. As winter sets in, these will be a practical mainstay. Admittedly, the loafers will get switched out for warmer black ankle boots. Like platform Chelsea boots with socks or even some tall boots that come to the knee. But I’m currently obsessed with these shiny patent leather loafers and couldn’t resist including them in this outfit.
If leather pants feel more like you, you can swap out the black cords for leather pants.
Oversized white button-up, skinny jeans, white sneakers and a brown tote bag
Here’s a perfect transitional weather look for spring or fall. I’m wearing an oversized white button-up shirt under the vest. I rolled up the sleeves and front-tucked half the shirt to highlight the waist and keep the look current.
The oversized top works perfectly with my skinny jeans. For anyone who is worried about skinny jeans not looking current, this outfit is perfect paired with 3 trending items: a sweater vest, an oversized white blouse and white sneakers.
For body types like mine where your bottom half is wider and your top half is smaller, wearing an oversized top with skinny jeans is a great way to balance the proportions of your top and bottom half.
With a chambray shirt, flare jeans, brown ankle boots and a brown crossbody bag
Next up, this cream sweater vest is over a column of blue denim with a chambray collared shirt and flare jeans.
I’m wearing my brown ankle boots and a similar color brown crossbody bag.
With flare jeans, a cream turtleneck, tan ankle boots and tan purse
For a classic pairing, I’m wearing a ribbed cream turtleneck under the sweater vest. Then I’m wearing flare jeans for a modern look. As someone with wider hips (size 12 here!), the flare helps to balance the proportions of my hips. To learn more about styling flare jeans, read this post. I always feel like a badass in flare jeans.
I chose tan ankle boots and a similar light colored crossbody bag for an easy look.
With flare jeans, a cream turtleneck, tan ankle boots, a tan purse and a brown oversized blazer
Just to round out this academic look, I added a brown herringbone oversized blazer over top of this turtleneck and sweater vest combo.
Excuse me, can you give me directions to the library please?
With a striped shirt, white jeans and tan loafers
This next look is a bit more country club than academic. With my white kick crop jeans, tan loafers and a tan striped button-up shirt under this sweater vest.
This is an easy breezy look for transitional spring or summer weather.
Denim jacket, white jeans, white Stan Smith sneakers
Here, I’m wearing this sweater vest with nothing under it. It works like a cap-sleeve top.
I’m wearing it under a denim jacket with the sleeves rolled up to define the waist. And with those same white jeans. And white sneakers.
This is another easy look for transitional spring or summer weather.
White button-up with mom jeans and black loafers
For my last outfit, this is such a simple combo that looks super smart. I’m wearing a vest over a white shirt. I tucked in the bottom shirt and front-tucked the vest to reveal the high waist of my button-fly mom jeans. Rolling up the sleeves is essential to help define the waistline and create a cool vibe.
My black patent leather loafers and black tote bag are a great way to complete the look.
Who knew a sweater vest could be so exciting!
How to style a sweater vest
Sweater vests are timeless pieces that create a sharp preppy look. Wear one over a button-up shirt for an easy put together look. Or try it with a turtleneck to channel your inner bookworm. Add a blazer over top and wear it to the office. Wear it with a denim skirt or your favorite pair of jeans, trousers or corduroy pants. Complete the look with classic loafers, boots or a pair of sporty sneakers.
Experiment, express yourself and have fun with it! XO, Marya
