A sweater vest is a sleeveless pullover. Necklines, and lengths vary, as does fabric, fit, colour and pattern. Some are cropped and fitted, while others are long and roomy. Some have a front closure and look a little like a sleeveless cardigan. You can wear sweater vests on their own, or layered over shirts, blouses, tees, knitted tops, thin pullovers, and dresses. The collection below shows some examples.
Sweater vests can be a fab third piece in mild Autumn and Winter weather. They can provide just enough warmth, and look interesting. You can layer a jacket or coat over the top for extra insulation. If you knit, you could make a fab sweater vest yourself.
Here are some sweater vest outfit ideas that might serve as inspiration. The tops are worn untucked.
1. Short Over Long
A patterned tunic blouse is combined with a pair of black cropped, relaxed straight leg cargo pocket pants. The black of the pants picks up the black in the pattern and the model’s hair. A dark red bouclé sweater vest with an open front and asymmetrical fastening is layered over the top to create a distinctive “short over long” effect. The red picks up the red in the patterned blouse. The fastening adds some structure and accentuates the A-line visual. Cream boots pick up the cream of the pattern. Black, brown, or dark red boots would look fab too. A bit avant-garde.
2. Oversized and Skirted
A fluid short-sleeved white tee is combined with a burgundy knee-length pleated skirt. An oversized stone vest is thrown over the top. Sheer black hosiery and flat black boots match he model’s dark hair. A burgundy bag matches the skirt. A casual and comfy outfit.
3. Classic
Black ankle-length skinnies are combined with a crisp long white shirt. A black and white houndstooth sweater vest matches the separates and is layered over the shirt. The look is finished off with dressy and refined black loafers, and a structured bag. Easy and effective.
4. Slouchy
And last, a slouchy lavender blouse is combined with a pair of relaxed ecru jeans. A slouchy and oversized sweater vest in a rich shade of orangey-toffee is layered over the top. A chunky cream beaded necklace matches the ecru jeans. A pair of teal lace-ups is an unexpected and jarring choice of footwear, although their cream soles pop them back into the palette of the outfit thereby creating cohesion. A fashion-forward look.
