Sweater vest decisions - YouLookFab Forum

I've been on the hunt for a short, button-front v-neck sweater vest in natural fibers for virtually forever -- to replace an old, thrifted one that finally started unravelling a few years ago (still in a box in my closet, in case I ever get serious about learning how to repair knitwear!).

Alex Mill has exactly what I'm looking for: perfect shape, perfect colour. But! They also have a pre-order right now for an amazing fair isle sweater vest in gorgeous shades of brown. The only catch is that it's a pullover style, which I don't think is really my thing. And I know a patterned vest won't have the same versatility for me as a solid one (I'm just not a big pattern mixer). Now, I know I should just order the solid color button-front version and wear the heck out of it, but I cannot get the fair isle option out of my mind! So, who wants to talk me down, and who wants to help me justify adding two sweater vests in one season?

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3 years ago

bridgie

Veteran

Buy both of them. That is exactly what I would do.

Stagiaire Fash

If you must prioritize, I’d say go for the Faire Isle first. It has colors that would work well for you, and since you can’t get it out of your head, you’ll be motivated to try it with other things. You might even enjoy (gasp!) pattern mixes with it. We do learn and grow, and develop new twists in our styles.

celia

I vote for the Fair Isle one. It clearly caught your eye, it would be something you would not reach out to otherwise and you might enjoy trying a new style.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Order both! Make a decision after you've messed around in your closet with them. Choose the one that works best with the looks you put together.

Jaime

What Angie said. I feel like vests are an ongoing part of your style, so you probably will use both, but see how you like them first.

Bijou

Two great options - try both, I hope that they are both winners.

Joy

What Angie said. Order both and then decide. I think a good sweater vest that you enjoy would fit well into your wardrobe.

Anonymous

Gee - they are both really nice , but I’d pick the button front one if I were you (or who I think you are , lol) . I feel like you could find a pullover fair isle in the second hand market easier than you could find that beautiful button front one ..

Runcarla

Buy the sweater! (and the maroon vest.)

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rachylou

Oh dear… and now with Carla’s idea… I think you need four items…!

SarahD8

Just to complicate things even further, I'll say that I've seen button-front fair isle vests (vintage Ralph Lauren and the like) pop up on Ebay with some regularity. I am so drawn to them every time but I know I won't wear a sweater vest at all -- buy one so I don't have to!

Greyscale

They're both great, so no helpful decisions from me. I bought two vests last winter and enjoy both of them. I did find that it was hard to get the size right - sometimes I want a looser fit, and sometimes something more tailored. I wonder if these two vests could fit different niches in terms of the fit and overall silhouette.

Jenni NZ

I know you are a careful purchaser. I would buy the button one that you feel you need, but I would also seriously consider the other one if you think you will love it for a long time and not be sad in a year if you had not bought it. I think that’s really why I bought my new jacket, I fell in love with it and didn’t want to let it go. And it wasn’t crazy expensive or something that I didn’t expect to wear much. So even though I didn’t need it as such ( I already have several summer jackets) I am happy to have it and think I will be for a long time.

Aquamarine

Enabler here! I’d get both if I were you because I can see them working so well for your style, but I am partial to the button front one. It reminds me of this one, which I’ve had on my wishlist (but consider too pricey for the amount of time I’d wear it in my current lifestyle):

https://www.bloomingdales.com/.....st?ID=4078

I had a similar button-front, longer one in a deep plum from the Gap maybe 7 years ago. It was a real workhorse and I was sad to retire it when it got shabby. I found it the perfect layer for so many occasions and I am glad to see vests are back.

Irina

Get both Seriously, buy both, try them on and decide which works the best.

Jonesy

I am agreeing with others' suggestion to order both and see which one tickles your fancy the most! Maybe one will be itchy, or not quite right in terms of color, or one will pair beautifully with several other things in your closet, etc. Or maybe they will both earn a place in your closet!

I want to thank you because I have been looking for a Fair Isle sweater vest in nice muddy fall colors, and this one fits the bill!

LaPed

Thanks all! Ordering both so I can decide once I've seen them in person.

Cee

I like them both, but I slightly prefer the patterned one.

How would you style them ?

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