There are certain pieces of clothing that have negative connotations. Like granny/grandpa cardigans, 80s-reject acid wash and nerd-staple sweater vests. Not that we consider Chandler Bing a nerd, but his love of the latter was definitely played for laughs on Friends. We're here to tell you that sweater vests aren't looked upon with such negativity by fashion folk. In fact, they're real sartorial superheroes.
Their powers are twofold. First, they serve as great layering devices during winter. Even sans sleeves. Keeping your torso toasty this time of the year is vital. Second, they add texture and personality to any ensemble. The standard pattern is obviously argyle, but that's not the only option. There are grunge-era stripes, coquettish bows, cable knits and woven logos along with funky florals.
Another important point to point out is that not all vests come in the same silhouette. Normally affiliated with a V-neck and missing sleeves, there are versions that just skip the sleeves calling themselves tanks. Turtlenecks occasionally take the place of the aforementioned V necklines. Some even have buttons just like cardigans.
Read on to see the most stylish sweater vests to work into your seasonal repertoire.
COS Mohair Knit Tank in Olive Green, $135 at COS
Thom Browne Floral Intarsia Wool and Mohair Vest, $400 at Mytheresa
Acne Studios Striped Knitted Vest, $195 at Net-a-Porter
Pixie Market Padded Knit Silver Button Top, $130 at Pixie Market
Zara Argyle Jacquard Knit Sweater Vest in Multicolored, $22.95 at Zara
Tory Sport Tech Nylon Sweater Vest, $179 at Tory Burch
Loewe Vest in Wool, $1,700 at Loewe
Pilcro Oversized Foil Sweater Vest, $69.95 at Anthropologie
PH5 Reynolds Plaid Cropped Vest, $235 at PH5
& Other Stories Knitted Vest, $59.99 at & Other Stories
Guest In Residence Argyle Cotton-Jacquard Vest in Multi, $350 at Net-a-Porter
Zara Cable Knit Sweater Vest, $19.95 at Zara
Damson Madder Aggie Knit Vest, $98 at Lisa Says Gah
R13 Gray Oversized Vest, $531 at SSENSE
Mango Perkins-Neck Knitted Waistcoat, $39.99 at Mango
Reformation x Shrimps Clover Cashmere Sweater Vest, $198 at Reformation
KULE The Lulu Camel, $129 at KULE
Marni Blue Argyle Half & Half Vest, $544 at SSENSE
Maison Margiela Open Side Alpaca-Blend Sweater Vest, $850 at Bergdorf Goodman
Zara Argyle Knit Sweater Vest, $29.95 at Zara
Callahan Mathilde Oversized Vest, $39.95 at Anthropologie
Eleven Six Bria Ribbed Fringe-Trim Tank, $248 at Neiman Marcus
Vivienne Westwood Sleeveless Sweater, $534 at YOOX
YMC Black Heidi Vest, $189 at SSENSE
Pilcro Turtleneck Sweater Vest, $118 at Anthropologie
THE GREAT. The Sweater Vest, $227.50 at Shopbop
Lemaire Cable-Knit Wool-Blend Vest, $695 at Net-a-Porter
Marni Yellow Check Vest, $394 at SSENSE
By Anthropologie Sporty Varsity Knit Vest, $98 at Anthropologie
