The Simple Joy of Sweater Vests

You may have a hard time believing this, but at this time of year, most sartorial problems can be solved with the addition of a sweater vest. Looking for a new way to layer an old T-shirt dress? Want to feel cozy but not swallowed in a cumbersome pullover? Itching to get in on the widespread reclamation of grandpa fashion? The sleeveless wintery top is your solution.

An emblem of both paternal comfort and preppy uniformity, this age-old design contains multitudes. Thought of mainly as a source of warmth, it is often overlooked in the aesthetic arena. The humble sweater vest is known for its comfort, function and nonchalance. But it offers so much more than that. In fact, women’s sweater vests are vessels of self-expression.

Olivia Jade has been known to wear an XL sweater vest as a dress. Camilla Cabello recently put a schoolgirl spin on the look with an argyle design. Lily-Rose Depp — in the midst of her viral Nosferatu press tour — stepped out in a mint green slinky sweater vest with a matching skirt. Take it from the It girls du jour, there’s power in slipping on a fuzzy waistcoat.

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Photography via Launchmetrics.com/spotlight

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The sweater vest’s shape-shifting abilities was perhaps best showcased through the Spring 2025 runways. Bottega Veneta put a playful spin on the knit vest by adorning it in a cartoonish design. Hermès presented a structured take with tightly woven stitching and a buckle-embellished neckline. Bora Aksu offered a whimsical interpretation via intricate pattern clashing and sheer layers.

At their best, sweater vests breathe new life into old outfits. They allow you to envision fresh pairing possibilities. And during months when getting dressed can feel like a slog, they present a mind-tickling challenge. Will you lean into collegiate cosplay? Will you channel a tenured cigar-smoking professor? With women’s sweater vests, the arms are freed, the pattens are plentiful and the possibilities are endless.

The best women’s sweater vests to shop now

Reformation Reese cashmere tank

Designed to be loosely fitted throughout, this red wine-coloured cashmere vest is the perfect entry point into the trend. Pair with barrel jeans and platform boots for a casual look or style with a short skirt for a chic Clueless reference.

Aritzia Wilfred basque sweater vest

Sweater vests can’t be sexy? Aritzia’s Wilfred design begs to differ. Adorned with sleek slits, this V-neck piece has a creamy material that hugs the body and keeps you cozy. Pictured in a modern greige hue, it’s also available in a variety of other shades like baby blue and forest green.

Kotn Women’s Maadi vest

Made of RWS-certified Merino wool, this lightweight vest is optimal for layering. Featuring side slits, a slightly cropped fit and delicate stitch accents throughout, it can be dressed down over a T-shirt or polished with a collared button-up.

Frame cashmere vest

Think of this as the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen equivalent of the sweater vest. Made of cashmere, this luxurious pick has a V-neck cut and a relaxed fit for ample layering opportunities. Perfect for elevating a go-to denim look, it offers a The Row aesthetic for a fraction of the price.

Ganni black stripe vest

When in doubt, opt for a pattern. Alternating between black, white and pops of pastel pink, this stripped Ganni pick has the whimsy of a fun print with the scaled-back chicness of a two-toned design. Made with Alpaca and Merino wool, it’s sure to keep you warm all winter.

Beams Plus argyle vest

If you’re looking to enter full force into playful patterns, this mustard yellow and brown argyle vest will bring you back to the ‘70s. With an oversized fit and mohair fuzziness, it’s a statement piece in and of itself. Style atop a crisp white tee and straight-leg jeans to easily zhuzh up a casual look.

Gabriela Hearst Sesley vest

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a classic cable-knit. This deep grey vest marries the age old appeal of the chunky design with a modern, slim-fitting silhouette. Pair it with corduroy bottoms for a full retro revival.

Maison Margiela beige Botanical vest

Chunky stitching and a boxy shape gives this Maison Margiela sweater vest an indulgent, luxurious finish. Pair it with a similarly oversized button-up for an effortlessly polished office-wear look.