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A staple of ’80s rom-coms and the Lower East Side skate scene alike, the sweater vest sits in the overlap zone of dozens of stylistic Venn diagrams. It’s ironic, except for when it’s sincere. It’s endearing, but don’t call it coy. Unlike its close relation, a simple sweater, feels inherently stylish—an active attempt at outfit-making instead of simply adding another layer.
The hosts of the new fashion podcast Loose Threads, Emma Wooley and Trixie Encomienda, both preach the merits of statement-making sweater vests in “a fun pattern like a check or an argyle; bright, unexpected colors,” says Wooley. A staple in both of the hosts’ wardrobes, the sweater vest, is officially, according to Wooley, “investment-worthy.” She suggests artfully pairing a sweater vest with a pussy-bow top or using it to break up a Canadian tuxedo. Encomienda, meanwhile, leans on her Catholic-schoolgirl roots for inspiration. “I love the preppy uniform look, but playing on pushing some looks that weren’t dress code. Nothing vulgar, just like a vest alone with a skirt over pants!”
Proportion play is the key for Tariro Makoni, a stylish creator who works in tech. “If I’m playing with proportions and looking for a more voluminous fit, in an Olsen-twins way, I’ll go for a chunkier, oversize vest—either true to size or a size up, depending. If I want something more classic and tailored, I’ll usually stay true to size, or size down if it’s cropped,” she says. Her advice for those approaching what she calls a “wardrobe staple” with trepidation: Stick with your regular aesthetic, and look for inspiration within your everyday outfits. And for Makoni, that means relying on a sweater vest—usually mohair, bouclé, heavy wool, or cashmere—to “drum up visual interest in my outfit.”
Lilly Sisto has a way of making clothes—even a sweater vest—feel wearable. Color and material matter most to the style influencer, but when it comes to the question of investment status, Sisto has some thoughts. “I have a sweater vest from The Row that I love—bought second-hand—that is an investment piece that I know I’ll have in my closet forever, but I also have a few from other places that were not as expensive, but work from time to time.”
Her usual styling involves layering with a tank or T-shirt underneath, low-slung jeans, and a belt. The effect is reminiscent of the cool kids at school who sported their uniform with a certain ease you could never muster. Sisto suggests V-neck or cowl necklines, and if you’re on the fence about size, to size up for a menswear feel.
Sweater vests are for all sorts of personal styles. They’re easy to integrate. Best in luxurious materials like cashmere or wool. And made for more than vintage cheerleading uniforms or out-of-touch bankers. Before walking out the door, slip on a sweater vest. It just might change your look for the better.
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