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Sweater vests have re-emerged as a standby for fashionistas everywhere. The origins of the sweater vest date back to the 1880s, but they’ve experienced popularity surges over the decades. The 1990s was an era when they were especially ubiquitous, spotted on the likes of Alicia Silverstone in “Clueless” and Princess Diana in her day-to-day life. For the 2020s, rather than a simple design in a neutral colorway (such as black with buttons down the front), an array of cute, cropped versions have become the favorite. Additionally, oversize iterations pair well with baggy jeans, Doc Martens, rimless sunglasses, and bucket hats, altogether making for an aesthetic Billie Eilish would approve of.
In their most functional sense, these knits are ideal for layering in the winter or snuggling up in at home. Another styling option? Throw a sweater vest over comfortable athleisure wear, like baggy sweats and crisp white sneakers. If you favor preppy influences, opt for a classic design, coordinated with a classic white button-down. If you’re into kidcore, search for bright, cheery colors; kitschy prints and patterns; and visually intriguing finishes, like fuzzy cotton or an open weave. Once you have your base down — with the sweater vest du jour acting as a foundation — build up your outfit from there. Ahead, find 12 sweater vest outfit ideas for this season. Then, shop our favorite sweater vest styles from the likes of Urban Outfitters, Ganni, Reformation, Acne Studios, Rag & Bone, Lisa Says Gah, The Frankie Shop, and more.
— Additional reporting by Nikita Charuza