How to Style a Sweater Vest in 2024 So You Look Chic (Plus 1 Look You’re Better Off Skipping)

According to Lopez, a chic way of elevating your sweater vest is layering it with a turtleneck or collared shirt. She shares, “It can add dimension to your outfit. It’s a simple way to elevate your style for the season.” Similar to the look above, opt for a bold color to truly make the vest stand out. 

This style works best with slimmer-fit sweater vests. If you want to avoid looking like an all-out ‘70s replica, add a few more modern pieces like pointy-toe heels or flats, a chain necklace (or two) and even a ‘90s-era baguette bag. It’s a small change, but it can make a huge difference. 

If you’re searching for a fashion-forward look, Lopez suggests playing around with different textures when styling your sweater vest. “It’s a great way to spice up your fall wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to pair a simple vest with different fabrics like denim, silk, lace or leather,” she says. “For an edgier style, add a lace undershirt or leather bottoms. Or, pair your sweater vest with a cute denim skirt for a more casual look.” 

Putting a sweater vest over your favorite summer dress helps to make it feel more autumnal and also creates the illusion of a waist without actually cinching you in (thereby ruining the ultra-comfy experience of wearing a tent dress in the first place). Add some tall boots—and a duster jacket if it’s really starting to get chilly—and you’ve got yourself a fun and trendy new go-to fall outfit.

It might not seem like a logical move to layer anything over a statement piece—the whole reason you bought it was to show it off, after all—but a simple sweater vest still allows you to showcase an oversize collar or voluminous ruffled sleeves. All it really does is add some extra interest to your look by mixing in a new color or texture.

The most popular sweater vests right now feature bright colors and bold patterns. And while you can certainly choose just one stand-out piece and pair it with jeans and a white T-shirt, I love the look of piling on lots of patterns at once. Try mixing large with small, and make sure both prints have at least one color in common to avoid too much clashing.

While brooches and pins may give off major Eclectic Grandpa vibes (which still seems pretty cool and vintage), consider accessorizing with statement-worthy jewelry pieces instead. As Lopez explains, “Accessorizing your look can not only help your style feel more put together but can also make the focal point of your look—like a sweater vest—pop. I love the idea of a bold, bohemian look for the fall, so rock a chunky knit vest with oversize jewelry (i.e., hoop earrings and bangles). You can also add a chain necklace or a stylish belt into the mix, too. 

If kitschy prints aren’t really your vibe, try sporting a single color from head to toe. I particularly enjoy this winter white getup, which looks much more grown up and sophisticated than pairing an argyle knit with a pleated plaid skirt (not that I don’t love that look, too). You can even opt for bolder colors if you like, like bright red or forest green, so long as you stick to just one hue.

A funky print doesn’t feel quite so attention-grabbing if it only features black and white. This is doubly true if you stick to black or white separates for the rest of your outfit as well. If you really want to add in a color, try something small, like yellow sunglasses or a dainty, multi-hued necklace rather than a large, bright splash.

When it comes to petites, Lopez recommends trying out a matching set. She says, “Pairing a sweater vest with a matching dress pants or skirt can elongate your shape. Look for matching sets with high-waist skirts or even a cropped sweater vest to create a chic, elegant silhouette.” Once you’ve got your set, add heeled boots, a shoulder bag and minimal jewelry. 

My favorite way to rock this look is by layering a classic white shirt dress underneath, but you can also try adding a shacket or coordinating long cardigan over top as well. Finish with some chic boots that hit somewhere between mid-calf and just over the knee to strike a flattering balance between your mini sweater dress and your footwear.

I’ve been seeing a lot of fun and whimsical prints popping up, so it’s an easy way to liven up a classic black-and-white or monochrome outfit. Since you don’t have to worry about coordinating any clashing prints or colors, focus on mixing and matching different silhouettes—like a fitted vest on top of a crisp white tee and flowy slacks. 

Just because your sweater vest is sleeveless doesn’t mean it will automatically pair well with warm-weather pieces. An oversize sweater worn over a slinky skirt or leggings just looks out of place and mismatched. Instead, Lopez suggests wearing the chunky piece with baggier jeans or wide-leg trousers. She adds, “This style gives a more timeless, corporate chic feel.”