Once again, dads and nerds are absolutely winning the fashion game. We’ve already seen the rise of “ugly” sneakers, dad hats, Bermuda shorts, and ’70s-style glasses, just to name a few trends that have had us sweating in a good way. Now, with autumn upon us, we’re officially in the era of the sweater vest.
These sleeveless wonders didn’t come out of nowhere — luxury designers were surfacing various styles at last year’s fashion shows, of course — but the perfect-for-fall timing means this trend is about to peak. Browse your fave clothing retailers and there’s bound to be several sweater-vest iterations sure to snatch your inner dork’s heart.
The classic standards like argyle and cable-knit are well-represented, but what’s more noteworthy are the fashion-forward silhouettes. There are the massively oversized sweater vests that could be worn as tunics, the itty-bitty cropped versions that fit like baby tees, and the chunky technicolor knits that incorporate Y2K-style crochet patterns. Ahead, shop the sweater vest styles that are bonafide chic — but are also sure to get your papa’s stamp of approval.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Oversized Sweater Vests
Whether you wear them solo like a tank top or over a collared shirt, massive knit vests provide just the right amount of cozy professionalism.
Zara WHIP STITCH KNIT VEST, $, available at Zara
& Other Stories Oversized Knit Vest, $, available at & Other Stories
Hotapei Oversized V-Neck Sweater Vest, $, available at Amazon
Buttoned Sweater Vests
Sweater vests with buttons down the front might surpass dad style and go straight into grandpa territory — but with such sleek fabrics like ribbed knit and lightweight merino, who wouldn’t want to wear what is essentially a sleeveless cardigan?
Everlane The Cotton–Merino Sweater Vest, $, available at Everlane
Pilcro Washed Sweater Vest, $, available at Anthropologie
BDG Rowen Button-Front Sweater Vest, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Cropped Sweater Vests
These midriff-happy sweater vests are by far the most fashion-y style you could wear. The cropped length makes for an ideal combo with high-waisted jeans — or you can layer one atop an oversized button-up to create a cool silhouette straight out of Clueless.
Abound Plaid Sweater Vest, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Romwe Floral Crop Sweater Vest, $, available at Amazon
Madewell Cropped Sweater Vest, $, available at Madewell
Crochet And Knit Sweater Vests
Looser and airier — but also chunkier and likely warmer — than other sweater vests, these crocheted or knit sweater vests are the style to grab if you’re into a more vintage, bohemian look.
Farm Rio striped knit vest, $, available at Farm Rio
Baum Und Pferdgarten Coastal Communities Coletta Wool-Blend Sweater Vest, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
NC Women’s Knit Crochet Squares Sweater Vest, $, available at Amazon
Turtleneck Sweater Vests
The most popular sweater vests are going to be V-neck, yes, but don’t overlook the turtleneck sweater vest. They tend to be the most versatile of the bunch, since they are more passable as a regular shirt (and complete look).
Theory Turtleneck Vest in Cashmere, $, available at Theory
LOULOU STUDIO Mélange wool and cashmere-blend turtleneck tank, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Mango cable knit roll neck sleeveless vest, $, available at ASOS
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Sweater Vests Are Officially Back
