Sweater vests require some thought because, unlike cardigans you really need to think about what you are putting underneath. You don't have the arm coverage, like you do with cardigans, and what I am finding is that these sweater vests also look great with something simple and slim underneath. If you have purchased some lightweight crew neck and turtleneck tops definitely consider them. I chose to use
this slim style from Majestic underneath
this fringed sweater vest from Lord & Taylor. With all the drape on top, these slim burgundy pants from Boden work silhouette-wise while also adding some rich color to the outfit. Lastly, the outfit is finished with a pair of flat black booties from Louise et Cie, grey bag from Vince Camuto and silver hoops from Robert Lee Morris.
Outfit #2 I recommended this sweater vest from Banana Republic to a client of mine who prefers a clean, modern style. In this outfit, I created a monochromatic column look in black for the vest to springboard off of. The pants from J. Crew, with suede side panels, are fun and add something special to a basic pair of leggings and the top, from Theory, is that basic style that works so well under vests. To finish the look, I added a pair of black boots from Sam Edelman, a handbag from She + Lo and a multi-layered necklace from Stella & Dot. This can be a great work look as well as something to wear on a night out on the weekends.
Outfit #3 Give me and outfit of denim, grey and cognac and I am totally on board. It is probably my favorite color combination to wear. I loved the idea of creating a chic weekend look using a pair of skinny jeans with a crisp white button down shirt. I chose this style from Tuxe Bodywear because I hated the idea of the shirt coming untucked in this clean and classic look. Over this base, I added this belted sweater vest from Miss Selfridge. I have seen this sweater on and, I will warn you, it's pretty chunky. Taking the cognac color from the belt, I added these boots from Modcloth, bag from Macy's, gold charm pendant from Bauble Bar and tortoise watch from Michael Kors. It would take absolutely no arm twisting to get me to wear an outfit like this.
Outfit #4 While I was working on these looks, I wondered how a plaid shirt would work under one of these vests. Plaid is so hot right now and I liked the idea of throwing a vest over it. Trying it, I used this plaid shirt from Madewell that has been topped with a fringe vest from Modcloth. While these vests normally look better done more simply, I love the way these two pieces work together, particularly when styled for the weekend with boyfriend jeans, these suede booties from Lucky Brand, slouchy grey bag from Urban Outfitters and burgundy hat. For jewelry, I used this leather wrap bracelet from Marc by Marc Jacobs and bee studs from Julie Vos.
Outfit #5 The last way you can wear a sweater vest is with a skirt or dress. To get this look right, the length of the dress or skirt and vest have to work proportionately. Typically, shorter dresses or skirts work and look best when only a few inches show at the hem of the vest. In fact, I just put a client in a short little denim shirt dress and sweater vest last week that I suggested she wear with a pair of opaque tights and booties. It was a great look.
In this outfit, I used this short shift from Zara. Shifts shapes are great with vests. Over the dress, I added this sweater vest from Belford and finished the look with opaque tights and Vince Camuto booties in brown, a bag from Fossil and chunky necklace from Kara.
If you are looking for some alternatives to your cardigans, sweater vests can be a great alternative. You get a fresh update on an easy look.
My clients have been loving sweater vests this fall. Unlike sleeveless blazers, which only one client has purchased to date that can come across a little less versatile, it seems like everyone is embracing this easy cardigan alternative. It's hard to miss sweater vests in the stores because they are everywhere, and in today's post I am going to show you how to wear sweater vests if you have been considering adding them to you wardrobe.
