What's the best way to layer with a sweater vest?

As the weather changes, pulling out your favorite cool-weather items to layer with a sweater vest is an excellent way to refresh your winter wardrobe. It's fashionable, effortless and, most importantly, warm.

Sweater vests pair well with turtlenecks, blouses and knit dresses. They can also add a bit of insulation to short-sleeved shirts and a pop of color and texture under a blazer.

The best sweater vests are versatile enough to complement multiple items from your current collection. They should also be comfortable and have a flattering silhouette.

What is a sweater vest?

Sweater vests are made from the same knit material as standard sweaters but don't have sleeves. Classic designs sport a V-neck with a hemline that lands at the hips and ribbing along the edges. However, they are available in many silhouettes, such as tunics and cropped varieties.

Sweater vest styles

There are five primary silhouettes that make it easy to layer with a sweater vest:

Classic: This has a V-neck and sits at your hip.
Tunic: This lands anywhere from your upper to mid-thigh.
Cropped: This sits just above your hip or higher.
Oversized: Its hemline can rest anywhere on your body, but it sports a baggy fit.
Button-up: This has an open front joined by buttons at its center.

How to layer with a sweater vest

There are five ways you can layer with a sweater vest for an easy cold-weather ensemble:

Blazer: Use this to cover your sweater vest and pair it with any bottoms for a sophisticated style.
Turtleneck: Pair this and a sweater vest with pants, leggings, jeans or a skirt with tights and boots for an effortless yet warm outfit.
T-shirt: Add a sweater vest with jeans, slacks or leggings for a fashionable yet casual aesthetic.
Button-up: Layer this under a sweater vest and wear them with jeans, pants, leggings or a skirt with tights for a polished ensemble.
Shirtdress: Layer your sweater vest over this with tights and boots for a chic look.

Sweater vest FAQ

What's the best color for a sweater vest?

If you want a sweater vest that goes with everything in your wardrobe, consider getting one in a neutral color such as gray, black, brown, tan or white.

Can you prevent your sweater vest from pilling?

A. Pilling is often the result of excess friction, which can come from a purse or bag rubbing against the fabric as you walk or by putting it in the dryer. Watch what type of bag you pair your vest with; preferably, avoid shoulder bags that land at your ribcage. It's also good to skip the dryer and lay it flat to dry.

Best sweater vests

Hotapei Women's Oversized Sweater Vest

This V-neck, oversized sweater vest has a long hemline that rests low on your hips with ribbing at the neck, arm openings and hemline. It's soft with a cable knit and argyle design and comes in 30 varieties, sizes S to XXL.