Layering a sweater vest over a shirt is a much more comfortable and easy way to pull together an oversized fit. This concept creates a look that is super flattering further solidifying the combination as a stylish option.
And for sure, sweater vests are swiftly becoming the style move of the season, and women across the globe are embracing this styling hack.
Now, with autumn upon us, we’re officially in the era of sweaters and we cannot neglect the sweater vests too.
Layering is a timeless trend for the fall months and with sweater vests in our wardrobes, let’s help you style these versatile elements so you can stay warm and look your best.
Luckily for you, we’ve got some amazing tips for choosing and wearing sweater vests over a shirt below.
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Styling Tips for Layering A Sweater Vest Over A Shirt
Sweater vests can be sexier than you might initially think. Like accessories, they give off an air of sophistication in many circumstances, and it gives the impression of a woman who pays attention to her image.
Considered preppy, sweater vests can still look chic depending on the kind you buy and how you style them. Rather than a simple style, we’ve been seeing an array of cute cropped versions and oversize ones that’ll give your look a lot more personality.
If you’re a fan of the preppy look, opt for neutral knit styles, like white, beige, and blush; if you lean toward bright, cheery colors, go for a color block vest or one with a cute print!
When picking a shirt to wear with your sweater vest of a regular fit, go for a shirt that fits closer to the body allows for easy layering, as there’s less fabric that could crumble and add bulk. Look for a style with stretch for a more comfortable range of motion through your shoulders and chest.
However, if your sweater vest is an oversized one, play around with the size of your shirt.
Now, try these styling tips to look more put together:
1. Start with Cropped Sweater Vests
Can’t resist a crop top? Then cropped sweater vests were meant for you! These midriff-length sweater vests are by far the most fashionable sweaters you could wear.
The cropped length gives it a bit more of a modern touch, and makes for an ideal combo with high-waisted jeans — or you can layer one atop an oversized button-up to create a cool silhouette.
TIP: A cropped sweater vest is good for balancing the silhouette of an oversized white shirt, giving it more definition and sophistication. You can never go wrong when you layer a sweater vest over an oversized white shirt!
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2. Or Go For an Oversized Sweater Vest
You can also look for thick, comfy knits that are perfect for layering in the winter or snuggling up at home.
When going for an oversized sweater vest, consider sizing up one or two sizes that your perfect size and then pair it with a white button-up and black leggings or jeans. It’s the easiest way to look super chic while still feeling like you’re in loungewear.
Just to emphasize, you actually want this layer (your oversized sweater vest, that is) to be somewhat boxy as opposed to formfitting.
When you go looser and airier — but also chunkier and likely warmer, your style is likely to grab attention if you’re into a more cozy look.
When wearing an oversized sweater, make sure the rest of your outfit, including your shirt is well-fitting.
You can pair it with skinny jeans or black leather pants, or add a belt to your waist to further define your figure, and prevent your curves from being overwhelmed under too much fabric.
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Style Tips…
You can also layer your sweater vest over an oversized dress shirt and finish the look with your favorite boots. This look is still proportional, comfortable, and good to go!
Just make sure your sweater vest is more structured and not too loose because a baggy, oversized sweater vest plus a baggy, oversized shirt is just too much bagginess!
3. V-Necks are Great!
The most popular sweater vests are going to be V-necks. Yes, they tend to be the most versatile of the bunch, since most white shirts are collared so they allow your clean collar to be detailed beautifully around your neck.
Style Tip…
V-necks are great, but turtlenecks, even more stylish. They are more passable as a regular sweater top hence offer a complete look quickly.
3. Wear A Sweater Vest Over A White Shirtdress
Layering shirt dresses or button-down shirts under a well-fitting cropped sweater vest is an especially popular look this season.
Leave the sleeves down or scrunched before finishing off the look with an edgy pair of long boots and a leather bag. Cheers to the ultimate sophistication!
You can always nail this look by wearing an oversized sweater vest over your shirtdress before finishing with a pair of long leather boots.
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4. Finish with Long Boots
Whether flat or heeled, a pair of tall boots can go a long way in upping your wardrobe potential.
An oversized sweater vest layered with a shirt looks stunning with boots for winter wear. They are also super practical and effective for keeping warm.
This look is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, especially when worn with dressy boots like over-the-knee boots. To finish off the look, add a high-end fashion crossbody purse and statement beret hat. Et voila!
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5. Pair with Jeans
Sweater vests look equally good with nice blue jeans or trousers, with the shirt tucked in or left out (as long as the shirttail isn’t especially long).
Skip the athletic shoes and dress them with a chic pair of heels for a more classy look.
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Style Tip…
Go for cable knit sweater vests, usually with ribbed hems and made with organic cotton. These look so subtly chic.
6. Or Black Leather Pants
Another favorite way to wear a sweater vest over a shirt is to pair it with a pair of black leather pants. For this edgy look, opt for a cropped sweater vest or a slightly oversized sweater vest and tuck it in at the front.
Reach for a white button-down underneath the vest and add some stylish high heels or boots.
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Ready to get dressed? A sweater vest is a good place to start.
Think of it as an accessory that keeps you warm. Wear it with any outfit that has long sleeves and a light fabric on the top half: a skirt, pair of jeans, or even, a long-sleeved dress shirt.
Being solid and boxy in shape, the sweater vest defines the silhouette and smartens you up.
