We Tried It: Fall’s Suddenly-Everywhere Sweater Vest Trend

Four Kit staffers, four different looks

It’s always fascinating to see a piece of clothing we once saw exclusively on our grandparents turn out to be the coolest item of the season. The latest revival? The sweater vest. It first made its presence felt during the Fall 2020 collections of Gucci, Dior and Marc Jacobs, and then slowly crept onto every social media star this spring. The Kit team was instantly convinced of its styling power—and its versatility.

 

The street style inspo

For Fall 2021, the sweater vest went full-throttle. While Louis Vuitton and Max Mara shared luxe knit versions of the nerdy-chic item, Virginie Viard showcased the dreamiest chunky cable-knit sweater vest at the Chanel Métier d’Art show. Contemporary brands quickly followed suit. Alexa Chung, Ganni, Oak & Fort and Aritzia all have versions of the sweater vest to add-to-cart this season.

 

The runway look

Chanel Metier d’Arts 2021, Max Mara Fall 2021, Louis Vuitton Fall 2021

The Item

We  particularly love Aritzia’s take on the trend, the Sunday Best Winston vest (which comes in 11 colours!) Four Kit staffers picked a colour and styled their sweater vest according to their personal style. Take a look. 

 

LAURA TABAR, social media editor

First impressions:Although a vest isn’t something I typically go for with my curvier body shape (I feel like it can add volume to areas I don’t want), this vest didn’t feel as bulky as the ones I’ve tried in the past.”
The look: “I went with a monochromatic vibe and styled it with one of my dad’s white shirts that was long enough to wear as a dress. I finished off the look with a sleek high pony, a red lip and some white-heeled boots. This look definitely brought me back to my uniformed high school days, but in a much cooler, trendier way. I ended up wearing this outfit out to dinner with friends and felt super cute.”
The verdict: “It’s a great piece to wear out in the evening because you can dress it up without having to do too much. Note: This sweater was larger than I originally had in mind, so next time, I’d size down or go for a cropped version to suit my body shape more.” 

 

EBONI SKEETE, editorial intern

First impressions: “I don’t typically go for sweater vests, as my everyday style is very minimal and monochromatic (think Kim Kardashian’s love for a muted colour palette), so it was a step out of my comfort zone to wear something something so bright and pink.”
The look: “I aimed for a casual, preppy look by layering the vest with a short-sleeved collared top and a fitted patterned skirt. For accessories, I added small chunky hoop earrings and put my hair into a half-up-half-down style for a feminine touch.”
The verdict: “I haven’t worn this look out yet as I’m holding onto my summer wardrobe as long as possible, but I plan on wearing it when I’m back on campus or even on a relaxed study day at a café.”

 

RENÉE TSE, The Kit Chinese Edition editor

First impressions: “Although I was initially worried about how oversized it was going to be and how bold the red could be, I was surprised how light and versatile this vest actually is.” 
The look: “Since I’ve been in an air cast the majority of the summer (I tore my achilles during the Canada Day long weekend), I wanted to put together a bright-looking outfit to prove that a cast cannot stop me from looking and feeling good! I layered my sweater vest with a white linen shirt and French-tucked it into a pair of high-waisted denim culottes to give my body some shape. I finished off with black suede booties for that extra lift–physically and emotionally.” 
The verdict:
I’ve already got my eyes on the striped green version–just waiting for them to restock.” 

 

CHRISTINA ARMANIOUS, editorial intern

First impressions: “I’m happy the vest ended up fitting a bit on the baggier side because it gives me more ways to style it. Overall, the quality of the vest is amazing and the wool is so warm and cozy for fall.”
The look: “I’m someone who loves to leave the house a little more dressed up. (I once went on a tour in the forest wearing Chinese Laundry heels and a tight-ribbed skirt!)  For this challenge, I styled my vest with a cheetah print skirt, a pair of leather combat boots and a cheetah print coat. I finished off with a bejewelled silver belt and layered on silver necklaces and bracelets.”
The verdict: “I think everybody needs at least one sweater vest in their wardrobe. It’s such an easy garment to layer with and will automatically make you look like you put a lot of effort into your outfit—even if you really didn’t. I know I’ll wear this look a lot on campus this fall.” 

Shop the trend 

AritziaAritzia Sunday Best Winston Vest, $88, aritzia.com
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