Easy Hacks for the Sweater Vest
Vests are having a moment. Especially the sweater vest. While we love grandpas, we don’t want to dress like one, so how on earth do you style a sweater vest without looking like a grandpa? We asked five eco-stylists for their views on our favourite, but tricky winter trend, to help elevate your winter look.
Keep It Traditional
Nina, Stylist and Founder of Eco Styles
“Wear this look with the top shirt button done up. Take a scarf and tie it around your collar like a tie, finishing with a bow at the front. Alternatively, instead of using a scarf, you can pin a brooch above the buttoned-up top button. For more intrigue, combine both the scarf and brooch by pinning the brooch after you’ve made a bow or simply pinning both sides of the scarf together.”
Go 70s Vibes
Kate, Founder of The Clothing Exchange and Sustainable Lifestyle
“An elongated, tailored vest in a muted tone or classic black can raise the tone of a basic tee and jeans. Or a tailored, 70’s-inspired denim vest can be a versatile piece to add style and warmth over a striped knit. You can even take the traditional waist-coat style vest and leave it unbuttoned ajar and belt it in place with thin, tan leather. Nowadays knit vests come in the chunky roll-neck variety, which looks great over slender, tailored pants.”
Triple Hack
Simone, Stylist and Founder of Style with Soul
“I love a (sweater) vest for winter and transeasonal weather. They can add warmth, texture, personality and help enhance the silhouette.
What I love about a vest is that it can add the warmth without the bulk. Simply build from a thin layer of a shirt, blouse or turtleneck add the vest and top with a jacket or coat.
I’m also always encouraging my clients to add a third piece to an outfit as it can help elevate it to a more styled look and a vest is an easy third addition over pants or skirt and a shirt. It can be that pop of colour, a statement piece over your much-loved basics or help to connect another element of an outfit to streamline your look.”
Suit Yourself
Faye, Eco Stylist and Salvos Thrift Stylist
“I like to think outside the box with my styling so I encourage you to do the same. How could you see second-hand clothing differently?
Shop the men’s section at your local thrift store. Keep an eye out for vests, especially if they are part of a suit like this beautiful wool/cashmere British find.
Cinch the waist to bring some femme feels, a little peep of a lace bra can look alluring too.
Be creative and muse on ways to make your look one of a kind.
I grabbed 5 men’s ties in the same colour palette, then draped and pinned them to deliver a cool asymmetrical detail. Add a coat for the cool weather.
To keep this look, simple, relaxed and effortless…remove the ties and belt, add white high tops and a boxy suit jacket for a more rancho relaxed street style vibe”
Dress It Up
Natacha, Stylist and Founder of Style Me Natacha
“For something different, you can style them over a dress. Choose a soft feminine style and throw it over a silk or satin dress to keep the girly vibe. You can also add a belt to cinch the waist, some killer heels and statement jewellery. There you have a perfect date night outfit!”
For more styling advice, check out How to Put Your Capsule Wardrobe Together.
