OK, so we know that you probably have an awkward relationship with sweater vests. A recurring nightmare, perhaps, where you wake up in this dreaded item of your youth and simply can’t take it off. But hold on to that thought, because right about now a sweater vest is the top for all seasons. It’s the ultimate fashion comeback!
The Awkward History Of The Sweater Vest
Fact is, for the longest time a sweater vest was basically the top-half equivalent of white socks – awkward to wear, reputation-ruining to be seen in. But the truth is that your former knitwear nemesis has been cropping up on runways for some time now. It’s time to banish your Chandler Bing from Friends nightmare and replace it with that Cher from Clueless style fantasy.
The Return Of The Sweater Vest
From the ’90s onwards, the sweater vest has appeared on the runway for fashion houses including Dior, Prada, Givenchy and more. Having moved from drab to damn, your sweater vest will now come in bold colour and pattern, with a big flex in fabric and logo mania. In recent seasons the quirky attire has made its way to some of the most talked about shows in recent seasons, courtesy of JW Anderson, Jill Sander and more, while the likes of Tyler The Creator and ASAP Rocky have all jumped on the trend.
How To Wear Your Sweater Vest
The perfect unisex item, it may have been traditionally designed for the cooler months buit it’s now a year-round classic. Wear it over tees, shirts, heck, even a light sweater. As Gigi Hadid proved earlier this month, it might have felt like the hottest summer ever in New York City, but the model paired it with high-waisted jeans, a bucket hat and sneakers for style success.
But while traditional sweater vest logic may dictate it to be worn over something, the biggest swerve you can likely make is to go commando. What can we say, the rules are what you want them to be at this stage so it’s best we just all get on board and embrace the sweet madness. The only question remains around style. SS/23 shows from both Kenzo and Dior saw the return of the sweater vest (sans anything underneath) with Kenzo going for a heavier-knit collegiate style, while the latter opted for a more fitted silhouette. Nobody cared about the itch. The itch is good.
So, yeah, sweater vests are back, that’s just something we all need to accept at this point. Perhaps treat it as therapy via fashion, cancelling your old mouldering resentments towards the garment and replacing those bad memories with positive, fashion-forward additions to your wardrobe. A go-to top that adds colour and depth to pretty much any outfit all-year round? We’re here for that. No sweat.
