Sweater Vests Are the Cozy Multitaskers of the Closet—Here Are 10 To Layer Up With All Year Round

Hot take: We’re all in on the sweater vest revival. Maybe it’s the Emma Chamberlain-effect or just their versatile look that can go from preppy to retro with only a few minor tweaks, but we can’t stopping stocking our closets with these cozy multitaskers. They’re the ultimate layering piece—easily styled over a long sleeve or a chunky sweater, then finished off with a coat for extra warmth when it gets chilly. Once spring and summer roll back around, you can always wear one as is to keep things breezy in the heat.

Tl;dr—there’s no reason not to have a closet stacked with sweater vests. Lucky for you, you don’t have to venture far off to find the perfect one. Below are the best sweater vests to layer up with this fall (and all year round!) from brand faves like Free People, Cos, and more.

10 sweater vests you’ll love layering up in (or wearing alone)

Best overall

Gap, CashSoft Sweater Vest — $44.00

Originally $50, now $44

Sizes available: XXS—XXL

This Gap sweater vest is made of a cotton, nylon, and acrylic blend that feels so incredibly soft, you wouldn’t believe it’s not cashmere. The lightweight material is warm, but just thin enough to sport any time of year—perfect for layering under sweaters and coats without bulkiness. The vest hangs just off the shoulders, giving it a casual, relaxed silhouette that you’ll want to wear again and again. “Love the soft fabric and shape of this vest!” says one 5-star reviewer, “[it’s] versatile for any outfit.”

Colors: Heather gray, cobblestone beige, and true black.

Pros

• Cashmere-like material
• Lightweight feel
• Neutral colors
• Relaxed fit

Cons

• Runs loose

Best bright sweater vest

Cos, Regular Fit Mohair Knitted Tank — $120.00

Sizes available: XS—L

This Cos sweater vest is the epitome of dopamine dressing. The neon green color way is an instant mood booster, and adds a pop of color to any outfit. In the cold fall and winter air, the vest’s mohair and merino wool blend brings the heat, locking in warmth and cozy softness—and is still lightweight enough to wear all year round.

Colors: Bright green.

Pros

• Uplifting colors
• Warm merino wool/mohair blend
• Fitted hem

Cons

• Limited sizing

Best button-up sweater vest

Urban Outfitters, Paige Textured Sweater Vest — $55.00

Sizes available: XS—XL

If you’re looking to have a “Meg Ryan Fall,” you’ll want this Urban Outfitters sweater vest in your closet. It uses a mix of super cozy wool and recycled fibers to get that thick, knitted texture that’s perfect for this time of year. And unlike other winter clothes that can veer too bulky, the Paige Vest features a ribbed trim and button front that gives it a more fitted look. Wear it buttoned up for maximum warmth, or keep it open to show off the garment underneath.

Colors: Gray, ivory, tan, and lavender.

Pros

• Button front
• Warm, ribbed texture
• Recycled fibers

Cons

• Runs small

Best neutral sweater vest

Madewell, Bouclé Sweater Vest — $50.00

Originally $70, now $50

Sizes available: XXS—XXL (select sizes sold out)

We can’t get enough bouclé in our home decor, so naturally we’re loving it on this Madewell Sweater Vest. The yarn is super soft, and just the kind of texture you want on your body when the cold weather kicks in. We love that the crew-neck vest has ever-so-slightly extended shoulders, giving it a muscle tee look for a little edge. One 5-star reviewer writes that it was love at first sight with this sweater vest: “[It’s] so cute dressed up or down and perfect paired with a neckerchief.” Note: select sizes are selling like hot cakes—so you might want to snag yours before it’s gone!

Colors: Deep indigo and heather brownstone.

Pros 

• Soft, bouclé yarn
• Extended shoulders
• Cropped fit

Cons 

• Limited sizing from selling out

Best lightweight sweater vest

Free People, Gambit Sweater Vest — $98.00

Sizes available: XS—XLMade of a lightweight cotton and acrylic blend, Free People’s Gambit Vest is a closet staple for styling solo or on top of your other winter gear. It features a casual, slouchy fit along with textured knit detail that functions as a cool, modern twist on the classic, menswear-inspired sweater vests. Plus, the creamy ivory hue is an easy complement to any outfit.

Colors: Ivory and black.

Pros 

• Slouchy, relaxed fit
• Textured knit detailing
  
• V-neck design

Best patterned sweater vest

English Factory, Check Sweater Vest — $80.00

Sizes available: XS—L

For a more colorful take on the old-school sweater vest style, check out this one from English Factory. The thick, plush knit has a soft, toasty feel, while offering plenty of runway for layering sweaters underneath. What’s more, the sweater vest’s lilac hue and playful checked print pattern gives it a playful look that’s just what we need to counter the cold—and sometimes dreary—fall and winter days.

Colors: Lilac multi.

Pros 

• Relaxed, layer-friendly fit
• Playful color and pattern
• Plush

Cons

• Limited sizing

Best hooded sweater vest

Anthropologie, Cropped Sherpa Vest — $98.00

Sizes available: One size (fits S—L according to reviews)

If your favorite hoodie and a sweater vest had a baby, it would look something like Anthropologie’s Cropped Sherpa Vest. The warm, marshmallow sherpa material feels like you’re wearing a throw blanket, but the cropped silhouette, hidden buttoned neckline, and hood make it a totally functional fashion choice for fall and winter. “I just got this vest in the mail. The material is so soft and luxurious,” writes one 5-star reviewer, “The vest is especially pretty with the buttons being unbuttoned.” We love a vest that can do both!

Colors: Black and ivory.

Pros 

• Toasty sherpa material
• Hooded
• Versatile button details

Cons

• Limited singular sizing

Best crochet sweater vest

Ayni, Zeida Pima Cotton Sweater Vest — $112.00

Originally $280, now $112 Sizes available: XS—L

If you really want to lean into the sweater vests’ retro roots, look no further than Ayni’s Zeida sweater vest. The crochet inspired sweater vest is giving serious Woodstock energy and would pair perfectly with denim flares and a thermal top in the fall and winter. The pima cotton material is uber soft, but definitely should be layered during the colder months to ward off the chill.

Colors: Vanilla/ginger.

Pros 

• Retro style
• Fitted silhouette

Cons

• Seasonal (unless you’re layering)
• Limited sizes from selling out

Best splurge

Wendy Wurtzburger and Marcella Volini for Anthropologie, Flower Fisherman Sweater Vest — $298.00

Sizes available: XXS—XL

This gorgeous sweater vest reimagines the vintage, fisherman style with stunning botanical embroidery. Made of a cotton and polyester knit in a timeless cable knit pattern for peak warmth and comfort, the Flower Fisherman Sweater Vest features dainty embroidered flowers along the front, with a statement-making floral design on the back—all masterfully done by hand. So yeah, it’s a bit of a splurge, but consider it a family heirloom!

Colors: Ivory.

Pros 

• Hand-embroidered details
• Cable knit design

Cons

• Expensive
• Runs large

Best budget

Wild Fable, Women’s Oversized Sweater Vest — $26.00

Sizes available: XS—XXL

If you want to dip your toe into the sweater vest trend without breaking the bank to do it, get Wild Fable’s Oversized Sweater Vest from Target. It’s made with a mid-weight cotton and acrylic blend that’ll keep you warm but not sweaty (another reason to pull it out during the spring!) And the color-block accents along the neckline and hem give the cable knit pattern a playful, modern twist. Target shoppers love it too! “Absolutely love the vest, [it’s] so fashionable and it’s soft,” writes one 5-star reviewer, “Washed it a couple times the color doesn’t fade and the fit is loose but absolutely can wear over a shirt.”

Colors: 7 different colors and patterns.

Pros 

• Mid-weight and layer-friendly
• Colorful and vibrant
• Affordable

Cons

• Runs large

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