Eyeing new trends? I've been watching this sweater vest trend for the last year or so……and these? Some ideas about different ways to style one and what to wear with a sweater vest that is probably already in your closet.

Oops.  I did it.  I'm not going to lie, as I watched all these knit sweater vest options come back onto the market…..I swore I wouldn't wear one again.  Sweater vests were in style when I was in my teens and……did I REALLY WANT TO WEAR ONE AGAIN?  But, I gave in.  I'm going to tell you, this has become my favorite layering piece of the year.  It's the perfect option for creating a stylish outfit that has a classic look from pieces you probably already own.

Now, let's get one thing straight.  These ideas? Are more mature styling options with higher quality pieces.  At this point in my life? I'm looking for timeless pieces I love on my pear shaped body.  From great jeans (I even have custom fit jeans) to high quality joggers…..I'm all about the pieces I can mix and match for years to come.  From teacher outfits to vacation looks, I find myself reaching for the same pieces over and over again and because of that? I'm happy to invest in things that will last and wear well (including this oversized sweater vest that was worth every penny).

Shop the Best Sweater Vests:

What to Wear with a Sweater Vest

I bought this sweater vest on a whim over the holidays, and I have to be honest….it sat in my closet for awhile.  I wasn't super sure how to style it.  In fact, I almost returned it.  I wore it first to take these pictures, and then……couldn't STOP.  I wore it three times within a week and started to really enjoy trying different sweater vest outfits.

These? My top 3 ways I've styled my v-neck sweater vest. I hope they inspire you to mix and match your pieces and to give some old favorites a new life!

Casual: My number one and the most easy way to style my sweater vest? Skinny jeans, a white t-shirt or a black shirt (you could do any neutral color) and my favorite white sneakers or cream sneakers.  I love that this uses pieces I own, and gives a totally fresh look to my basics.

Edgy: A great way to add a little mature edge when you are wondering what to wear with a sweater vest? The faux leather joggers I styled in these pictures? So much fun.  I paired them with a black slightly oversized shirt and my favorite loafers.  I love seeing the long sleeves of the top add a little contrast and this is perfect for fall vibes or even into very early spring when the weather is still cool.  You can obviously add different colors or bright colors by changing the shirt (even a white button-down shirt or a patterned blouse for a retro vibe).

Pop of Color: Now, this sleeveless knit vest tends to be more of a neutral piece…..but it's a great addition to wear with a fun long-sleeved dress.  The simple cream vest looks great over a patterned, or bright colored dress.  I wore mine with a polka dots dress and ankle boots and it was so much fun!

All in all? I love that this neutral piece adds a fun edge or trendy option to the basic pieces I already own.  It's a nice, slightly warmer layer and changes the look of my favorite layering pieces.  I love this as a transitional weather outfit option!

I hope that this helped you to figure out what to wear with a sweater vest!