fall trend spotlight: a closer look at sweater vests

Growing up, my favorite television series was Friends, and my favorite character was the ever so sarcastic Chandler Bing. While I quote him often, I never thought that I would be copying his signature look- the sweater vest. Yes, prepare yourselves because this Fall, everyone is sporting this 90s icon’s most famous look. 

FRIENDS -- "The One With The Thumb" Episode 103 -- Pictured: (l-r) Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing -- (Photo by: Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Featured on the fall 2020 runways of Dior, Prada, and Gucci, sweater vests are now a favorite among the most fashionable celebrities, influencers, and thrift store goers. The sweater vest invokes an interesting sense of gender neutrality where the lines of masculinity and femininity are not so definite. Fashion is an important tool for carving out a space where individuals can experiment with their identities. As these lines between gender continue to blur, a sweater vest is the perfect fall trend to try to achieve the sought-after masculine-feminine duality. 

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 12: Harry Styles seen out and about in Manhattan on November 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images)

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 20: Bella Hadid is seen during Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2020-2021 on February 20, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)

It’s easy to see the appeal of the sweater vest- its practical, nostalgic and, above all, versatile. Perfect for the transitional weather, this nineties staple gives off a relaxed and carefree vibe along with that vintage feel that everyone is craving. With every shopper’s ongoing quest for both comfort and style, the sweater vest is everything we need in our post lockdown wardrobes.

Instagram: @matildadjerf 

Posted on August 26 2020

Versatility is another draw as a sweater vest can be easily added to any outfit. One can layer their sweater vest on an oversized, collared dress shirt and pair it with a mini skirt for an effortlessly chic look. Throw it on top of a plain white tee and put on your favorite denim, layer with your comfiest turtleneck and don a pair of sleek trousers… the possibilities are endless- and most of all- stylish. So whether you are channeling your inner Bella Hadid, your inner Harry Styles, or both… be sure to add a sweater vest to your knitwear collection this fall.

Instagram: @delaneychilds

Posted on September 28 2020

Riley Kubaska