Best in Vest

I’ve always been a fan of the endlessly versatile vest. You can wear most alone, sure, but my preference is with a t-shirt, turtleneck, or blouse beneath, depending on the occasion, weather, and shape of the vest itself. Sweater vests are definitely making a comeback this season, and I’m hoping that this bleeds into more structured menswear-inspired options in the coming seasons as well.

Here are my picks for the best vests available now, at various price points. Enjoy!

BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN Cicilla Vest, $279 (also here)

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I am all about novelty sweaters, which probably explains why I’m so into this BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN sweater vest. There are limited sizes on different sites (because it’s awesome), but currently in S and M on the BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN website and XS, L, and XL on Shopbop, so I’ve got all the sizes covered between the two sites. Looking for more vests with fun patterns? This Veronica Beard Helenka vest is so great, as is this cropped Ulla Johnson number.

Stella Pardo Crocheted Sweater Vest, $310

My favorite sweater of all time is a Stella Pardo because she makes good stuff, as evidenced by the greatness of this vest. I love that it is totally retro-chic and interesting on its own, but also allows a printed blouse or shirt to be its costar. I’m buying immediately and you should too. And as a bonus, here’s another Stella Pardo vest that I love nearly as much. Finally, because I can’t help myself, here’s a super affordable — on sale $29.99! — open knit vest found at Urban Outfitters.

Lattelier Cashmere Vest, $228

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This is one of the best oversized vests I’ve come across, and I love how it’s styled both in the cream with the contrasting shirt and pants and in the tonal beige. I’d wear either with an untucked blouse, straight legged pants and a chunky loafer. Like the vest but not the price tag? Consider this great, super affordable version from H&M.

Cable Knit Turtleneck Vest, $98 and Whipstiched Vest, $98

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These two Anthropologie vests are all about casual coolness, and I particularly love the cable knit vest styled with a denim-on-denim look. The homespun-esque details on the whipstitched vest are special and would also look so good with denim-on-denim. It’s basically a perfect outfit for the early fall when jackets aren’t quite necessary yet.

Zara Denim Vest, $45.90 and Slvrlake Denim Vest, $400

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I love a denim vest paired with a dress, a skirt and blouse, or even more denim in a different wash. The affordable Zara cropped vest is such a great option, but also into the oversize-ness and darker wash of the Slvrlake option.

MUNTHE Roby Vest, $215

This is another oversized vest that’s just perfectly styled with that turtleneck bodysuit and Vince textured trousers. The slightly capped sleeves and ribbed texture make it simple, special and spurge-worthy all at once, but if you can’t pay that price, H&M has a vest with a similar silhouette for $24.99.

RE/Done Sweater Vest, $315 and & Other Stories Floral Button Vest, $69

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You can’t really do a vest roundup without the traditional buttoned sweater vest, and these are my high/low favorites. That cable knit on RE/Done vest is calling to me, but really love the floral buttons and color versatility on that cool navy & Other Stories version.

Menswear Inspired Vest, Various Prices

My opinions obviously carry no weight in the fashion world, but I think menswear vests are going to come back as a natural extension to the sweater vest reemergence. I love menswear pieces, and love how they work all buttoned up under a blazer or open and loose over a pretty prairie dress. The pickings on the inter web are honestly a little slim right now, and what is available is often has limited sizing availability, so I posted a bunch of my favorites at various price points.

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That’s all for me!