E! Illustration/Photo Credit: Taylor DoedtmanThere are few sartorial pieces as quintessential to fall as knitwear. But for fall 2026, one piece is proving cooler—and more versatile—than the rest: the sweater vest.
Once synonymous with school uniforms and grandpa-core aesthetics, stars—like Olivia Rodrigo or Hailey Bieber—are bringing preppy sweater vests back for fall, but with a more modern point of view.
Knit vests can be intimidating—posistioned between several aesthetics like preppy Ivy League vibes and ’70s nostalgia—but styling one isn’t as hard as it sounds.
To break down the best ways to wear a sweater vest, we turned to celebrity stylist Sammie Moussallam, who has spent 15 years dressing stars, including members of the Real Housewives.
Ahead, Moussallam breaks down his best pro tips for wearing sweater vests this fall and winter, including what to shop for, what to wear underneath, how to avoid looking bulky, and more quintessential tricks his celebrity clientele typically pay for, but we got for free. You’re welcome!
Top 3 Sweater Vest Styling Tips for Fall:
- If the base layer is patterned, choose a solid vest: If the base layer is plain, let the vest carry the pattern.
- Balance proportions: If the vest is roomy, add structure with tailored trousers or a fitted top beneath, like a turtleneck.
- Play with versatility: Dress down a tailored vest with casual jeans, or elevate the piece with crisp button-down for the office.
The stylist likes a sweater vest for layering season, as it’s good “for creating a very specific layered look,” he says.
“A vest provides some of the visual language of tailoring without requiring someone to commit to a full suit,” Moussallam tells E! Insider in an exclusive interview.
“The sweater vest is [good] as a styling piece for transitional layering,” Sammie tells E!. Meaning we’re approaching peak sweater season with autumn trends already arriving. So, don’t delay, find out how to make the cozy trend your own.
How to Shop for Sweater Vests
“I’d shop for versatility first,” says Sammie. He recommends “a slightly relaxed, not-too-long V-neck” that can easily layer over shirts and tees or under a jacket.
Fabric type matters, too. “Wool or wool blends are the best for genuine fall warmth and a more elevated appearance. Merino is especially nice if you want something relatively lightweight.“
Cotton is lighter while cashmere is warmer for the season, but usually pricier.
The trend doesn’t have to be expensive. “Acrylic or synthetic blends are often more affordable and can hold bold colors and patterns well,” says Sammie. “I’d prioritize the hand feel and construction over the fiber label alone.”
Whatever your budget, prioritize quality. “For quality finishing, check the ribbing around the neckline and hem, whether the knit feels dense and resilient, and whether it loses its shape when stretched.”
Brands like Quince and Aritzia are known for affordable cashmere options. Or make the trend sustainable by shopping a vintage style—either way, money is no object over this trend.
Shop Sweater Vests for Fall
GU Rib Stitched Knitted Vest
The stylist advises that “a slightly relaxed, not-too-long V-neck” sweater vest works with everything from a button-up to a T-shirt underneath, and easily layers a coat on top.
Quince Australian Merino Wool Cable Sweater Vest
“Merino is especially nice if you want something relatively lightweight,” he tells E!. With its oversized fit and volume, pair it with a slim base layer to keep the look balanced. Now half-priced.
Winter Classic Black Floral Sweater Vest
Perfect for preppy back-to-school style, follow the stylist’s simple rule of thumb: “If the base layer is patterned, choose a solid vest; if the base layer is plain, you can let the vest carry the pattern.”
Free People Drop Stitch Cotton Vest
The stylist likes cotton sweater vests because “it’s breathable and tends to have a cleaner, less fuzzy appearance.” This Free People option is an easy boho option ahead of sweater season.
Aritzia Cotton Charm™ Basque Sweater Vest
“For a more conservative workplace, stick to solids or subtle stripes,” advises Moussallam. This on-sale pick from Aritzia feels both nautical for summer, as well as polished for fall.
AE Cropped Cable Knit Sweater Vest
This under-$30 option marries two knit trends in one: cable cord knitting with soft fuzzy texture. Per the stylist, pair with jeans and a fitted tee for a cozy-but-cute ensemble.
n
“,
“name”: “AE Cropped Cable Knit Sweater Vest”,
“images”: [
“https://akns-images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20260822/567c4796-9ecb-441a-969e-d7f058003324_1787413873.jpg”
],
“offers”: [
{
“@type”: “Offer”,
“url”: “https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=lWWBEtqr4JA&mid=54135&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ae.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fp%2Fwomen%2Ftops%2Fsweaters-cardigans%2Fae-cropped-cable-knit-sweater-vest%2F1341_1967_613%3F”,
“price”: “23.97”,
“priceCurrency”: “USD”
}
]
}
