The Sweater Vest: Uniform Fashion Becomes Everyday Wear
Image Courtesy: Strike FSU
Thrifted fashion has been making its way to the top of the fashion game. More and more people are going to thrift stores to find their latest statement pieces. Sometimes, people find brand names like Levi’s, Louis Vuitton, and Free People. A new thrifted piece that seems to be making its way into the everyday wear scene is the sweater vest. Now, I know what you’re thinking, what in the point dexter are you talking about? But, I’m serious. Sweater vests are back and better than ever.
If you ever went to a private school you may have had to wear a sweater vest. A simple addition to your uniform that you most likely didn’t think was very cute. This piece of clothing may have been seemingly unfashionable and maybe even uncomfortable at the time, but today, even the trendiest celebrities are wearing. Most memorably worn by influencers like Bella Hadid and Emma Chamberlain who have been spotted walking the streets of Los Angeles and New York City is their uniform fashion.
I know I never thought that a sweater vest would become a part of my wardrobe, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t buy one at the thrift store the other day. Even some popular fashion brands like Shein, Forever21, and Boohoo have been releasing their own sweater vests. Now, this style is a very specific kind of chic; one might say prep school chic. That being said, there are many different ways to style a sweater vest to make it one of the most versatile and fashion-forward pieces of clothing you own.
The first way to style the sweater vest is to just wear it as a shirt. Pairing it with a nice pair of Dickies that match a color in the vest can give you a skater-chic look. Another casual way to wear is to put a t-shirt underneath and wearing it with a pair of jeans. The t-shirt can be any color, but a classic white crewneck tee looks great. One last way to style the sweater vest is a little bit more sophisticated and classic, but it is my favorite way that I have seen: wearing a white button-down or polo underneath and with a tennis skirt as the bottoms. Since tennis skirts have come back into fashion, pairing these two pieces together will make you look the absolute trendiest.
One of the great things about the sweater vest is that it has no gender. This piece of clothing can be worn and styled in any way, making it a must-have piece in your closet. Since these are a common find at thrift stores, you don’t have to spend a fortune on a Ralph Lauren sweater vest. You can find one for cheap and style it the way you want. I know this piece is a little bit unconventional, but I am trying to step outside of my fashion comfort zone. I know when I put on the sweater vest I am not going to look exactly like Emma Chamberlain, but I think this is a great way to start. Not to mention, winter is around the corner! I may live in Florida where seasons don’t exist, but that isn’t going to stop me from putting on a sweater and feeling trendy. So, if you are looking to do the same stop by your nearest thrift, pick up a sweater vest, and style it to the nines.
Strike Out,
Writer: Kayla Gallagher
Editor: Lexi Fernandez
Graphics: Abbey Fleming
Tallahassee