We Asked a Stylist, How Do You Make a Sweater Vest Look Good?

Disney Store Unveils Spooky Nightmare Before Christmas Drop; The White Jeans You’ll Want to Wear Past Labor Day; and more from E! Insider Shop ...

August 25, 2026 View Online  E! may get a commission on purchases. Learn more. Sweater vests are officially back for fall 2026, with Olivia Rodrigo and Hailey Bieber giving the once-grandpa-core staple a modern it girl update. Equal parts preppy, ’70s-inspired and Y2K, the knit is also one of the season’s easiest ways to layer without piling on bulk. To help us master the trend, celebrity stylist Sammie Moussallam, who has 15 years of experience dressing stars, including members of The Real Housewives, shared his expert tricks for choosing the right vest, balancing proportions and styling the piece for everything from the office to an off-duty weekend. Sweater vests are officially back for fall 2026, with Olivia Rodrigo and Hailey Bieber giving the once-grandpa-core staple a modern it girl update. Equal parts preppy, ’70s-inspired and Y2K, the knit is also one of the season’s easiest ways to layer without piling on bulk. To help us master the trend, celebrity stylist Sammie Moussallam, who has 15 years of experience dressing stars, including members of The Real Housewives, shared his expert tricks for choosing the right vest, balancing proportions and styling the piece for everything from the office to an off-duty weekend. READ MORE If you’re investing in just one sweater vest this fall, make it a style that works overtime. Moussallam recommends shopping for versatility first, especially a slightly relaxed, not-too-long V-neck that can go over tees and button-downs or underneath a jacket. If you’re investing in just one sweater vest this fall, make it a style that works overtime. Moussallam recommends shopping for versatility first, especially a slightly relaxed, not-too-long V-neck that can go over tees and button-downs or underneath a jacket. 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 under a coat. 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 under a coat. SHOP NOW 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. "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. SHOP NOW 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. 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. SHOP NOW Ready to make your knit the main character? Argyle, Fair Isle, checks, stripes and color-blocked styles are all on Moussallam’s radar for fall 2026. Keep everything else simple and let your statement vest steal the show. Ready to make your knit the main character? Argyle, Fair Isle, checks, stripes and color-blocked styles are all on Moussallam’s radar for fall 2026. Keep everything else simple and let your statement vest steal the show. 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. "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. SHOP NOW AE Cropped Cable Knit Sweater Vest This under-$30 option marries two knit trends in one: cable-knit with soft fuzzy texture. Per the stylist, pair with jeans and a fitted tee for a cozy-but-cute ensemble. This under-$30 option marries two knit trends in one: cable-knit with soft fuzzy texture. Per the stylist, pair with jeans and a fitted tee for a cozy-but-cute ensemble. SHOP NOW 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 a crisp button-down for the office. Disney Store Unveils Spooky Nightmare Before Christmas Drop READ → The White Jeans You’ll Want to Wear Past Labor Day READ → Molly Sims Just Launched A Peptide Moisturizer After Brand Rename READ → The Next Celebrity Shoe Trend Is... Going As Barefoot As Possible READ → Download the E! News App Real-Time Deal Alerts & Trending Finds You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up for E! Insider Shop. If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, click here to unsubscribe.    Manage Subscriptions | Contact| Privacy Policy   E! Entertainment Television, LLC.  10 Universal City Plaza Universal City, CA 91608