Celebrity stylist Sammie Moussallam, who has spent 15 years dressing stars including cast members of the Real Housewives reality television franchise, has outlined key advice for styling sweater vests as the collegiate knitwear trend returns for fall 2026. Speaking in an exclusive interview with digital lifestyle outlet E! Insider on August 22, 2026, Moussallam explained how to modernize the preppy garment, select quality fabrics, and layer outfits without adding unwanted bulk.
Celebrities such as singer Olivia Rodrigo and fashion influencer Hailey Bieber have helped propel the sweater vest back into mainstream autumn wardrobes. Once closely associated with traditional school uniforms and grandpa-core aesthetics, the piece is being repurposed with a modern perspective that blends 1970s nostalgia with Ivy League preppy style.
Moussallam noted that knit vests serve as an ideal styling piece for transitional layering during unpredictable early autumn weather, when temperatures swing between chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and cool evenings. "The sweater vest is [good] as a styling piece for transitional layering," Moussallam told E! Insider, adding that "a vest provides some of the visual language of tailoring without requiring someone to commit to a full suit." He explained that vests provide practical insulation around the torso while leaving arms unrestricted, making them easy to layer underneath coats or remove during daytime errands, brunch, and city walks.
Core Styling Rules and Proportions
To keep sweater vest outfits balanced, Moussallam shared three foundational rules. First, if the base layer features a pattern, the vest should remain solid, whereas a plain base layer allows the vest to carry a pattern. "If the base layer is patterned, choose a solid vest; if the base layer is plain, you can let the vest carry the pattern," Moussallam advised. Second, proportions must be balanced: a roomy vest should be paired with structured bottoms, such as tailored trousers, or a fitted top like a turtleneck. Third, wearers should leverage versatility by pairing tailored vests with casual jeans or wearing them over crisp button-downs for office settings.
While a chunky Fair Isle vest is not suitable for formal black-tie events or tuxedos, fine-gauge vests fit into creative corporate workplaces and relaxed dinners. "A chunky Fair Isle vest isn't going to replace a tuxedo, but a refined, fine-gauge vest can absolutely have a place at a creative-office event or relaxed dinner," Moussallam said. He called wearing a sweater vest over a button-down shirt the most foolproof version of the trend for fall 2026, noting that the combination appeared across several autumn designer runways. For off-duty casual looks, wearers can experiment with oversized proportions, graphic prints, and chunky knits. "An oversized vest with baggy denim can give you a '90s/Y2K feel, while a cable-knit vest with jeans leans more cozy and traditional," Moussallam explained.
Selecting Fabrics and Checking Quality
When shopping for sweater vests, Moussallam recommends choosing versatility first by looking for a "slightly relaxed, not-too-long V-neck" vest that layers easily over shirts and under jackets. Fabric composition plays a major role in garment performance:
- Wool and wool blends: "Wool or wool blends are the best for genuine fall warmth and a more elevated appearance," Moussallam said, noting that "merino is especially nice if you want something relatively lightweight."
- Cotton: Provides a lighter, breathable feel with a cleaner, less fuzzy texture.
- Cashmere: Offers superior warmth for cooler months, though typically carries a higher price tag.
- Synthetic blends: "Acrylic or synthetic blends are often more affordable and can hold bold colors and patterns well," Moussallam said, advising shoppers to "prioritize the hand feel and construction over the fiber label alone."
Moussallam advised shoppers to evaluate construction details carefully before buying. "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," he said. Recommended brands for affordable, high-quality options include direct-to-consumer label Quince and Canadian retailer Aritzia, as well as vintage clothing markets.
Choosing the Right Base Layer
The selection of an underlying shirt determines the overall aesthetic of a sweater vest outfit. Moussallam highlighted four primary base layer options:
- Button-up shirts: The classic pairing. "It's probably the easiest and most universally flattering combination, a crisp white or blue shirt under a V-neck vest gives you instant prep/Ivy energy," Moussallam said. For a contemporary spin, wearers can choose an oversized shirt with an unbuttoned, relaxed collar.
- Long-sleeve T-shirts: "A simple fitted or slightly relaxed long sleeve makes the vest feel less collegiate and more casual," Moussallam explained, noting that neutral shades such as white, cream, gray, or black pair easily with jeans, cargo pants, or relaxed trousers.
- Turtlenecks: "A thin turtleneck underneath a vest creates a much sleeker, more fashion-forward silhouette," Moussallam said. "Tonal combinations, like a black turtleneck with a charcoal vest, are particularly effective." He cautioned wearers to keep turtlenecks lightweight to prevent excess bulk around the neck and shoulders.
- Short-sleeve T-shirts: Ideal for early fall or warmer climates. "A boxy tee under an oversized vest feels relaxed and slightly '90s; a fitted tee under a cropped vest gives you a more Y2K-inspired look," Moussallam noted.
Avoiding Bulk and Common Layering Errors
Achieving a sleek silhouette requires creating visual contrast rather than adding volume across every layer. "The trick is to create contrast rather than adding volume everywhere," Moussallam explained, adding that pairing a chunky vest with a slim base layer, such as a fitted tee, fine-gauge turtleneck, or lightweight button-up, keeps the upper half from becoming too thick. Armhole fit is equally critical; a vest that fits too tightly across the armholes can make even a thin shirt look bulky. However, oversized underlying shirts still work if the volume appears intentional.
Moussallam warned against three frequent styling mistakes:
- Chunky on chunky: "A heavy cable-knit vest over a thick sweatshirt, chunky turtleneck, or another substantial sweater can quickly become bulky around the shoulders and torso," Moussallam warned, advising that outerwear must also have sufficient room.
- Oversized everything: "An oversized vest + oversized shirt + oversized trousers can work as intentional fashion styling, but it's harder to pull off casually," Moussallam said, noting that "the silhouette can lose definition altogether." Wearers should add structure elsewhere using straight-leg trousers, a fitted base layer, or a defined waistband.
- Competing patterns: "Pattern mixing isn't forbidden, but I'd make one piece the star," Moussallam advised, warning that combining multiple bold prints can look chaotic fast.
Trending Patterns, Colors, and Retail Picks
For fall 2026, trending sweater vest patterns range from traditional argyle and Fair Isle to modern checks, stripes, graphic color blocking, and playful novelty motifs. "Argyle is the obvious classic pattern, but it's not your only option," Moussallam said. "Fair Isle is more traditional and cozy, particularly for late fall. Color blocking can be good to bring in a modern and graphic touch, and novelty motifs are good for the playful/Y2K or eclectic crowd."
Solid vests in neutral autumnal shades of brown offer maximum versatility, though Moussallam noted that sweater vests are also ideal for experimenting with vibrant colors such as rust, mustard, forest green, cobalt, or deep red.
To help shoppers adopt the trend, several specific retail options fit Moussallam's guidelines:
- GU Rib Stitched Knitted Vest ($29.90): Japanese retailer GU offers a relaxed V-neck vest designed for easy layering under autumn coats.
- Quince Australian Merino Wool Cable Sweater Vest ($49.90): Reduced from $110 at direct-to-consumer brand Quince, this oversized merino wool cable-knit vest pairs well with a slim base layer.
- Lulus Winter Classic Black Floral Sweater Vest ($55): Online retailer Lulus provides a patterned preppy option that aligns with the rule of pairing floral prints with solid base layers.
- Free People Drop Stitch Cotton Vest ($78): Urban Outfitters subsidiary Free People features a lightweight, breathable cotton vest with bohemian styling.
- Aritzia Cotton Charm Basque Sweater Vest ($30.99): Reduced from $78 at Canadian label Aritzia, this polished solid and striped vest fits conservative office environments.
- American Eagle Cropped Cable Knit Sweater Vest ($23.97): Reduced from $39.95 at American Eagle Outfitters, this soft, textured cable-knit vest pairs easily with denim and a fitted T-shirt.
