Why the Sweater Vest is Spring’s Strongest Style Statement

From Harry Styles to Donald Glover, a new trend is taking hold: the return of the sweater vest and cardigan. The humble knitwear staples once reserved for professors and grandpas are made cool and contemporary thanks to a renewed interest in traditional dressing. Both options are  easy layering pieces that can elevate your warm-weather ‘fit. Here are our favourites to up your spring style game:

Sweater Vests

Gucci G-Dot Wool Jacquard Vest

Wear this vest on its own to let those guns breathe or layer it on top of a button-up for a modern business casual look that isn’t too…buttoned up? $945 at Gucci.

Uniqlo Oversized Crewneck Vest

Uniqlo has updated the humble sweater vest with a crew neck and oversized cut – and we’re big fans. Made from rare and super soft Supima cotton, this piece is bound to be a regular in your knitwear rotation. $29.99 at Uniqlo.

Neil Barrett Red Scribble Striped Sweater Vest

British designer Neil Barrett is known for his bold prints and patterns. This eye-catching vest is fashion for the fearless. $535 at SSENSE.

Noah Purple Wool Sweater Vest

New York-based brand Noah makes upscale streetwear for the overgrown skater (literally: it was founded by a former Supreme designer). So, if you want to be presentable and preppy without looking like a sell out, this vest hits the nail on the head.  $440 at SSENSE.

Drake’s Green Wool Sweater Vest

Speaking of prep, British heritage brand Drake’s is known for making the world’s finest ties. But that commitment to quality and craft extends to their clothes, too. This green button-up number is a cardi and vest combined – perfectly posh. $142 at Mr. Porter.

Cardigans

Gucci Red & Navy Jacquard Equestrian Cardigan

This bold cardigan is easier to pull off than you think. In a classic argyle pattern featuring white and gold prints, this wool piece will actually go with most trousers you already own – just pair it down with a simple tee or polo and you’re Gucci. $1,770 at SSENSE.

Brunello Cucinelli Contrast-Tipped Striped Ribbed Cotton Cardigan

The devil is in the details of this Brunello Cucinelli’s chunky ribbed cardigan, with its contrast-tipped beige cotton design with 100% buffalo horn buttons. Italian elegance at its finest – classic Cuccinelli. $1,641 at Mr. Porter.

Prada Red Mohair Cardigan

If Mr. Rogers wore luxury, he’d wear Prada. $1,040 at SSENSE.

Louis Vuitton Zip-Up Damier Cardigan

Not a big button guy? Louis Vuitton’s got you covered with this understated zip-up cardi, featuring the iconic LV Damier motif in a sophisticated (and very on-trend) dark grey. $1,120 at Louis Vuitton.

Z Zegna Grey Knit Cardigan

Z Zegna is here to prove that less is more. Wear this with a white tee and jeans for a casual look or under a blazer for an occasion. Either way, a classic grey cardigan never goes out of style.