This Week's Look

Posts Tagged ‘knitted

Sweater Vest Revival

with 4 comments

It’s quite a shame that the sweater vest inherited such a terrible reputation, thanks in part to the likes of Rick Santorum and other conservative, white dudes.

Which brings us to this week’s assignment, to reinvigorate the sweater vest’s status among the proletariat, banishing all preconceived notions regarding this controversial, yet versatile and potentially fashion-forward basic.

This week, we are asking our understandably skeptical readers to discard their prejudices and entertain the sweater vest as we envision it for women: a mildly androgynous and wildly daring accoutrement. Preferably belted, to accentuate the waist, and layered over a crisp, buttoned up oxford or a sleek, monochromatic turtleneck. Accessorize an oxford with a vintage menswear tie for a preppy, business-y vibe. Or couple with a flowing maxi skirt for a 70s, Annie Hall feel. The ruffled ascot shirt paired with the Ralph Lauren vest below is absolutely inspired.

We have curated for you below a collection of the best sweater vests, all available on etsy and eBay right now, and all chosen for their ability to usher in a new era of the sweater vest. Click on each image below to see the seller’s listing.

Vintage 1970s belted sweater vest from ShuuShuubyLulu on etsy. $21.

Vintage 1970s tangerine, belted knit vest from ShuuShuubyLulu on esty. $20.

Vintage 1960s mossy wool sweater vest with belt from lilynymph on etsy. $25.

Vintage 1960s cable knit sweater vest from AtticAddictsVintage on etsy. $28.

New with tags Karl Lagerfeld belted sweater vest. Buy it Now auction on eBay for $34.99. The buyer is also accepting offers. I would offer $28.99.

Vintage Army green, moth-loved sweater vest from dirtybirdiesvintage on etsy. $22.

New with tags, Ralph Lauren belted sweater vest. Buy it Now auction on eBay. $69.

Vintage blue knit, open sweater vest on eBay. Current bid is $20.

Exquisite, vintage Dorce for LeRoy wool knit vest. Current bid on eBay is $35.

Not your Rick Santorum’s sweater vest. Vintage 1970s, Aztec-themed sweater vest on eBay. Buy it Now for $22.80 or make an offer.

Navy blue, belted Merino wool sweater vest from Tory Burch. Current bid on eBay is $51.

Vintage 1960s to 1970s turtleneck vest combo on eBay. Current bid is $9.

Vintage 1950s cherry, virgin wool vest. Love the unique wrap style. Current bid on eBay is $20.34.

Vintage Sears Men’s Store belted sweater vest. Current price on eBay is $26.24.

Have a Cowl

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Scarves are great, but sometimes a girl (or a guy) needs a cowl. Although, when men wear them I think they’re called gaiters.

Whatever you call them, I prefer tightly crocheted or knitted neck warmers with functional buttons because they offer more flexibility; you can go for a prim buttoned up look, a partially buttoned open collar look, or let it hang loosely down your shoulders like a capelet. Most cowls are also easy to stash in your purse or bag when not in use (depending on the size of your bag that is). One more thing, if you’re the fashionable type, definitely stay away from fleece cowls. Unless you’re going for that extreme camping look.

The absolute best place to find original, handmade cowls is etsy of course. Below are some of my favorites (there’s even one for dogs). Click on each image to see the listing.

Wool and acrylic blend gaiter in a warm curry spice. Made by gypseatree on etsy. $37. Other colors available by request.

The “Elizabeth I” crocheted neck ruff in mustard made by DesiredCrochet on etsy. $17.

Here’s a unisex, hand knitted acrylic cowl made by KYSAA on etsy. $20.

Dogs get chilly too! The Brown Barker here is a custom neck warmer/hood for dogs, made-to-order by HippiePups on etsy. $30.

Recycled, buttery soft leather and angora neck warmer from MacolieMonster on etsy. $36.

Brown, green and black ruffled acrylic scarf from Periay on etsy. $18.

Cranberry wool-blend cowl with functional buttons, handmade by WindyCityKnits on etsy. $30.

Mary Poppins would be proud to sport this ruffly cowl adorned with vintage buttons, made by CheshireFarm on etsy. $15.

Super-chunky, cable knit neck warmer made by LaimaShop on etsy. $68.

A beautifully simple and inexpensive teal cowl with vintage seashell button. Made by Witherwood on etsy. $9.

OK, I know I said no fleece, but the fleece is hidden on the inside here so it’s totally acceptable. Upcycled plaid neck warmer from OhMaudlinMe on etsy. $30.

Adjustable buttoned cowl made by Witherwood on etsy. $7.

Snuggly neck warmer reconstructed from a vintage faux mink coat, complete with black satin ties. Made by SewTrendy on etsy. $30.

Look at the versatility of this dark purple, crocheted cowl. The three functional buttons give you so many options. Made by TallentedCrafts on etsy. $12.

Perk up your drab winter with this sunshiny yellow neck warmer with orange toggle button by akphotoncrafts on etsy. $10.

Another highly versatile cowl made by wearaddiction on etsy. $17.50.

Elegant hand knitted leaf cowl made from 100% merino wool by LeafyDesign on etsy. $55.

OK, so maybe you’re not ready to commit to a cowl. Here’s one that’s a little bit cowl, a little bit scarf, complete with wood buttons. Made by FrogSong on etsy. $15.

100% cashmere, double-thick, brioche stitch, extra-tall cowl in steel blue. Made by kimbarelli on etsy. $49.95.

A striking caped cowl in 100% wool with wood toggle button. Made by lightist on etsy. $95.