The sweater vest and the shirtdress are a match made in heaven—full stop. If there were such things as sartorial fairytales, these two trendy pieces would undoubtedly live happily ever after. (And they wouldn’t even have to slay any dragons.) When you layer a sweater vest over a shirtdress, something magical happens. Together, the two become the perfect slightly-preppy ensemble—with a hint of street style flare. And thankfully, we have plenty of plus-size sweater vest and shirtdress outfit ideas just waiting to inspire you. You’re welcome.
Whether you keep things simple and classic with a neutral sweater vest and shirtdress combo or choose to add a bit of maximalism into your look, you can’t go wrong here. Sweater vests and shirtdresses work so well together that the outfits practically build themselves. Go for a light academia aesthetic with your vest and dress ensemble perfect for any coffee shop date. Or, take this trendy combination and make it sexy (!) with strappy heels or thigh-high boots. The possibilities here are truly endless.
If you’re still a bit skeptical (which we totally get), keep reading for some stunning sweater vest and shirtdress outfit ideas. Once you witness just how perfectly these two trends fit together, there’s no coming back.
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1. The Cream & White Combo
Typically, we see white paired with darker shades—but this hue looks incredible alongside cream. Try layering a cream sweater vest over a classic white shirtdress for the perfect neutral look.
shop her look
sweater vest — $17 from Nasty Gal
shirtdress — $25.65 from Nasty Gal
2. The Preppy Meets Street Style Look
If you’re not totally into the white and cream combo, opt for a light brown sweater vest layered over a white shirtdress instead. Then, give this look some street style flare with a pair of chunky sneakers and a puffer bag.
shop the look
sweater vest — $14.40 from Boohoo
shirtdress — $22 from PrettyLittleThing
shoes — $36 from ASOS
bag — $125 from Caraa Sport
3. The Turtleneck Sweater Vest
For those who can never seem to stay warm, a turtleneck sweater vest is your best friend. Toss a cream vest over a blue shirtdress—then top it off your favorite pair of booties and a structured bag. *Chef’s kiss.*
why she loves it
“I love sweater vests because they are very versatile and keep me warm enough when I don’t want to get too hot—without having an extra coat on. They are also very stylish, and a perfect layer item to make an outfit look more put together.”
4. The Black, White, & Houndstooth All Over
Amp up your neutral palette a bit with a black and white houndstooth sweater vest. Paired with a black shirtdress, trendy sock booties, and sunglasses that give your ‘fit a pop of color, you can’t go wrong.
shop the look
sweater vest — $23 from PrettyLittleThing
shirtdress — $34.99 from H&M
shoes — $36 from ASOS
sunglasses — $79 from Crap Eyewear
5. The Colorful Sweater Vest
Alternatively, ditch the neutrals altogether and opt for a bold, maximalist sweater vest instead. Even on the dreariest of days, a pastel sweater vest worn over a classic white shirtdress (and mini Telfar bag in tow) can make things seem a bit brighter.
shop her look
sweater vest — $291.75 from Hope Macaulay
shirtdress — $29 from ASOS
6. The Black & Blue Combo
Tale as old as time—black and blue are the perfect combination. Layer a black sweater vest over a blue shirtdress, then add a pair of neutral booties and an on-trend scrunchie bag.
shop the look
sweater vest — $14.40 from Boohoo
shirtdress — $16 from Boohoo
shoes — $69.50 from Torrid
bag — $49 from JW Pei
7. The Wild Child Look
Neutral at the top, party animal on the bottom. Try keeping things simple with a long neutral sweater vest over a white shirtdress—then go wild with some snake print boots to finish off the ensemble.