The sweater vest has moved well beyond its preppy roots. It is now a simple, practical layer that adds warmth without bulk and gives plain shirts a bit of structure. Look at the knit first. A chunky cable feels cozy and traditional, a fine gauge looks sleek and sits nicely under a blazer, and a textured or patterned style adds interest. Neckline changes the look too, since a deep V shows off a collar and tie, and a rounder neck feels softer. Fit is a matter of taste, a slightly cropped and boxy shape works with high waisted pants, while a longer one looks good over a long sleeve and wide leg trousers. Wool and cotton blends are the most comfortable, and a soft hand feel matters more than you might expect.

Layer a vest over a crisp collared shirt and wide leg trousers for a clean, almost academic look. A light blue or white shirt with a cream vest feels fresh, while a dark vest over a white tee keeps things relaxed. Pair with loafers, sleek sneakers or ankle boots. For a casual weekend outfit, wear the vest over a long sleeve tee and jeans. Adding a scarf or a thin belt can give the look a bit more shape. If you want to play with pattern, pair an argyle or striped vest with solid clothing and let it do the talking. Fold the vest flat rather than hanging it, and it will keep its shape through the season.

We like the sweater vest because it proves that a simple layer can change an entire outfit. The right one makes a basic shirt feel considered, and it works in an office, a classroom or a coffee shop. Choose a color that you can wear with most of your closet and a knit you will enjoy touching every day. If you are unsure, start with a neutral like oatmeal or grey. A well chosen vest feels practical, comfortable and quietly stylish, which is a good combination to have in autumn. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together Argyle sweater and Varsity sweater.