I Wear Cashmere Year-Round Thanks to This Genius Sweater Alternative

Whenever a cold front rolls in, sweaters are the first wardrobe items to come out of storage—specifically cashmere sweaters. The material is surprisingly warm for how lightweight it feels, and it's a must-have layering piece for fall and winter. But here's a little tip: When the weather turns and temperatures begin to rise, you don't have to ditch cashmere. All you need are a few cashmere vests, the best compromise for transitioning seasons. You can wear them on their own to go sans sleeves or layer long-sleeve button-downs or turtlenecks underneath them if it's still a bit cold outside.
There are also multiple versions of cashmere vests, from buttoned ones to V-neck styles to cable-knit textures. To prove just how many options there are on the market right now, I rounded up 29 of the best cashmere vests available, including neutral, minimalist ones that will become staple pieces in your closet and bold, colorful alternatives that'll make a strong statement come spring. The brands known for cool cashmere styles like Guest in Residence, Leret Leret, and ME+EM are in the mix, but there are also options from Nordstrom, Quince, and J.Crew that are wallet-friendlier (without sacrificing quality). With that said, shop all the cashmere vests you could possibly desire below.
This shade of green is so pretty, and the bonus is that you can wear this vest two ways: with the buttons in the back or the front.
The side slits and ribbed texture give this gray option some subtle, chic details.
If your neck is feeling a little frigid, grab this sleeveless turtleneck.
A slightly cropped vest might be a better fit with high- or mid-rise jeans.
This burgeoning British brand has tons of buy-worthy cashmere finds, like this button-up cashmere vest with a detachable collar.
With a slight cap sleeve and ribbed hem, this vest will be the workhorse of your spring wardrobe—just wait.
I am all about a bold yellow, and this cable-knit one is hard to ignore.
The buttoned front and racerback give a twist on a classic sweater-vest.
This Everlane style is available in all sorts of shades, but I'm partial to Heathered Moss.
Turn to this cashmere turtleneck when there's no room in your coat for sleeves.
Leret Leret's designs are impossible to miss. The color combination here is one that will definitely turn heads.
Looking for something more fitted? This ribbed one will do just the trick.
If a designer splurge is what you're after, make it this sporty-looking Miu Miu one.
For that slightly boxy look, turn to this cashmere vest.
Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she got her start as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant at Cosmopolitan and worked her way up to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice.
After five years in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles. As a freelance fashion editor, she contributes to Cosmo, The Cut, and now Who What Wear. She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls.
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