The New Autumn Trend That Harry Styles, Gucci and Your Grandad Have in Common

Cycling shorts, thong sandals, cargo trousers—we've lost track of the number of "unexpected" fashion trends that have transcended to become the height of cool, but if you asked us a few seasons ago, even we couldn't have predicted that this retro item would make such a strong appearance on the style agenda.
Knitted vests have made a major comeback thanks to the likes of Burberry, Gucci and their muse du jour, Harry Styles, who made the preppy top a firm fixture way back in 2020. Ever since, the formerly fuddy-duddy knit has started to crop up in the outfits of our favourite influencers and back on the 2022 runways, most recently in COS's debut NYFW show, so you know it's sticking around for good.
Of course, you can borrow styling techniques from your grandpa by pairing them with a button-down shirt and tailored trousers, but the sartorially savvy seem to be channelling Chandler Bing by layering theirs over simple T-shirts—here’s looking at you, Anne-Victoire.
Keep scrolling to see how the most fashionable people are wearing the throwback piece. Then go on to shop the best knitted vests on the market this autumn. You won't regret it.
HOW THE FASHION SET ARE STYLING KNIT VESTS
Style Notes: Lucy Williams pairs a seasonal knit with bold, green trousers in a nod to the retro revival. Just add ankle boots and suede accessories for '70s energy.
Style Notes: Alyssa Coscarelli gives her oversized knitted vest an edgy overhaul with the addition of bleached jeans and studded shoes.
Style Notes: Ada Oguntodu ups the preppy ante of her knitted vest by styling it with checked trousers, bright socks and heeled loafers. Gucci-inspired styling at its finest.
Style Notes: Use your knitted vest to give your summery skirts an autumn update. Once the temperatures drop, simply swap out the sandals for a pair of knee-high boots.
Style Notes: Anne-Victoire Lefevre's extensive collection of knit tank tops has given us plenty of inspiration of different ways to style the look, and this pop of colour from a simple mesh top is next on our list.
Style Notes: You needn’t only opt for traditional weaves—Amaka Hamelijnck’s daisy-adorned vest proves just how fun the trend can be.
Style Notes: Eni's embroidered vest makes for the ideal knitwear update. Just add white or ecru denim for a fresh way to summery tones in autumn.
Style Notes: Of course, we could rely on María Bernad to match her natty Gucci knit with a pair of grass-green boots.
SHOP KNITTED VESTS
Minimalists will style this over shirt dresses and with leather trousers.
We're calling it: This hue is about to be trending for autumn.
The perfect way to pep up your blue jeans? This chic shade of red, and its a key colour for A/W.
Luke Edward Hall knows good colours and patterns, and Chateau Orlando is his eclectic new brand of clothing, interiors and accessories. Expect tanks, tees and tableware with plenty of vintage charm.
If you thought Molly Goddard just specialised in voluminous tulle dresses, think again. This chic little vest is the perfect accompaniment to tailored trousers. Just add chunky loafers.
The button details make this simple camel knit feel that much more considered.
This cropped knit will look the Clueless part with a miniskirt and knee-high boots.
Between the collar and the print, this feels so authentically retro.
This tank would look just as good on its own as it would with a blazer, over a shirt or with a white tee.
Next Up, Autumn/Winter 2022 Fashion Trends: The 15 Looks You Need to Know About
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Remy Farrell is a London-based fashion editor with 10 years of experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she ventured into beauty, compiling reviews and diverse beauty content. In her role as fashion editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new brands to share with the WWW UK readership, and loves uncovering hidden gems to make shopping accessible to everyone.
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