Sweater vests are everywhere this season, and knitters are clacking their needles in anticipation. This versatile wardrobe staple isn't just a trendy look - it's also a great project for newer knitters! Vests are one of our favorite ways to fashionably bridge the seasons. They're easy to layer over all kinds of outfits or even under blazers and light jackets. Vests also knit up quickly. They are constructed with simple shapes, and some patterns can be done by someone with just basic knit and purl experience. Once the body is done, you're ready to wear it without the tedious sleeve knitting. (Knitters are so notoriously bad at finishing both sleeves that we have a term for it - sleeve island.)

Here are our pattern picks for quick and trendy vest styles that you can knit up in no time to add to your fall wardrobe. 

Loopy Mango Dickie Vest in Merino No. 5 

Photo from Loopy Mango

This fun layering piece uses a super thick and soft yarn and big needles and can be knit in a few evenings with very few skills. The fun colors of Loopy Mango make this the perfect accessory to brighten up a grey day.

Karl Johan Collar by Knitting for Olive 

Photo from Knitting for Olive

This Scandinavian-inspired cold weather accessory is perfect to tuck into a cute jacket for stylish warmth. It knits up quickly using several strands of yarn held together and has a beautiful halo from the mohair and silk yarn. You can read more about the ethical providence of this yarn here in Stylebook.

Holiday Slipover by PetiteKnit

Photo by PetiteKnit

This chunky vest with deep armholes has a hi-lo hem for extra coverage. Equally stylish over a dress, or layered over long sleeves and jeans! It's a quick knit.

Low-Key Vest by Elizabeth Smith

Photos by Elizabeth Smith

One of the best things about knitting your own garments is getting to create the perfect version. This design has a cropped or tunic length option and can be knit with or without a cowl neck. It's perfect for showing off the gorgeous colors of small-batch hand-dyed yarn we carry from artisan dyers. 

For those who don't knit, here are some amazing knitter-approved sweater vests that I spotted at the Hive this week:

 Short-sleeved Cardigan by Allude & Turtleneck Sweater by Allude