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. 

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(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES )

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 

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

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. 

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Style Notes: Alyssa Coscarelli gives her oversized knitted vest an edgy overhaul with the addition of bleached jeans and studded shoes. 

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(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

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. 

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(Image credit: @vikilefevre)

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. 

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(Image credit: @vikilefevre)

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. 

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style Notes: You needn’t only opt for traditional weaves—Amaka Hamelijnck’s daisy-adorned vest proves just how fun the trend can be. 

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(Image credit: @eniswardrobe)

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. 

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

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

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
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.