USA – Gen Z has brought the sweater vest back into fashion, paving the way into the new year with some major main character energy.

After nearly half a century of being banished to golf courses and prep schools, the sleeveless sweater vest is making its first big comeback since the 1970s, and later, the 1990s. Why on Earth is this the case, though? Perhaps we should blame it on our new-found appreciation for comfortable clothes during the pandemic.

Once considered a sign of stuffiness, and only popular with older men, until recently the garment wouldn't have been found in many wardrobes. It also might have been part of your school uniform or your dad's golf outfit.

Now, singers like Harry Styles and Olivia Rodrigo wear sweater vests in their music videos, and models Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid combine them with leather leggings and chunky boots.

The same style would have been considered boring and conventional just a few years ago, but now there's a seemingly endless amount of sleeveless sweaters on sale, for all different age and price brackets.

Many believe that the pandemic has helped us rediscover the sweater vest. Styling consultant Inka Müller-Winkelmann said that "This trend is certainly helped by the fact that consumers place more and more value on comfortable clothes, as they do when working from home... It makes you look smart and casual at the same time."

Gen Z's latest fashion trend is also likely at least part due to a resurgence of the classic style of the 1990s. Think Clueless - like, duh!

What's new about the current preppy style is "that the individual garments, such as the sweater, are now styled in a cheeky and cool way, so they no longer look as stuffy as they once did," explained fashion expert Dangmann.

The sleeveless sweater itself has also changed. In the past, they usually came with a V-neck, but now you can find both oversized and slim-cut versions online. According to Dangmann, "cropped" tank top knits are "very much in demand" and end just above the belly button.

"The necklines range from the classic V-neck to turtlenecks or ones with zips," the fashion journalist said.

Styling consultant Müller-Winkelmann advises a simple, slim-fit shirt under a loose-fitting sweater vest: "You should combine with some sleek, slim-fit pants. It's exactly the opposite with a more tight-fitting tank top: a pair of wide-cut pants brings into play exactly the right amount of casualness that people are looking for now."

Dangmann's tip is to change it up, and not put anything under the sweater. "Just wear a casual blazer over it," she suggested.

Sleeveless sweaters can also be worn over a dress. "If you play with the contrast in materials, for example a lace dress with a chunky knit tank top, you'll be right on trend," Müller-Winkelmann said.