M&S £40 argyle vest is a Claudia Winkleman dupe shoppers love
M&S £40 argyle vest is a Claudia Winkleman dupe shoppers love

Marks and Spencer's Brushed Argyle Knitted Vest with Mohair, priced at £40, has earned a 4.5 out of five star rating from eight reviews, with shoppers calling it a soft and versatile piece for work.

The vest, which retails for far less than the £145 wool tank from Scottish brand Brora, has been compared to outfits worn by Claudia Winkleman on The Traitors. The 54-year-old presenter has become a style icon for her grungy yet glamorous ensembles on the BBC show, which returned for a second season this autumn.

A budget-friendly alternative to designer knitwear

The Brushed Argyle Knitted Vest with Mohair is available in sizes extra small to extra large, all still in stock online. It is made from a wool-blend yarn with added stretch and a touch of mohair for a soft, fluffy feel.

Crafted to a flattering slim fit with a short length, the vest is designed for wearing alone or layering over a shirt or long-sleeve T-shirt. The bold argyle design and deep v-neckline make it a statement piece for cooler days.

Shopper reviews praise versatility and softness

One satisfied shopper said: "What's not to like? Cosy addition to wear over shirts or long sleeve tees." A second wrote: "I love this sweater vest. It’s lovely and soft and the design is cute. Pairs really well with a crisp white shirt."

Another added: "Love this. Saw it on the mannequin in store and it looked great with a white T-shirt on underneath for the office with either jeans or nice trousers. Super soft."

However, not all feedback was positive. One shopper gave it a two-star review, noting: "The material is too itchy for me to wear even with a shirt/T-shirt underneath. Lovely design, although a bit too short for me." A four-star review mentioned: "It’s a lovely sweater vest. Lovely material, nice and fluffy. A good size but way too short in the body, so had to return it which was a shame."

Alternatives and styling options

For those seeking other options, Next's Oatmeal Argyle Tank retails at £32, while Karen Millen's Studded Argyle Wool Blend Cosy Knitted Top has been reduced to £55.30 from £79. The vest can be dressed up or down, pairing with trousers or jeans for the office, or with a satin skirt or midaxi for an evening out.

Despite mixed reviews on fit, the vest remains popular, with one five-star review reading: "Simply gorgeous and soft. Great size and can be worn with or without a top underneath."