Emilia Fox's signature style in Silent Witness season 28 was all about knitted vests - so now we're shopping them
Silent Witness star Emilia Fox wore one item more than any other in season 28 and we're feeling inspired by her knitted vest collection


Emilia Fox definitely had a signature style in Silent Witness season 28 and we’ve been inspired by her most-worn item - knitted vests.
Anyone who’s been a fan of Silent Witness for as long as we have will also have noticed Emilia Fox’s style as Dr Nikki Alexander subtly evolve since she first joined the drama. However, particularly in recent seasons there have been some must-haves in the actor’s Nikki wardrobe - florals, blue jeans and midi dresses. In the latest season the pathologist stepped out in so many enviable outfits as she threw herself into some complex cases and we loved Emilia Fox’s red floral blouse. If we had to pick one item that summed up Emilia’s signature Silent Witness season 28 style, though, it is hands-down the knitted vest and we love this staple for spring.
She wore different vests throughout season 28, including a beautiful green striped one from one of the best British clothing brands, ME+EM. Emilia wore this in early-released pictures of Nikki in the new season as well as in episode 2 and episode 6.
Shop Knitted Vests
This gorgeous khaki green layered vest is currently discounted in the sale and is very much in-keeping with Nikki Alexander's preferred colour palette for knitwear. It's crafted from a cosy alpaca wool blend material and has additional stretch and ribbed detailing.
Ideal for wearing over shirts, long sleeved tops and jumpers as well as on its own, this understated knitted vest is so easy to style. It comes in a classic grey colour, has a crew neckline and is super soft thanks to the wool blend material. Throw on with jeans, trousers or a dress for a chic outfit.
Add a pop of colour to your daily outfits with this emerald green knitted vest. It has a deep V-neck and ribbed trims, as well as split hem detailing. Put over a crisp white shirt for a workwear look or with a blouse and leather trousers for an evening outfit.
Although Emilia wore a lot of plain knitted vests in season 28, she did also have a couple of patterned ones and something like this affordable Zara vest is a good way to recreate her look. The diamond print with the olive green, white and black is striking and the dropped shoulders are very chic.
Made from traditional Irish Donegal merino wool yarn, this knitted vest is an investment piece, but one well worth making if you've been considering adding more layering items to your collection. The ribbed texture is beautiful and the walnut brown shade makes it easy to pair with other tones.
This vibrant knitted vest is great if you were particularly inspired by Emilia Fox's plain blue vest in Silent Witness season 28. It has a regular fit, scoop neckline and a trio of embellished buttons adorning the shoulder for a touch of detail. The royal blue colour makes a statement without being too bold.
Crafted from luxurious cashmere, Emilia’s ME+EM vest is currently almost sold out - and we can see why! It’s slightly cropped and has a blend of khaki, green and charcoal shades which create a striped, camo-style pattern. It has vents at the side and in a practical twist it also comes with a button-in snood that can be removed to leave a classic crew neckline.
In episode 2 of Silent Witness season 28, Exodus 20:17 Part 2, Nikki wore the snood attached to give her outfit extra cosiness. In episode 6, Broken Part 2, Emilia Fox styled her knitted vest with navy blue pinstriped trousers with a wide leg silhouette and a crisp white shirt. She tucked the collar over the vest and left it unbuttoned at the top to soften the look and make it more relaxed.
The combination of the grey, blue and green is something of a favourite of hers and on the many other occasions we saw Nikki in a knitted vest in Silent Witness season 28 they tended to be blue or green. In the opening episode of the series the pathologist wore an emerald green vest with baby blue piping around the arm holes and neckline.
Once again, Emilia’s character styled the vest with a white shirt and tailored trousers and it was the same in episode 5. She wore a plain blue knitted vest with a round neckline here, but in episode 2 she switched things up and wore a Fair Isle-style green, blue and burgundy vest with casual blue jeans. Although the actor tended to style her knitted vests in similar ways throughout the new season, she showed what a staple they can be and they’re remarkably versatile too.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
When the weather gets warm enough that you don’t want to wear your best cashmere jumpers all the time, but it’s too cold to go without knitwear, a knitted vest is perfect. You can throw them over shirts, blouses and even dresses to mix things up. Different necklines will give you a slightly different feel and plain knitted vests in a colour that works for your wardrobe can effortlessly be added into your everyday looks.
In Silent Witness, Nikki Alexander was always dressing on the smarter side for work but with a long sleeved T-shirt underneath a knitted vest would naturally look more casual. As a layering piece, knitted vests are hard to beat and as we count down the days until another season of Silent Witness airs, we’ll be putting some Emilia Fox-inspired outfits together for spring.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
My friend wants chic mother of the bride ideas - I'm suggesting this flattering and sophisticated dress
The Maddie dress from Hobbs is perfect for a special occasion and has co-ordinating accessories to complete your look
By Julie Player
-
Pistachio green colour trend: 11 ways to use this trending hue in your home
This delicious soft shade is everywhere right now
By Jayne Cherrington-Cook
-
My friend wants chic mother of the bride ideas - I'm suggesting this flattering and sophisticated dress
The Maddie dress from Hobbs is perfect for a special occasion and has co-ordinating accessories to complete your look
By Julie Player
-
Susanna Reid's 'amazing' M&S mesh midi dress is selling out fast - at just £35 it's so versatile for spring
The high street dress is available in three lengths, and customers call it 'lightweight and comfortable'
By Caroline Parr
-
FatFace is a must-visit destination for holiday essentials - and the denim will have you heading to the checkout too
Go for the holiday shop, stay for the denim
By Caroline Parr
-
Head to Hobbs for holiday-ready linen and the most elegant summer dresses you’ll find on the high street
Wondering where to shop for a chic summer wardrobe? Hobbs has you covered
By Caroline Parr
-
Forget beach bags and sunnies, Jasmine Harman's ravishing red swimsuit was elevated by matchy-matchy lipstick
If I want to make even the simplest outfit look a bit more polished, colour coordination becomes my style best friend.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Not sure how to wear shorts this summer? Gwyneth Paltrow just gave us the ultimate laid-back outfit formula
Her crisp white Bermuda shorts and light blue shirt combination is polished, comfortable, and super easy to recreate
By Molly Smith
-
Princess Beatrice just wore the maxi dress I've got my eye on for summer occasions - and she styled it with comfy Zara flats
She took style tips from Kate Middleton, choosing chic French brand Sezane
By Caroline Parr
-
Butter yellow might be the colour of the season, but Amal Clooney is making me want to try sunshine shades
Spark some joy by adding some statement yellow pieces to your wardrobe just in time for summer
By Matilda Stanley