This Season’s Best Sweaters for Women over 50

I LOVE collecting sweaters. Even though I live in Florida, I reach for light weight sweaters and cardigans all year round.  In the fall and winter I love soft tunic style sweaters to wear on their own or to layer when the weather is a little cooler.  I wanted to share a few tips to consider as you select sweaters to add to your collection or, if you are like me, you may be doing some editing and are wondering what to keep and what to toss.

Best sweater silhouette for women over 50

This season, the mid thigh tunic sweater still rules.  They look great with leggings, half tucked into jeans and over long skirts.  I selected two light weight sweaters to add to my collection this year.  In both cases, I  chose a high neck; we are seeing lots of “roll neck” and turtle neck sweaters this year, and they look amazing on women of a certain age.  

To update the look a bit, I added a necklace that hits at the collar bone rather than a long necklace. It’s just a little fresher and more current a look. (As opposed to a long necklace which we have been seeing for several seasons now. Both are great options to add a little extra interest to the look though a shorter necklace is a little more current).

A light weight sweater also looks great belted as I show here.  A fine gage knit is perfect for belting, and it adds just that bit of sophistication to the outfit.  I often belt sweaters when I wear them over skirts; I love creating an “hourglass” silhouette by using a wide belt.  When choosing a sweater to belt, be sure to choose a thinner knit.  The bulkier the sweater, the bulkier you will look.  Pro tip:  Obi style belts or those with elastic backs work best.  If your sweater has a pattern, choose a simple belt, if your sweater is plain, a belt with more detail can add the wow factor to your look.

Cardigans and twin sets are a great choice if you have hot-flashes.  A year ago, I bought a gorgeous bulky knit sweater but found I wasn’t enjoying wearing it because when I got hot, I was stuck.  If I am going through a point where I am getting more hot-flashes, I choose pieces I can layer so I don’t get stuck.  

Wear with Caution Over 50:

This season we are also seeing cropped style sweaters pared with “mom” jeans.  I have not adopted this trend because I think it’s a bit trickier to wear.  High waisted pants/jeans/leggings with a flat front can make your hips and stomach more streamlined and with the right cropped style top the look can be really cute, but it can just as easily make one look wide and boxy.  For me, the jury is still out on that one.

This Seasons Best Neckline for women over 50

While v neck and scoop neck sweaters will always be popular, and a staple in my wardrobe, I have been enjoying higher necklines; they cover a multitude of sins in the neck area.  They create an elongated effect that is very flattering and fresh.  

How to look amazing in sweaters over 50

Don’t forget the extra step of wearing a shaper under your sweater can make a world of difference.  Properly fitted shape wear should smooth lumps and bumps and should not roll up when you move.  I recently tried a strapless shaper top that I had to return because it rolled.  There is NOTHING worse!  When you try shape-wear on, sit, stand, and lift your arms to make sure it stays put. 

Sweaters to avoid:

Scratchy wool:  It seems like the quality of natural wools can be quite scratchy, including some of the cashmeres (I returned a couple of pricy cashmere sweaters because they were to scratchy.)  

See through knits:  Knits can be see through because the gauge of the yarn is too thin, they are too small for the wearer, or because of the type of stitch used to knit the sweater.  Being able to see bra lines through a sweater isn’t a great look; especially for women of a certain age.

My closet edit:

1. As I get out my fall and winter sweaters, I will be looking to get rid of the following:  Sweaters that are too tight.  Sweaters should have a smooth line; if they show too many lumps and bumps, they will be donated.  

2.  Sweaters that are showing too much wear; if the sweater is heavily pilled or thinning at the elbows, I will be saying goodbye.  

3.  Overly embellished sweaters will also be retired; as I get older my style is a bit more minimal; I am not a fan of ‘too much’. You will note that I don’t layer myself up with heavy jewelry, bold bright prints, heavily layered pieces or overly embellished items.  That’s just me though; if you love these things, by all means, wear them.

4.  Dated silhouettes. I have several sweaters that were wonderful more trend driven staples in my closet.  Many of these will be going.  Pro Tip:  If you love a sweater with a dated silhouette, remember, they can be modified.  Look for a tailor who knows how to work with knitwear  or a friend who knits, and you can give your sweater a new lease on life.

I will be keeping my light blue cashmere sweater which is a good ten years old; I may not wear it this season, but the color is beautiful and I love it.  I will also keep my evening sweaters.  They always come in handy during the holidays when you get invited to a casual party and want something comfortable, yet festive to wear.

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