If you only bought one new item this autumn then the most useful choice would be a round neck sweater. All retailers offer them at this time of year. I’ve picked out examples that work well for us older women. And I’ve added a few simple styling tips for each type.
The fine knit crewneck sweater
The simple round neck sweater in a fine knit is the perfect way to update your autumn wardrobe. Buy it in one of today’s on-trend colors such as aubergine or plum, moss or loden green, chocolate brown or bright red. This is such a simple way to update a capsule wardrobe without spending out on complete outfits in the season’s fashion colors.
Pop it over a tee for extra warmth. Showing just a smidgeon of the tee at the neck, at the cuff or at the hem is a classy way to show you’ve thought about styling.
When things heat up, just knot it over your shoulders, college style. When things cool down, wear it under a matching cardigan for classic elegance or under a jacket to slim your silhouette. The model here is wearing two fine knits on top of each other – a warm, not too bulky, option for wintertime.
Merino wool knits
The best choice for a fine knit top is Merino wool. It gives a flat smooth lightweight sweater that does not add bulk under a jacket or cardigan. Most retailers have this classic knit but beware ‘old-fashioned’ waisted sweaters or ones that cling too tightly. Today sweaters are worn looser so they drape across your body as you move.
Always check the back view of sweaters – especially fine knits. If you can see an indentation along your bra line, then the jumper is too tight, even for under a jacket.
The classic cashmere round neck sweater
Cashmere will take your outfit from Fall, right through Winter and into Spring. You will enjoy the softness and coziness of this knit Wear it over a shirt to give a structured look. This J Crew classic is designed slightly shorter and wider than in previous years. So it makes a good squarish shape above jeans or tailored trousers. A minimal front or side tuck gives movement across the mid-section. As the sweater is fairly short it can take a belt without adding lots of bulk.
The short sleeve crew sweater
Round neck sweaters with short sleeves are a gift to us older women. I like this M&S merino and cashmere jumper in this Fall’s top shade: aubergine, a very dark reddish purple. The boxy shape nicely skims our wider waist while the sleeves cover upper arms. Showing skin on the lower arm is always slimming. Note the model wears a pendant necklace. This works to direct our attention downwards, not across the bust, as a round neck can amplify the upper body when worn without a jacket.
The long crewneck pullover
If you’re no fan of belts and waist tucks and prefer a more casual style then consider a long round neck sweater. You won’t be able to push it into the waistband of a skirt or jeans but is can look great hanging straight down over a midi skirt or slim bottoms.
Eileen Fisher understands layering and the older woman. This cashmere cable sweater is wide and loose-fitting. This is important if you want to wear it over leggings as most of us prefer not to have our rear highlighted! It is chunky enough to hang well over elastic waist pants.
The model shows a white tee at the neck and forearm which makes a good contrast with her face and stops the outfit looking too dark and heavy.
If you’re looking for a less expensive pullover then you need to accept that it will be all, or mainly, synthetic. Great to wash, not that great for the planet.
Macy’s own brand polyester blend round neck sweater is designed straight but not as wide as some long sweaters. However it has a small slit at the sides to avoid gripping your behind.
It’s often better to buy the next size or even two sizes up if you intend to wear a round neck hanging straight down over the hips, So don’t fixate on your ‘normal’ size. Buy whatever size gives your body the best silhouette. I generally only buy tees and shirts in my regular size. I find buying one or two sizes larger works best for sweaters now that I have a large waist and fat on my back.
The knitted cotton round neck sweater
Knitted cotton is the perfect choice for Fall or Spring. Knitted cotton has more structure than a fine knit. This makes the knitted cotton round neck a little warmer and a little bulkier. It won’t drape quite like a merino wool top but will hang slightly away from the body, if you buy it large enough. This can be a good style if you have a belly.
Buy it wide enough that it hangs over the elastic waist of your pull-on pants without clinging to the gathers or pleats. It will also sit well over a collared shirt.
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