As the cold winds start to blow in Australia, it’s time to pull out the winter jumpers and cardigans. If you live in the northern hemisphere, summer can also bring cold nights (and sometimes cold days) when a light cardigan or jumper is called for.
Your first thoughts may be about buying something new. That’s okay.
I have noticed some new ideas for stylish ways that Baby boomers can layer their winter jumpers and cardigans so that you can look modern rather than dowdy. You may still have to buy new items but they will be cheaper options that extend and revitalise your current clothes. Many women underestimate the versatility of the clothes hanging in their wardrobe. A personal Stylist helps you ‘shop your wardrobe’ before you flash your credit card at new shops. This is a new service I will be offering my clients and readers by the end of June.
Here for you now are my three new pieces of fashion advice for layering your winter woollies with modern style and flair.
Grandpa Makes a Statement
I noted this fashion tip in the June 2013 issue of Weight Watchers magazine. They were actually showcasing the V neck jumper but it was the grandpa shirt under it that attracted my attention.
The model on the left from the magazine is wearing slightly wider V neck sweater. Under it is a grandpa shirt that is unbuttoned to below the jumper’s V front. This creates a second slimming V shape as well as space to add a statement necklace. A short necklace is better here than a long necklace. Any round neck or open T-shirt would work as the necklace could be under or on top of it. As you are only showing a small bit of the T-shirt or shirt, the white colour will work for everyone even if white is not your best colour.
What a Difference a Belt Makes
I write quite a bit about belts because they are being worn in ways today that make them a modern classic. Stop saying that your waist has expanded. Get over it and embrace narrow belts with a difference.
Notice the difference between the belts on the two models I have featured. They are both wearing Butterick pattern 5760. The model on the left is wearing it a classic way that can easily look dowdy. The model on the right has only the centre button done up. Over the cardigan she is wearing a narrow belt with an wide, open, ring-shaped buckle. The buckle is your modern styling secret. Because it is metal and open, it breaks up the width of the belt. The result is that your waist looks smaller. This type of belt is a dressing magician. You can wear it over jackets or any cardigans for the same effect.
Here are some belts in this style currently available on the the Chicos website.
Three-quarter Magic
I am a fan of three-quarter sleeves. They are so versatile. As well as being a modern classic, they slim you as the lower part of your arms is always its slimmest part. Plus, three-quarter sleeves are perfect for tropical climate winters and sool summer evenings anywhere in the world.
Compare these two cardigans and how they are worn. The model on the left is wearing a beige Patons Bluebell wool knit cardigan pattern. Yes it is unbuttoned to the waist with a long necklace but it screams aging and dowdy. The model on the right is wearing a Coldwater Creek 2012 cardigan. It has just below the elbow sleeves. Under this light grey cardigan she is wearing a soft white or cream skivvy. The loose and slightly open neckline looks more modern than a tight-fitting neck skivvy. The necklace is a darker grey and just above bust height. It all gives an impression of openness.
Tip – If your hair is greying, choose a light grey or silver cardigan. Mid-grey and dark grey, when worn on your upper body, adds years to your look. An off-white or cream skivvy worn with light grey is an unusual combination that works very well.
Last Words
The draped cardigan is still modern and in fashion. For a change, take another look in your wardrobe to see if you can adapt any of these three pieces of styling advice. Otherwise, go buy a new belt or loose neck skivvy to revitalise your existing winter woollies.
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