How to Choose the Best Cardigans for Women Over 60
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Adding a third layer to your outfit elevates it beyond just a top and pants and can make the difference between simply wearing your clothes and styling them. Blazers, vests, and cardigans are all popular options this time of year. Today, I want to focus on cardigans because I find it the piece I’m reaching for most often these days. Here’s a round-up of some of the best cardigans for women over 60, including some of my personal favorites and how to choose the best shape for you.
One of the biggest benefits of owning a cardigan is its versatility. Cardigans come in a range of styles, colors, and materials, making it easy to find one that complements your personal style. They can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for any occasion. You can wear a cardigan with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt for a casual look or pair it with a dress and heels for a more formal event.
How to Choose the Right Cardigan
Your choice should depend on your personal style, the weather, the occasion, and the overall look you’re trying to achieve. Cardigans also serve both practical and aesthetic objectives, so you need to take that into consideration. Let’s start at the top!
Choose a neckline that flatters your face and silhouette. I’m a big fan of V-necks because they elongate my look without making my shoulders look broader than they are, the way a crew neck can.
This textured cardigan was a recent find at Talbots. The contrast band along the pockets and gold-tone buttons gives it a French-inspired vice, which is very popular this season. The coordinating shell is also a nice touch. I’m wearing the set over these straight-leg corduroy pants, but they would look just as polished over dark-wash jeans or a skirt.
Types of Cardigans
- Classic V-neck cardigans are perfect for layering over button-up shirts and blouses. They’re a versatile option that can be dressed up or down. The V shape draws the eye down the body, which has a slimming effect and helps elongate your look. They also add visual balance for a wider upper body and can enhance your bustline. They’re easy to accessorize and frame the face nicely.
- Chunky knit cardigans are super popular right now and perfect for staying warm in colder weather. We’re seeing lots of oversized versions this fall, which are a great choice for casual, comfy outfits. They look great with jeans and boots.
- Longline cardigans provide extra coverage and can work as a lightweight coat in transitional seasons. They help elongate your silhouette and pair well with leggings, pants, or dresses.
I have several of these everyday cardigans and love them year-round. They’re a lightweight knit that drapes beautifully in a casual style that goes with so many things. It’s a soft merino/acrylic blend that is easy to toss over so many things and doesn’t feel too warm to wear inside. It comes in seven colors this season.…mine is Grey Heather. It’s available in sizes XS-XXL.
- Belted cardigans are a great choice for women with an hourglass shape. Beware that they can add bulk around the middle in thicker fabrics. These look better in longer lengths.
- Cropped cardigans are great for emphasizing a high waist. They pair well with the wider-leg pants and jeans that are so popular now. They give a retro and feminine look to your outfit.
- Patterned cardigans can add lots of interest to your outfit. Look for patterns in scale with your features, or you can go wild and wear whatever makes you feel confident! They add personality to a simple outfit and make a great statement.
I found this beautifully patterned cardigan at a recent Talbots try-on. Its classic plaid in rich autumn colors makes it a perfect piece for fall. I’m wearing it over a column of ivory, and it would also pair nicely with jeans or a skirt.
- Oversized cardigans are perfect for a relaxed and casual look. They’re often in chunky knits that add to their coziness and look great over leggings or slim-legged or skinny jeans.
- Zip-front cardigans have a sportier look than ones with buttons or open fronts. They’re quicker to fasten and have a more contemporary look than traditional button-up cardigans.
Okay, so while this is technically labeled a jacket, I consider it a cardigan for all intents and purposes. It has a sporty two-way zip closure with rib-knit details at the sleeve cuffs and hem. I love the Johnny collar and the gorgeous blue shade. Some reviewers struggled with the zipper, but I didn’t have any problems with it myself.
How to Style a Cardigan
Choose a cardigan that fits you comfortably and isn’t too tight or loose…unless that’s the look you’re going for. You should be able to move and lift your arms comfortably without it pulling across the back or under the arms. If you see whisker lines across the bust from the underarms, try going up a size.
Consider where you’ll be wearing the cardigan and the climate. They’re easy to remove if you overheat and just as quick to layer on in cooler weather. For a more formal look, opt for a cardigan in a fine knit. Chunky knits are inherently more casual and perfect with jeans and booties.
Accessorize with belts, necklaces, scarves, and brooches (which are back on trend). Beware that self-belts (same knit as cardigan) can give a grandpa vibe, which many of us enjoy!
Invest in quality knits that will hold up well over time and take proper care of them to maintain their appearance.
Most importantly, style your cardigan to suit your personal aesthetic. Wear what you love, whether you prefer a classic, preppy, or bohemian look. Remember that fashion is about expressing your individuality, so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your cardigan styling. What are your favorite cardigan shapes?
More of The Best Cardigans for Women Over 60:
I like the last cardigan, too. If anyone else is interested, Athleta has the Pranayama Restore Wrap in Chrome Blue. Not the same, but I’m considering it.
Thanks for such a great review of a variety of cardigans! I just ordered the Talbot’s CoolMax sweater/jacket. I love the color, and I am a fan of zip up cardigans. Unfortunately many of the reviews on the Talbot’s website said the zipper is very difficult to maneuver. Did you find that to be the case? I’m hoping I will get one that isn’t a problem!
I didn’t have a problem with the zipper on the none I tried on.
Great article! Do you have a link to the second to last sweater—the long solid blue one? Many thanks!
Sorry, it is Nic and Zoe from last year
Lovely selection and great tips however in all honesty it is only this year that I have taken a real interest in them as prefer a cropped style for myself. That being said though, out of the few that I have had my favourite was actually one purchased in the men’s department that was in my casual/country Fall wardrobe, that I wore more as a jacket but has long since been donated. (It was a chunky merino wool in a rib-knit and was burgundy wine in color. Had a shawl collar/lapel, dark brown leather embossed buttons and if recall correctly was tunic length on me.) -Brenda-
All of the styles you chose are great! I prefer a boyfriend style with buttons and vee neck. Mine tend to be textured and heavier. Even though I am short, I like this style over jeans and long sleeve tees. The weather is starting to change here and I have been wearing cardigans again.
I’m wearing them and our weather is still warm! I like that they layer so easily.
Hi Jennifer,
I love the patterned pants and grey shoes you are wearing in the first picture (wearing the black cardigan where you are standing next to what looks like a brass pineapple). Any chance either of those are still available?
Thanks,
Sarah
I’m sorry they’re sold out
I love cardigans for all of the reasons you and others mention. I had stepped away from them a few years back when I read they make a woman look matronly. I bought into that thinking! Sadly.
This year I’ve added two that I just adore- a short (cropped) grey and a longer swingy multi grey open cardi. I’ve gotten complinents on that one!
Thanks for sharing!
Very timely post! I’ve recently been overwhelmed as to selecting cardigans and how to style them. Lots of really useful information today. Thank you! Also, what color are the cords you’re wearing in the pic with door marked 541? Where did you find them? You look gorgeous in that ensemble!
They’re my NYDJ jeans.
I love that multi hue sweater in your last phot. Where did you get that one
It’s from Nordstrom but sadly, sold out
I love cardigans!! This was very helpful in deciding what kind of styles to get. I always struggle with how to wear/style them. I’m always trying to hide either my belly or the tush. Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Hi– Are you able to provide shopping information for the sweater you are wearing in the last photo (the one with the number 541 over the door)? Or is it posted somewhere and I am just not seeing it? Thanks!
I’m sorry it is sold out
I really like all the cardigans you showed on this post. I have worn all these styles at one time or another. Cardigans are really a wardrobe staple. I remember when cardigan sets were so popular! I wear a short vneck most often.
Great post. I like cardigans with buttons. In addition to what you’ve shown, I like wearing a fitted cardigan as a top. I also like zip-front sweaters: the two I have are more jackets than cardigans though. Love the Talbot’s twinset!
Hi Jennifer
I love the pants in the first image. Small black/ white check . Where are they from ?
Thanks
Julie
They are from Nordstrom a few years ago.
Jennifer, you have perfectly captured my fashion trick – add a third layer for style, comfort, and camouflage. Having said that, I need to be careful with some cardigans. If the knit is too chunky and too cropped, it makes my full bust look fuller, causing me to look top heavy. If the cardigan is too long, it makes my 5’1″ frame look shorter. So I choose my cardigans carefully (after making many fashion mistakes!). Thanks for this post for giving me more to think about.
Loved the light grey cardigan with the light grey and white top. Where did the top come from?
That was Nordstrom a few years ago. Sorry it seems to be sold out
Jennifer
I love the blue and teal cardigan you’re wearing in last picture. Do you have a link to it?
Jane
Sorry, it’s sold out