Cute, sweet, fun are the words that sum up many of the novelty knits we’re seeing this fall. That’s exactly why it is best to stay away from many of the sweaters that belong to this silly trend if you are over 40! Take a look at what we mean:
| This sweater looks good at any age (WINK WINK!!)Don’t end up a fashion victim this fall. This saucy sweater belongs on a teenager, period. We don’t care how darling you think it is. It’s foolish after 40! (…but your daughter might like it from Nordstrom) |
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| Fit to Be Tied!Do we really have to say anything about this one? And yes we do have a sense of humor. Still, not for grown up gals. Don’t go there unless you are giving this as a gift to a sweet young thing. (from Nordstrom) |
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| Dotty and DowdyCute and playful, this belongs in the juniors department. Put it on a mature woman and this she suddenly looks like a kindergarten teacher who has spent too many years in the classroom. (For youngins who can wear this get it at Nordstrom) |  |
| Cartoon CrazinessYou’re too sophisticated and chic at 40+ to start looking like a comic strip. Don’t let the joke be on you. (Available at Nordstrom - for the younger set) |  |
| Novelty Knits that Work Over 40!If you want to wear one of the novelty knits go for one of the graphic ones. Dramatic lines and patterns look more chic than rows of puppy dogs. See what we mean below: | . |
| Web of Wow!This is one fabulous top. It’s called the Zig Zag Sweater from Nick and Zoe and what we love about it is the mix of colors, cool pattern and body conscious fit that skims your curves. (It is waiting for you at Nordstrom) |  |
| Chain of EventsLink Up with this Fabulous Tinkit Sweater from Diane Von Furstenberg. We love it’s simplicty and bold mature statement. (Nordstrom) |  |
| Technicolor CoatCasual and cozy with the touch of an ethnic vibe this Misook Striped Ribbed Sweater is a lovely way to brighten things up and give you that nice long lean line that makes you taller and thinner. (Nordstrom) |  |
| Artsy Array For those days when you are feeling creative this Joie Brenda sweater with it’s loose flow is free spirited and artistic. Works best with skinny jeans or leggings. Great style to hide a jelly belly. (Nordstrom) |  |
| Zig Zag GeniusTory Burch achieves graphic greatness with this simple Allison Sweater. It’s simple, sophisticated and the perfect neutral to combine with any brightly colored jean if you want to crank things down a notch. (Nordstrom) |  |
Style Expert Deborah Boland specializes in helping mature women to Tweak their Chic®!
I love your site and think you always have such great advice. Two wishes, though — 1) how about featuring more over 40′s who are significantly over 40 but still look “agemazing”? and 2) why not give some fabulous fashion suggestions that don’t cost quite so much? I loved 2 of your novelty knit suggestions but they were each over $300! Not quite in my budget or my lifestyle.
Hi Emily,
Thanks for your suggestions, they are good ones! Be on the look out for more posts with those of all ages and ones with lower prices!
I like Dale of Norway sweaters for casual winter wear, too. Novelty knits, but not cutesy, kiddy stuff.
http://www.shopatron.com/home/index/1744.1
It is often so difficult to define the concept of “taste” and, for us grownups, what is “age appropriate.” Kudos for great, illustrative examples of how to wear this trend without looking dumb. What I also find interesting is that your appropriate examples for women over 40 also look elegant on these much younger models. Good design is good design on a variety of ages, as we see here. Thank you so much.