10 Cardigan Sweaters for Senior Women

Cardigans are traditionally layering pieces that we use for warmth or for covering up. Fashion items come and go, but cardigans have been in our closets for a long time and are not going anywhere anytime soon.

1. Liz Claiborne Long Sleeve Open Front Cardigan from JCPenny – This classic cardigan is offered in a variety of trending colors. 
2. St. John’s Bay Long Sleeve Open Front Cardigan from JCPenny – This 100% Cotton knit fabric, open-front long-sleeved, cardigan is designed with an open neckline and is offered in regular and petite sizes.
3. JM COLLECTION Open-Front Cardigan, Created for Macy’s – JM Collection’s sleek and stylish cardigan is a versatile layering essential, featuring long sleeves with button cuffs, front pockets, and an open neckline, available in both white and black. 
4. BELLDINI Pointelle Long Sleeves Open Cardigan Sweater – This open cardigan features a delicate allover pointelle open stitch design that is perfect to wear with any outfit.
5. KAREN SCOTT Crew-Neck Cardigan, Created for Macy’s – Complete your look with an elegant touch from Karen Scott’s classic cardigan.
6. Summer Romance Abstract Cardigan from Chico’s – Welcome the season with the Summer Romance Abstract Cardigan, a perfect lightweight top layer made from a slightly sheer cotton-blend fabric, featuring pointelle stitching, a longer front, and a casual fit with 3/4 sleeves.
7. Dolman Cardigan from Chico’s – The must-have Dolman Cardigan offers shoulder ease, blouson shape, and a touch of glamor with caviar beads, designed with ribbed cuffs and made from knit cotton fabric in a classic fit for women over 50.
8. TIPPED TEXTURE V-NECK CARDIGAN from Talbots – Chanel-inspired cardigan with the classic Talbot look.
9. LINEN BLEND OPEN FRONT CARDIGAN/PAINTED DOT from Talbots – Light, relaxed, and perfect for warm weather, this versatile cardigan with an airy linen blend and an easy open front will be your new favorite layering piece.
10. CHARMING CARDIGAN – VIVID BOTANICAL from Talbots – This year-round favorite cardigan is remarkably light, beautifully detailed, and perfect for dressing up or keeping it casual with its vivid botanical design.

According to Wikipedia:

“The cardigan was named after James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, a British Army Major General who led the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War. It is modelled after the knitted wool waistcoat that British officers supposedly wore during the war. The legend of the event and the fame that Lord Cardigan achieved after the war led to the rise of the garment’s popularity – supposedly, Brudenell invented the cardigan after noticing that the tails of his coat had accidentally been burnt off in a fireplace.”

Fashion designers like Coco Chanel took the clothing item and brought it to runways and into fashionable women’s closets and the rest is history.

Cardigans can be dressed up or down depending on how they are worn and accessorized. Michelle Obama wore an elegant short cardigan with pearls when she met Queen Elizabeth. It actually had a lot of people talking and the topic became “sweatergate.” If someone knows how to wear a cardigan, it’s Mrs. Obama!

Here at Sixty & Me we love our cardigans. They are in most of our closets as a staple piece and are often part of our capsule wardrobe.

Read THE CAPSULE WARDROBE – A MUST HAVE EVERY WOMAN SHOULD BE UTILIZING.

Personally, I tend to shy away from the brightly printed cardigans, unless that will be my signature piece of clothing in my outfit. Cardigans should complement your outfit rather than overpower it.

Great Cardigans for Senior Women

Brands and retailers are now offering cardigans in all shapes, fabrics, and colors, and the selections go from super trendy to more traditional looking.

Cardigans can be button-down or open front, long or short, bulky or flowy. They are often made with cashmere, merino wool, cotton blends, synthetic blends, or even linen.

Here I’ve shopped around for some of the best cardigans for older women and have put together a list of various styles, fabrics, and price points.

Liz Claiborne Long Sleeve Open Front Cardigan from JCPenny

Indulge in this classic comfort with this open-front cardigan featuring cuffed long sleeves and an open neckline, designed in a flattering classic fit.

Created in a rayon/polyester knit fabric, this cardigan adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Stay cozy and stylish with this timeless wardrobe essential in one of the many colors offered. 

St. John’s Bay Long Sleeve Open Front Cardigan from JCPenny

Another find from JCPenny. This 100% Cotton knit fabric, open-front long-sleeved, cardigan is designed with an open neckline and is offered in regular and petite sizes.

JM COLLECTION Open-Front Cardigan, Created for Macy’s

JM Collection presents a sleek and stylish cardigan perfect for layering. Featuring long sleeves with button cuffs and front pockets, this cardigan offers both fashion and functionality.

Its open neckline and front with no closures make it effortlessly chic and versatile. Designed for Macy’s, this cardigan comes in white and also black.

BELLDINI Pointelle Long Sleeves Open Cardigan Sweater

Discover effortless elegance with this delicately pointelle-designed open cardigan, perfect for complementing any outfit. It’s a shorter version of the best-selling duster, offering versatility for your wardrobe. 

Enjoy long sleeves and imported craftsmanship, and indulge in the allover pointelle open stitch pattern that exudes charm and sophistication. 

KAREN SCOTT Crew-Neck Cardigan, Created for Macy’s

Complete your look with an elegant touch from Karen Scott’s ultra-classic cardigan. Designed with a crew neckline, this imported piece is created exclusively for Macy’s, adding a sophisticated flair to any outfit.

Summer Romance Abstract Cardigan from Chico’s

Welcome the season with the Summer Romance Abstract Cardigan, your go-to lightweight top layer. Crafted from a slightly sheer cotton-blend fabric, this long-sleeve open neck piece is perfect for summer. 

With pointelle stitching for an upscale touch and a longer front for versatile styling, it’s made from Chico’s bestselling, breathable Summer Romance yarn. Enjoy a casual fit with 3/4 sleeves for a chic topper.

Dolman Cardigan from Chico’s

Enhance your wardrobe with the must-have Dolman Cardigan. The sleeves create shoulder ease and a blouson shape, while the beaded detail adds a touch of glamor to this design. 

With ribbed cuffs nodding to dressy sweaters, this classic fit, long sleeve open neck cardigan is made from knit cotton fabric, available in regular length (26″) and a shorter, petite-friendly length.

TIPPED TEXTURE V-NECK CARDIGAN from Talbots

Meet your go-to over-anything layer, perfect for any day. This ultra-soft cotton blend, Chanel-inspired cardigan features a flattering V-neck, long sleeves, and a button front closure, hitting at the hip with a straight hem for a versatile and stylish addition to your wardrobe.

LINEN BLEND OPEN FRONT CARDIGAN/PAINTED DOT from Talbots

This is a light, printed, cardigan with a relaxed silhouette, crafted from an airy linen blend for warm-weather ease. Featuring long sleeves, a shawl collar, and a no-close design with an easy open front, this cardigan hits below the hip and includes side slit hems for a chic touch.

CHARMING CARDIGAN – VIVID BOTANICAL from Talbots

Indulge in this legendary year-round favorite cardigan, perfect for dressing up or keeping it casual. This remarkably light layer boasts a vivid botanical design and beautiful details. 

It has three-quarter sleeves, a crew neck, and a button front closure, hitting at the hip for a versatile and stylish look. Ideal for women over 50 seeking comfort and elegance.

Read BEST CLOTHING STORES FOR WOMEN OVER 50.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Which cardigan style is your favorite? Do you have a particular style or fabric that you prefer? Tell us in the comments below. Share your favorite cardigan style with the community.