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How To Wear A Cardigan Over 40 (Without Looking Old)

February 28, 2022 By: Nada Manley5 Comments

I remember reading long ago that Cindy Crawford did not like cardigans, and those words haunted me for years. “Why doesn’t she like cardigans?” I wondered. “They seem so innocent. Does she know something I don’t know?”

Turns out the answer was yes. Yes, she does.

She knows what I learned a little later in life, and that’s that the same cardigans that can look cute (if occasionally a little bit slouchy or sloppy) in your teens and 20s can make you look matronly in your 40s and 50s.

Teenagers aren’t the only ones that can pretty much wear any cardigan they want. The same thing is true of these people:

Toddlers can wear the most grandma-ish looking knit and make it look adorable.
This guy can wear any cardigan he wants and make it look so hip that no one over 40 can fully appreciate it.
This Brazilian beauty looks gorgeous in this statement cardigan, but she’s one of the few who can pull it off.
Taylor Swift makes cardigans look adorable.
If you like to show your shoulder regardless of the climate, you can wear almost any cardigan you like
People who live on ranches and Sundance Catalog models can wear cardigans like this and make them look cute
If you have a very flat stomach and like to show it off, you can wear most cardigans with ease.
If you have ninja DIY skills and can turn a cardigan into an adorable top, you can wear any style you want.
If you’re tall, slim, and don’t have much of a bust, you can wear most cardigans well.

Today, I share my strategies for choosing and wearing cardigans that are modern and flattering. And you can find some current favorite cardigan picks right here.

The 7 Cardinal Cardigan Rules

Don’t fit any of the above categories? Neither do I. But don’t despair. Before you toss all your favorite cozy cardigans, check out these tips for buying, wearing, and styling them in a totally cute and not-at-all-frumpy way.

Make It Chunky

Fine knit cardigans can look frumpy, but chunkier cardigans are much more modern and therefore cooler. Chunky knits also add texture and interest to the most basic outfits.

Fine knit cardigans are aging.
Chunky cardigans are cooler and much more contemporary.

Style Your Fine Knits

If you have tons of find knits in your closet, as I did, update them by styling them in a really contemporary way. Belting, tucking, and wrapping are all great options.

Wear Them Long Or Short

The most contemporary cardis are cropped or quite long. It’s the in-between length that is potentially frumpy.

Long is cool.
Short is chic.
But in-between is dicey.

Update Your Twinsets

Nothing is more aging than a classic twinset. Nothing. Fortunately, there are modern versions of this popular pairing that look very stylish.

Fine knit twinsets like this are very aging.
This twinset is chunky with an updated silhouette, making it cute and contemporary.
This knit tank and matching shrug is an updated take on the twinset.
Chunky and neutral make this look modern.

Try A Chunky Statement Sweater

This season’s statement sweaters channel Beverly Goldberg, but there are options available that are more modern and wearable.

This Farm Rio cardigan is a little OTT for most women and most wardrobes.
This chunky cardigan looks chic as part of this modern outfit.
This cardigan features a statement print on a basic style, making it far more flattering and easy to work with.

Don’t Match The Cardigan To The Top Or The Dress

A Garanimals look is never going to be flattering, so try neutral cardigans with statement tops or dresses instead.

Even a little girl would look frumpy in this combo.
Don’t match the cardigan to the shirt exactly as in this look.
This cardigan has a statement print but it’s paired with essentials.

Swap Your W’s

The swish-swish of the waterfall cardigan might seem forgiving, and it can be, but it’s also dated and therefore a little less than fresh looking. Same with a cocoon cardigan, which is not at all contemporary and also unflattering. Who needs the extra volume on the sides? Instead, choose a sleek and flattering wrap style cardigan.

A waterfall cardigan is a dated look.
A cocoon cardigan is out of style and unflattering.
A wrap style cardigan is an easy and elegant update.

And now I’d love to hear your thoughts? What do you struggle with when it comes to cardigans? And which of these tips was your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

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Comments

  1. Nada Manley says

    March 6, 2022 at 3:52 pm

    Thanks for the comment! Glad you liked the tips! You definitely have to wear what you find flattering for sure! I do not wear all the trends either!

  2. Nada Manley says

    March 6, 2022 at 3:50 pm

    I’m so glad you liked those tips! ANd we each have to pick what works for us out of the trends available. ! definitely do not recommend wearing them all. Thanks for the comment!

  3. L says

    March 5, 2022 at 1:49 pm

    Thanks for these tips.
    I just love cardigans! And have quie a few too.
    My fave tips are wearing them buttoned and tucked in, or belted.
    Not a fan of chunky ones. They seem to add too much bulk and that’s definitely not something I want or need right now.

  4. Nada Manley says

    March 3, 2022 at 7:57 pm

    That sounds so cute!

  5. Bonnie Boyd says

    March 1, 2022 at 3:26 pm

    Hi Nada! The chunky twin set with an updated silhouette is my favorite! I have a gray one from Christmas time that I haven’t worn yet.

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