Saturday, June 29, 2013

ARMS OVER 50: 3/4 SLEEVE SOLUTIONS



My arms definitely took an "aging hit" over winter and I am no longer looking at sleeveless fashions as my go-to summer uniform. Recently, I posted New Day/New Outfit: Take Cover In Loose Knit Top wearing a garment from my closet. Yesterday, I was in town and snapped a photo (above) of a very cool 3/4 sleeve top. With the mega end-of-season sales starting, I decided to poke around online for other 3/4 sleeve sweaters that might look great over the sleeveless tops and dresses in my wardrobe. It would be nice to find a bargain, perhaps, two.

STRIKE BACK WITH 3/4 SLEEVES
In my mind, what makes a 3/4 sweater such a great solution for aging arms is: You can wear it or not wear it. I often thread a 3/4 sleeve sweater through the handles of my purse when it's hot. Then, when I reach my destination--work, restaurant, movie theater--with air conditioning, I put it on. When Vogue editor Anna Wintour, 63, wears a sleeveless sheath, she often drapes a lightweight sweater over her shoulders.






 Call me crazy, but I'm not about to give all my favorite sundresses and sleeveless tops the heave-ho just because of some pesky wrinkles. I snapped this photo (above) of me in a sundress and 3/4 sleeve sweater before running out to work yesterday. My office is in a deep freeze all summer (does anyone know how to regulate air conditioning?!?), so I always need a sweater. To avoid looking too bulky, I've added a belt. I also like to wear a cuff or bangle, like the one shown from Coldwater Creek. I think it offers a little extra arm distraction. What do you say?


FLATTERING FOR SUNDRESSES AND SHEATHS
Here's a sample of some of the 3/4 sleeve styles you'll find online. (I'm especially loving the ones on sale!!) Jones New York has some great loose knit sweaters, like this Jones New York 3/4 V-neck Cardigan (Green, Size M) ($79)


Jones New York 3/4 V-neck Cardigan (Green, Size M)

Or...

Jones New York Lurex Pointelle Cardigan (White, Size M)

Jones New York Lurex Pointelle Cardigan (White, Size M) (was $69, now $39 thru July 1st) in 8 colors and various sizes, XS to XL.


You might also want to take a peek at Jones New York Dolman Cardigan (Pink, Size M) ($89), which is a similar style, but different knit. It's also available in a range of sizes.


Here's a stylish Cropped Linen Cotton Cardigan (was $88, now $61) in 5 colors. Three colors are available in most sizes, 2-18. If you like the style, check out the soft orange color.

Cropped Linen Cotton Cardigan




Old Navy has a few 3/4 sleeve cardigans in a wide range of colors. Their modest price tags makes them a great choice for casual dressing.

Old Navy Womens Rib Knit 3/4 Sleeve Cardis

Old Navy Womens Rib Knit 3/4 Sleeve Cardis ($22.94) in 11 colors and Sizes XS-XXL.





Old Navy Womens Cropped Rib Knit Cardis

Old Navy Womens Cropped Rib Knit Cardis ($15) in 14 colors and Sizes XS-XXL.

Short or cropped sweaters aren't for all women over 50. Personally, I don't like to wear any sweater--long or short--that stops at an unflattering point on my body. Generally speaking, I think short sweaters work better over dresses on me than over tops and jeans (as shown on the young model above).

HAPPY SHOPPING!!

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