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10 Sweaters That Will Stay in Style


spinner image Chico's Pleated Faux Pearl Cardigan, Old Navy Rib-Knit Off-The- Shoulder Sweater for Women and Banana Republic Silk Cotton Cashmere Ribbed Turtleneck
Courtesy Chico's, Old Navy, Banana Republic

Classics That Warm Up Every Wardrobe

Sweaters — like everything else — have trended up. Right now it's all ruffles, bows and extravagant sleeves, but we both know they'll whiz in and out of style faster than you can say pashmina. Basic styles like V-necks, crews, turtlenecks and cardigans really do last nearly forever, but even they need an update to keep going as long as possible. These 10 sweater looks are guaranteed to heat up your looks, life and body.

spinner image Helen Mirren smiling wearing a gray v-neck pullover sweater
Actress Helen Mirren wearing a V-neck pullover at the 69th annual Directors Guild of America Awards in 2017.
Jason LaVeris/Getty Images

V-Neck Pullover

The V-dip exposes extra inches of collarbones and upper chest for the illusion of a longer neck and silhouette. Every woman's body regardless of size or height benefits here, but be sure to choose this classic in two updated lengths: straight and semifitted to cover hips, such as the Banana Republic Merino Vee ($68, bananarepublic.com) and V-Neck Luxe Any Day Pullover by A New Day ($18, target.com); or opt for a longer thigh-grazing tunic, such as Loft Refined V-Neck Tunic Sweater ($60, loft.com). Both styles have side vents for a contemporary look and ease. Neutral colors of navy, gray, charcoal or camel are your best buy here.

spinner image  Mariska Hargitay wearing a black ribbed turtleneck
Actress Mariska Hargitay with a ribbed turtleneck sweater in May 2017.
Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images

Ribbed Turtleneck

This form-fitting flatterer in a lightweight rayon-polyester or a silk-cotton-cashmere blend — such as Chico's Ribbed Turtleneck in rayon-polyester ($60, chicos.com) or Banana Republic Silk Ribbed Turtleneck ($78, bananarepublic.com) — makes us all feel like Audrey Hepburn. Black is a must-have first choice — elegant, professional and chic day or night. Look for a tight ribbed turtle with a slim neck to define your body in a cool, classy way without causing attention. Add a black pencil skirt, pants or jeans to keep the edge head to toe.

spinner image Banana Republic  Machine Washable Merino Ottoman-Stitch Cardigan, left, and Target Any Day Cardigan by A New Day, right
Banana Republic Merino Ottoman-Stitch Cardigan, Target Any Day Cardigan by A New Day
Courtesy Banana Republic, Target

Ladylike Cardigan

Skip the twinset and just sling on a round-neck cardigan Michelle Obama-style over a dress or skirt. A traditional fine-gauge knit — such as Banana Republic Machine Washable Merino Ottoman-Stitch Cardigan ($78, bananarepublic.com) or Target Any Day Cardigan by A New Day ($23, target.com) — changes its fit depending on how you wear it. Button only the top for an A-line shape, at the waist only to define or emphasize that spot. Pair it with toned ankle pants or a skirt for a businesslike look.

spinner image Old Navy Rib-Knit Off-The- Shoulder Sweater for Women
Old Navy Rib-Knit Off-the-Shoulder Sweater for Women
Courtesy of Old Navy

Off-the-Shoulder Sweater

Every woman age 50-plus has show-off-worthy shoulders for evenings out — the look is sexy without showing too much cleavage. They are trendy now (though top designers such as Donna Karan made them staples), so snap them up before they're gone at a reasonable price. Look for a simple style in a soft, subdued color like gray, cream or navy — such as Old Navy Rib-Knit Off-the-Shoulder Sweater for Women ($35, oldnavy.com) in Char Latte or Target Women's V-Neck Off the Shoulder Pullover Sweater by Nitrogen in Gray ($45, target.com). A poly-acrylic-cotton plus spandex blend has enough stretch and hold to keep all in place.

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spinner image Melanie Griffith wears a cowl neck sweater
Actress Melanie Griffith wearing a cowl-neck sweater.
GVK/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

Cozy Cowl

The soft-draping and face-framing folds of the cowl take the place of a scarf. Attached to a long derriere-covering tunic, it's a chic chill chaser. Try ones like Chico's Zenergy Knit Collection Cozy Pullover ($70, chicos.com) or Loft Textured Cowlneck Tunic Sweater ($70, loft.com). For a pulled-together look, wear it over leather or ponte leggings and boots, jeans and booties, or slim ankle pants and flats. 

spinner image Rita Moreno in a red cashmere sweater, left, and Banana Republic Superloft Bow-Cuff Crew, right
Actress Rita Moreno wearing a cashmere sweater at the Netflix "One Day at a Time" premiere in 2016.
Steve Cohn/AP Images, Banana Republic

Cashmere Splurge

A luxurious cashmere sweater makes every woman feel like a million bucks. This wow sweater is yours for life (if you baby it), whether you opt for a 100 percent cashmere V-neck, such as Uniqlo Women Cashmere V-Neck Sweater ($80, uniqlo.com); a lighter all-seasons cashmere-silk, such as Brooks Brothers Silk-Cashmere Shawl-Collar Sweater ($148, brooksbrothers.com); or an in-between cashmere-wool such as the Banana Republic Italian Superloft Bow-Cuff Crew ($78, bananarepublic.com). Nothing will make you feel as sensual. Choose a style with a slightly relaxed fit, in a color from violet to blue, coral, fiery red or creamy ivory that makes your skin look as radiant as it feels.

spinner image Chico's Pleated Faux Pearl Cardigan, left, and former first lady, Michelle Obama wearing a sparkly embellished, cardigan, right.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama during a 2009 visit to Maggie's West London Centre for cancer care.
Courtesy Chico's, Joel Ryan/AP

Dressy Sweater

This is the glam throw-on to wear with jeans and heels or any work outfit for after-five — or when you just need a last-minute fix on a blah day. If it's embellished with beads, pearls, sequins or embroidery, you don't need jewelry. Stick to neutrals like black, ivory or gray that work with every color — like Chico's Pleated Faux Pearl Cardigan ($99, chicos.com) in black or Target Embellished Pearl Pullover by A New Day ($30, target.com). Other good sources are flea markets, consignment shops or Etsy for vintage looks.

spinner image Sarah Jessica Parker, left, and Laura Linney, right, both sport oversize cocoon cardigans
Sarah Jessica Parker, left, and Laura Linney, right, sport oversize cocoon cardigans.
Raymond Hall/FilmMagic/Getty Images, Pedro Andrade/PacificCoastNews/Newscom

Chunky Cocoon Cardigan

This is the thing to wear over layers (or just a tee in chilly movies and restaurants) for a modern, sophisticated cuddle. Look for swingy, slouchy but substantial ribbed or textured knit cardigans in wool or cotton-acrylic blends, with a shawl collar and wide or raglan sleeves that layer easily — such as Target Oversized Cocoon Cardigan by Mossimo Supply Co. ($30, target.com) or Etsy KnittySunny Chunky Cocoon Cardigan ($79+, etsy.com).

spinner image Courteney Cox in a black crew neck sweater with side vents
Actress Courteney Cox spotted in a black crew neck sweater with side vents in June 2017.
Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

New Crew

No prim, preppy sweaters for us. Opt for a simple round neck, straight lines, a fine-gauge flat knit, side vents and a long hip- or booty-covering length — like J. Jill Sophia A-Line Pullover ($69, jjill.com) or Target Crew Neck Luxe Any Day Pullover by A New Day ($18, target.com). Viscose-nylon-modal blends are machine washable for easy care and right for any season. This is a great base over a crisp white, flannel or denim shirt and long tees — with scarves or solo.

spinner image Halle Berry wearing a gray poncho sweater, walks down a sidewalk with friend
Actress Halle Berry, right, in a gray poncho sweater, locks arms with actor Olivier Martinez.
SMXRF/Star Max/Getty Images

Sweater/Poncho/Cape Hybrid

This wraps, flings over one shoulder to drape, belts for extra polish, layers over other sweaters and blazers, and is a dream item for travel. Those in 100 percent acrylic feel luxe but don't crease, wrinkle or pill. Medium neutrals — like Target Wrap Sweater by Sylvia Alexander in gray or taupe ($40, target.com) or the H&M Fringed Poncho ($25, hm.com) — look classy and sassy day or night.

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