The perfect throw-on sweater(s)

[Dcclerk]

So, you all were so helpful for my denim jacket and boots search, I couldn't resist asking for your help for a sweater or two.

I think I need two sweaters, both of which to be the go-to sweater in different settings. When I am home, I want a cute, comfy black or neutral sweater that I can throw on to elevate the outfit. It must be comfy (and I actually can't stand most wools or cashmeres), and not necessary for an "outfit" to work. I want that sweater that you feel ok throwing on with jeans, over a tank dress, etc. I got one of those wrap sweaters that I was sure I was going to just love, but I so don't. It just looks weird on me, and it just sits in my closet

The other sweater I need is one for work. Think, I already have some basic pants and a work-appropriate "tee" (like one made out of some drapey material or something like that), now I need a sweater because my office is freezing. I had been wearing a boxy, cashmere cardigan in such a scenario and I don't think I realized how bad I looked Now, I want something to throw on also, but in a more conservative manner.

Any thoughts?

TIA!

Kerry

[wendibird22]

For home I'd do a zip hoodie sweater. If it's fine gauge or detailed in any way it can be dressed up or down.

For work I'd probably go with a classic cardigan. I have a black one with 3/4 sleeves that I love because it works well in winter and also in cold a/c during the summer.

The Limited and LE both have some really nice sweaters right now.

[weech]

Cardigans are my go-to at home and work. I feel like I look too frumpy in hoodies, and cardigans can be casual or dressed up.

I just got a nice v-neck cardi from AT LOFT outlet. It's thicker than I'm used to, but SUCH a lifesaver in my freezing office.

I like this one a lot. (http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=27374&N=1200006&pCategoryId=3359&categoryId=200&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_200&loc=TN&gridSize=sm&showAll=true&defaultColor=True%20Navy&defaultSizeType=Regular)

[SammyeGail]

I was surprised I loved this sweater from Gap, I have the charcoal, they may have more in a store:

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=8993&vid=1&pid=749445&scid=749445012

I love asymmetrical cardis, I only have one, it is very lightweight, sort of like this one. I can also tie the front in a loose knot for a different look, it was an optional pic on the model of the one I bought. The brand I bought was Three Dots. I would post the actual link, but I got it at Hauntelook.com.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/3105355?origin=related-3105355-0-0-2

If you like that style I'm sure you can find others that aren't as lightweight. I think mine is mostly nylon, lol.

No advise on work sweaters. Sorry! I would probably buy something that flatters my body type best :).

[wallawala]

This is great for casual night/day out. I've worn it to work multiple times. Very flattering and soft! Now on sale!!!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3102690?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=0

[LadyPeter]

New York & Company has a good selection of casual & dressy cardis at the moment:

http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/facet/facetGlossary.jsp?removeAllFacets=true&addFacet=SRCH:cardigan&trailSize=1&_requestid=1370332

[SammyeGail]

This is great for casual night/day out. I've worn it to work multiple times. Very flattering and soft! Now on sale!!!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3102690?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=0

Ohhh, why did I have to see that, its adorable!!

This one from New York & Company has the flying squirrel look:
:superhero:

http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/productDetailWithPicker.jsp?productId=prod2360002&categoryId=&productId=prod2360002&categoryId=

[happymom]

This is great for casual night/day out. I've worn it to work multiple times. Very flattering and soft! Now on sale!!!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3102690?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=0

I love this style- I have something similar. It's very popular now, so it should be easy to find in many stores. I don't know if you have an Annie Sez near you, but they tend to have nice cardigans for great prices.

[DrSally]

I love the burgandy ruffle one from Nordy's. I've seen similar ones at TJMax. I saw one I really liked last time, and I should've just gotten it! I also think a closer fitting (not boxy) cardigan in a finer fabric would be good for work. I've been contemplating getting one of those lightweight fleece zip hoodies from LE for myself (DS has one based on a recc here).

[tarahsolazy]

I am a cardigan freak, wear them constantly. For basics, try Land's End Canvas, they have a crew button up cardigan that is fitted, soft cotton, and has nice saddle shoulders. Very basic, very preppy, although I am really not preppy, but over a nice scoop neck tee with a skirt it makes a comfy outfit work appropriate. Same idea with jeans and you've got your casual outfit.

[Dcclerk]

Thanks to you all, I now have a package coming for me from Nordstroms with every style mentioned here. I am also going to be checking each of the other sites/stores to see if I can try those out, too. It is so helpful to have some place to start, rather than starting "from scratch" for me. Decorating, I'm thrilled to do on my own. Clothes, I feel like I have no clue!

[wallawala]

Yea! Hope you enjoy your new sweaters, post us an update when you get at chance to try them out! I really like mine from Nordies, but bought it in a Dark Grey which I don't see online. I bet they still have it in the store or could order if you find you really like the burgundy. It goes with EVERYTHING else I just bought, so I'm loving it. They had a cream as well, that wasn't as flattering (could see your t-shirt lines under it).

With the ruffle, I think it makes a huge difference with where it hits you at the waist as to how flattering it is. If it doesn't work for you, I agree with PP that the open ruffled look is way in right now, and TJMaxx or marshalls might be a great place to find similar with a different cut.

I think I'm going to have to go get the burgundy one now...

[octmom]

This is great for casual night/day out. I've worn it to work multiple times. Very flattering and soft! Now on sale!!!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3102690?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=0

I love that sweater! I wish they had more sizes in stock. I think I would probably need a medium and they only seem to have L and XL left.

[salsah]

i've never shopped at ATLoft so i don't know how good a deal this is, but since i know some people mentioned sweaters from the Loft, I thought i should mention it. full price sweaters are now buy one get one half off. online and in-store. don't know how long the deal will last. hth someone.

[Dcclerk]

I got my sweaters, and sure enough, that Sweet Pea one was a hit! It is definitely a keeper. The funny thing is that I am a 6/8, and would have loved the medium. I got the large, b/c that is all they had left, and it totally works. It isn't too baggy in the arms and isn't ridiculously wide, just comfortable. In odd contrast, I also tried that Bobeau flyaway sweater that comes up on the side listing in a medium, and it was silly huge in the arms. I felt like I would need to get a size XS to make it look flattering, and I honestly don't have super tiny arms. I tried it in the blue, which was a great color, but that one is going back. So is a cute appliqued sweater. It just seemed too short.

I have also ordered a splendid thermal waterfall cardigan, so will update when I get it. Thanks again for all of your help!!

[octmom]

I got my sweaters, and sure enough, that Sweet Pea one was a hit! It is definitely a keeper. The funny thing is that I am a 6/8, and would have loved the medium. I got the large, b/c that is all they had left, and it totally works. It isn't too baggy in the arms and isn't ridiculously wide, just comfortable.


Oooh, thanks for sharing the sizing info. I may need to order it too. It sounds like we are about the same size. :)

[Dcclerk]

I happen to have on my lovely ruffle sweater right now, which prompted me to remember to add a little more to this post. As just a little more, if others are looking for sweaters, I have added my collection:)

I got this Splendid thermal cardigan from the Neiman Marcus sale, and I love it:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod112820050&eItemId=prod112820050&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dsple ndid%252Bwaterfall%2526_requestid%253D20526 It is so soft and comfy, but doesn't look like I am just walking around in my sweats.

I also got this sweater from Target, believe it or not. http://www.target.com/Converse-Star-Alexander-Eyelet-Wrap/dp/B003TX9XEE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=converse%20cardigan&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-4&qid=1286222487&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Converse%20Star%20Alexander%20Eyelet%20Wrap&node=1038576%7C1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_ primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0
It is a great basic, with nice really long arms, and a flattering figure-hugging but not-too-tight shape. I think it works well with a lot, and is a great throw-over-anything kind of sweater.

All in all, I am happy with the new additions to my sweater collection. I now need to start a hunt for great skinny jeans for a girl with thighs and a booty...