Am trying to get something for my sister to wear for work. Dress code is business casual, so am just curious about suggestions. She does a lot of keyboarding at work and I want something that looks neat and sharp that would go with most outfits while providing warmth against the air conditioning. She recently turned 50, so doesn’t want too young a look either. Also would prefer something that can be machine washed and dried.
My office is business-ish, not exactly casual but not suits and ties. I always wear a cardigan over a sleeveless shell - makes it easy.
Any particular brands you favor and have found to be warm, attractive and durable?
HIMom, what is the price range?
Under $100 apiece preferably. I have found quite a few at Macy’s online but no idea what they’re like IRL.
Does she prefer jackets or cardigans?
I prefer cardigans and usually buy them from Banana Republic or J. Crew.
I’m not sure what she prefers but just know she tends to be cold a lot. Will check out those two brands. Thanks. May look for something for D too, since she always “borrows” my jackets when we are together.
I’ve have great luck with cardigans from Nordstroms petites past years. This year I found several unlined cotton jackets that have worked very well. I do about 2-3 hrs in am on keyboard using wrist brace (that fits under).
I would avoid Macy’s cardigans. The quality is just not there, unless it is a Ralph Lauren piece.
Too bad this is way above the price range. It is flattering, goes well with many outfits, and has pockets!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/equipment-bethel-wool-cashmere-cardigan/4039276
Take a look at the Nordstrom’s Halogen and Classiques lines. They have some nice, office appropriate pieces. Like these:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/classiques-entier-blackwood-wool-blend-jersey-jacket/3788550
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-open-front-blazer-regular-petite/4055044
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/double-breasted-knit-blazer/4023674
TopShop is a surprisingly good place for cardigans and jackets!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/double-breasted-knit-blazer/4023674
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/topshop-crop-crepe-jacket/4022359
The Bethel sweater looks too big, even on the model. My sis and also my D are both petite and look better in more fitted garments than the looser, unconstructed ones. May have to up my price range if I find something perfect.
The Halogen open blazer might work. It looks more fitted than the others.
You could try Ann Taylor or Talbots for cardigans at the price range you’re thinking of. If she likes them, they typically sell them in a bunch of different colors, and often with either 3/4 length or full sleeves depending on her preference.
HImom, the cardigan looks perfect on the model (the slightly oversized look without sloppiness is what it is aiming for). But it sounds like your sister likes fitted clothes. That is a good thing to know.
So: we are looking for fitted cardigans and blazers for a petite woman. Round or V-neck? (I personally cannot stand rounded necklines on cardigans, but that’s just on me 
).
You can wear this 4 different ways.
and here:
Sis is 5’4" and 115 pounds, D is 5’2" and 100 pounds. Both have small bones. Not sure what neckline they prefers. D has freely borrowed both types of neckline sweaters and jackets from me.
I think for both of them when they wear oversized it looks like they are borrowing someone’s clothing. Not a good look for either.
We do have an Ann Taylor but no Talbot’s. D does like borrowing an Ann Taylor long cardigan I got on clearance eons ago. Its fitted. Because of the style, clingy, it looks good on both of us.
This looks much, much better IRL than on the model! The wool is super soft without any bulkiness.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/finesie-cardigan/4087643
(note to posters: when posting a Nordie link, delete the “?” and everything that follows after it for a much cleaner look; it is also a way to avoid showing your search history)
I bought my cousin a black cashmere cardigan at Bloomies, for about $170. If I could have waited a few weeks, it would have been 25% off. I got a grey one for myself, lighter weight, at Nordies Rack, for far less.
Lands End or LLBean cardigans work, too, and are in the $40-60 range.
I like the Garnet Hill signature merino cardigans, but personally not as big a fan of this year’s patterns. Boden has some nice ones, also. I’ve given up on the suits and the sport coats and pretty much live in cardigans and pencil skirts and tights or cardigans and pants…makes it so easy to get dressed in the AM.
Dang, was all set to order Ann Taylor sweaters but then was assessed a shipping charge despite being reassured by their CS person that there is NO shipping if you spend $175+; such rules don’t apply to HI, so I may venture out to see what I can find in person at Ann Taylor later today, as D plans to go to the mall and have lunch with friends.
I would figure out if she prefers cardigans or pull overs. I almost exclusively prefer cardigans and rarely would wear a pull over.
The best defense to stay warm is good layering. Even in AC.