Lady dress: Discount Cardigans: Worth A Try?

Most over 50 women I know have favorite stores in a particular price range for the bulk of their wardrobe needs. They tend to shop exclusively at either stores that are discount (Kohl, Pennys), mid-priced (Macy’s, Banana Republic), or expensive (Saxs, high-end designer boutiques). At the risk of sounding like a maniac shopper (which truly I’m not), I prefer to shop the full range of stores. It seems to help stretch my fashion funds. For example, I shop at discount stores for what I consider unimportant, disposable clothing (underwear, sleepwear, socks and T-shirts) and use the money saved to buy one splurge designer item per season at a high-end store.

However, budget T-shirts and an expensive, say, designer dress don’t make a complete wardrobe. There is the task of rounding out your closet—that is, adding slacks, skirts, sweaters and a dress or two—without breaking the bank. For these items, I tend to stay away from discount stores and do my shopping at mid-priced stores. Why? Two reasons:
1)Discount clothing that is poorly made with cheap materials really stands out on the over 50 body.
2)If I can wait for the mid-priced store merchandise to go on sale, I can get higher quality clothing for about the same price as discount clothing. (For example, scroll down to see the cardigans currently on sale at Jones New York.)

That said, and much to my surprise, I walked out of Target this week with two ¾ sleeves cardigans by company called Merona (pictured at top). I was in Target shopping for underwear—I like the 100% cotton, seamless boy shorts (ultra comfortable). The Merona cardigans caught my eye. I bought a cardigan with a black-and-white pattern and one in solid red because I look best in "winter colors" and because I’m a stereotypical New Yorker who wears too much black. However, you’ll find a range of colors and patterns in the Target store and online for $19.99.

I’m not going to tell you these sweaters’ workmanship is superior or that you’d mistake them for designer sweaters. However, I think they may do nicely for casual wear, especially if I pair them with better-quality slacks or a skirt. It’s always a gamble buying at discount stores and I don't do it often (except for underwear, etc.). However, if these cardigans hold up, I'll feel like I’ve beaten the high prices of fashion. It’s part of the fun of fashion.

Flattering 50 with Cardigans
I may not be a huge fan of discount shopping, but I do love cardigans on over 50 women. A cardigan with a few buttons undone or a zipper lowered to reveal a camisole underneath is a perfect 'look'--it's neither too buttoned up or scary cleavage-revealing. (For over 50 women plagued by hot flashes—those of us who need to take their sweater off during a flash, but would rather not be seen in a strappy camisole—a scoop-neck top is just as attractive.) Cardigans also look great opened up and worn with a crisp, opened man-tailor blouse. Another casual choice for women over 50: a V-neck patterned T-shirt under a V-neck cardigan.

From Bealls in 7 colors for $19.99...

Nue Options™ Â¾ Sleeve Solid Cardigan Sweater

More Well-Priced Cardigans online...
Right now Macy's online has a dozen or so cardigans for under $25 and many more for under $50. Lands' End online has Regular Fine Gauge Cotton Sweaters, including the Baby Cable Cardigan Sweater, the Cardigan Sweater, the Rib V-Neck, and the Knit Button-down V-Neck Cardigan. And check out the sweaters, from $25-50 at online at Anne Taylor Loft.

End-of-Season Sales
Jones New York is one of my favorite mid-priced shops for women over 50. However, when JNY has a sale, watch out! The prices tumble and you can get some amazing bargains. All of the cardigans below are on sale for under $50 and some are priced under $30. Some are clearly spring/summer colors and styles. However, when I see something I like at a great price, I'm happy to grab it now and store it for next year. That's the great thing about being older: You can focus on what looks good and not on this minute's trends.