New Day/New Outfit: The In-Between Sweater

April in New York is a weather roller coaster--one day (like today) in the 80s; the next day down in the 50s. Saturday night, I was in the city to see "Old Hats," the latest creative masterpiece by Bill Irwin and David Shiner. I wore a black lace blouse and camisole, a flare skirt, flats and a red trench, and I froze the minute the sun went down! A girlfriend in our little party wore a gold puffy jacket--smart woman. But here's the  thing: Even if I'd known the temp was going to fall to the 40s, I probably wouldn't have reached for a puffy jacket, a wool coat or even a chunky sweater. It's April, for goodness sake. This over 50 gal is tired of dressing for the cold.  My solution: a lightweight, short-sleeve sweater.

BENEFITS OF AN IN-BETWEEN SWEATER
A short-sleeve sweater offers...

• Shoulder warmth. I'm always amazed at how much warmer I feel when my shoulders are covered.

• Minimal wooliness. I don't feel bundled up for winter in a lightweight knit with an open neck and short sleeves.

• Versatility. I'm surprised at how well this sweater functions in a range of spring temperatures.

I picked up my shawl-neck, short-sleeve sweater at Coldwater Creek a month or so ago. I didn't wear it at all during the really cold, snowy weather in March. Lately, however, I've been living in it. I'm finding the neutral color goes with lots of things. So far, I like it best worn over a white man-tailored shirt. And since it's a bit boxy, I always wear it with a belt for structure.

SHOPPING SOURCES
If a short-sleeve sweater appeals to you, you'll find a wide selection of styles on the web. When I searched short-sleeve knits, I found pullover, cardigans, ponchos and shawl-like vests.  Here's two examples. Forgive the product shots with young babes. 




LOFT Petite Open Front Elbow Sleeve Cardigan ($44.99, plus 40% off at checkout) in Regular Sizes and black as well.


I love this soft, draped poncho look...



STRETCH CREPE KNITTED PONCHO-L-HEATHER CAMEL ($168)