As the cold winds begin to blow in Australia, it’s time to break out the winter jumpers and cardigans. If you live in the northern hemisphere, summer can also bring chilly nights (and sometimes chilly days) where a light cardigan or jumper is needed.

Your first thoughts may be to buy something new. Alright.

I’ve recently noticed some new ideas for stylish ways Baby Boomers can style their winter sweaters and cardigans so you can look modern instead of scruffy. You may still have to buy new clothes, but they will be cheaper options that expand and revitalize your current clothes. Many women underestimate the versatility of the clothes that are already hanging in their closet.

Here for you now are my three new fashion tips to style your winter jumpers and cardigans in trendy style and style.

Grandpa makes a statement

I took note of a fashion tip in the June 2013 issue of Australian Weight Watchers magazine. They were actually showing off the V-neck sweater, but it was Grandpa’s shirt underneath that caught my eye.

The magazine model was shown wearing a slightly wider V-neck sweater. Underneath was a grandfather shirt that was unbuttoned to below the V-front of the sweater. The full extent of the unbuttoning is not seen and the open space creates a second slimming V-shape as well as room to add a statement necklace. A short necklace is better here than a long necklace. Any crew neck or open top would work as the collar could be on or under. Since you’re only showing a small part of the t-shirt or shirt, white on the model will work for everyone, even if white isn’t your best color.

what a difference a belt makes

I write about belts a lot because they are worn today in a way that makes them a modern classic. Stop saying your waist has expanded. Get over it and embrace narrow belts with a difference.

I have a photo of two models wearing the same Butterick 5760 pattern which features a simple scoop neck and button front cardigan. One model is wearing the cardigan unbuttoned, which is a classic shape that can easily look soft. The other model is wearing the same cardigan with only the center button fastened. Over the cardigan she wears a narrow belt with a wide, open ring-shaped buckle. The buckle is your modern style secret. Because it is metal and open, it breaks the width of your belt. The result is that your waist looks smaller. This type of belt is a dressing wizard. You can wear it over jackets or cardigans to achieve the same effect. Look in your favorite stores or go to the Chicos website where you will find four similar belts.

three quarter magic

I’m a fan of three-quarter sleeves. They are so versatile. In addition to being a modern classic, they slim you down because the lower part of your arm is always the skinniest part. Plus, three-quarter sleeves are perfect for tropical winters and cool summer nights anywhere in the world.

Basic V-neck wool knit cardigans worn over classic center button shirts can make you feel old-fashioned and scruffy. Even when you leave part of the cardigan unbuttoned to the waist, it still ages. A strong statement necklace can lift it up a bit. A better option is to wear a modern cardigan just below the elbow or three-quarter sleeves as I saw last year on the Coldwater Creek website. Beneath the model’s light gray cardigan, she wore a soft white or cream T-shirt. Her sleeves were rolled up a bit to reveal her slim arms. The loose, slightly open neckline looked more modern than the old-style briefs that are tight at the neck. Her necklace was a darker gray and came to just above bust height. Everything gave an impression of openness.

Advice – If your hair is gray, choose a light gray or silver cardigan. Medium gray and dark gray, when worn on the upper body, add years to your look. An off-white or cream brief worn with light gray is an unusual combination that works very well.

Last words

The draped cardigan is still trendy and trendy. For a change, take another look at your wardrobe to see if you can adapt any of these three style tips. Otherwise, go buy a grandpa shirt, a new belt, or a loose collar skirt to reinvigorate your existing winter sweaters and cardigans.