On Trend Open Knit Sweaters for Women Over 50

ByCindy Hattersley Hours Posted on Hours Updated on
Comments 40 Comments

I hate the term on trend but Google loves it. That being said, the open knit sweater trend is still going strong ( I posted an earlier version of this post last year) in 2025 thanks to its effortless blend of breathability, texture, and versatility. They have been in and out of “style” many times over the years. In my opinion they are timeless. They work well in the spring and summer months especially in climates with hot days and cool nights like ours. The light cotton or linen sweater is perfect for layering over a tee, tank or dress. Let’s take a look at On Trend open knit sweaters for women over 50.

On Trend Open Knit Sweaters for Women Over 50

You don’t have to break the bank to add one of these sweaters to your wardrobe. There are many at great price points in multiple styles from v-neck sweaters or cardigans, cable knit styles, to fair isle sweater looks . I prefer cotton, linen or a blend of both for maximum breathability and comfort. Some of the less expensive ones have poly in them but not all.

The Shrug

I picked this sweater up at one of my favorite local boutiques (which happens to house my hair salon) Roux Collective. I don’t particularly like to show my arms if I don’t have to.

Frank and Eileen white shirt dress with Angela Mara openwork sweater

This “shrug” (similar on Etsy here)is a great option for covering the upper arms without adding weight in the Summer. I am wearing it with a favorite Frank and Eileen dress, similar sandals, Brixton hat, and janessa leone backpack

The Hoodie

The hoodie can be styled with jeans, linen pants or even a casual dress. Layer it with a tee or casual tank top. Accessorize your dress or pants with sneakers or casual sandals. This hoodie was gifted to me several years ago from Artful Home (no longer available but one very similar linked below)

Gray open weave sweater with white linen

Artful Home gifted me this great Planet open knit sweater years ago (very similar here on Poshmark). I am styling it with a simple white Michael Stars tee, Olukai sneaks, and J Jill linen pants.

The Casual Pullover

Style the casual pullover with linen pants, or jeans, sandals or sneaks. This one was purchased locally at Roux Collective. I have linked very similar ones at the bottom of the post.

White linen open weave sweater with linen pants

I purchased this open weave sweater locally at Roux collective last year (similar here). I am wearing it with my JJill linen pants, packable janessa leone hat, and backpack. Sandals no longer available similar here.

Splendid Black open weave sweater cp shades lily skirt

I purchased this Velvet open weave sweater early in the season and have worn it numerous times.I styled it with my CP shades lily skirt not currently available in this color but on Poshmark here and several on eBay here. I am wearing it with my comfy Frankie sandals, an old ralph lauren bag (similar here), and my Caddis sunnies here.

Eileen Fisher Delave Top styled for fall by Cindy Hattersley

I have had this sweater from Eileen Fisher (xs) for years (it is still available and on sale). I am wearing it with a Michael Stars tee, eileen fisher linen pants, Birdies loafers, vintage bracelet, and Paula Carvalho necklace.

Sanctuary Ope Weave Pullover with Linen Pants-cindy hattersley

Sanctuary just sent me this great v neck open weave sweater (I ordered a large because I wanted it oversized) CP Shades Jenn pant (xs) from several years back, J Crew has similar pants here, caddis sunglasses, Etsy bangle similar here ,casual Mar Y Sol bag, and fitflop sandals. Use code Share15 for 15% off.

cindy hattersley in eileen fisher terry midi and delave top

This is another one of Eileen Fisher’s great open weave sweaters (short sleeve here), her organic terry skirt similar here, sandals, ibu movement gifted necklace no longer available similar here gigi pip hat, and vintage bangles.

Splendid Open Knit Sweater & Jeans

When I visited my friends in Florida my friend Kris had this Splendid sweater (size M) on and I fell in love with it. I am wearing it with my Chicos jeans (size 0), H&M baseball cap and my comfy fitflops.

The Long Line

Sanctuary vest frank and eileen jeans

Sanctuary clothing gifted me this pretty brown open weave long line vest (m). It also comes in ecru. I don’t normally wear brown or sleeveless, but I think this vest has a flattering look. I am wearing it with my white Frank and Eileen jeans, a new packable Janessa Leone hat and my Janessa Leone backpack and sandals no longer available similar here

Open Weave Sweaters that are on my Radar

I hope you enjoyed On Trend Open Knit Sweaters for Women Over 50. You might also enjoy my post Eight Chic Versatile Ways to Wear a Shirtdress, or Best Cool Summer Linen Looks for Women Over 50. Do you like open knit sweaters?

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40 Comments

  1. Hi Cindy…I love your posts and have been a follower for years…I come to Paso every so often and would love some recommendations for local shopping…You can only drink so much wine…lol..I think you have mentioned some before but I can’t seem to locate the posts…Our tastes are very similar, and the struggle we ladies have with being in our 70’s and trying to find classic casual clothes that cover all the essential parts. ….Thank you , and keep up the great work!! Carole

    1. Hi Carole

      I sent you my list. I hope you received it. If you didn’t let me know!

      1. Hi, Cindy. I’m coming to Paso as well, in August. I know you’ve mentioned Ambiance, but if you could email me the same “shopping list” you sent Carole, I would appreciate it. I haven’t shopped in Paso the three times I’ve been before, but we’re staying a bit longer this time, so could definitely fit that in. Thank you!

  2. Love your style love your blog. I hadn’t thought of open weave sweaters but now I have to think about that. Going back and looking again. I also love your garden. You’re the best. 👍

    1. Hi Sandra

      I think the open weave sweaters are so great for our climates. Try one!

  3. I have one Lucky brand open weave cardigan that I bought at least 10 years ago and another from 6 years ago. I’ll never part with them, as they are so forgiving of 70-years-old arms, and they never look dated.
    Great post as always!

    1. Hi Sarah

      Yes!! You are so right about the 70 year old arms-open weave=miracle!!

  4. I keep thinking I’m going to buy one of these great open weave sweaters, but haven’t gotten around to it yet, so thanks for posting! I’ll check out some of your links and hopefully send a commission your way. xoxox, Brenda

    1. Hi Brenda

      You probably will not need them in the San Antonio heat…but hey you are traveling on your book tours..maybe!!

  5. I love the looks, especially the V-neck Sanctuary sweater. And I have a few open weave sweaters, some pullover and one cardigan. I love the way they add texture and visual interest. However, I don’t wear them too often, I am very fair skinned and always am fearful of getting sunburned in them. So they work mainly for dinner in the evenings.

    1. Hi Sheila

      I love the texture and visual interest as well. As you know I am all about texture in the home and the wardrobe!

  6. Love that Sanctuary pullover the most…and the elegant look of the cream column!
    Funny, years ago in 1993 in a different lifetime, while visiting Paris for the first time, I purchased a wheat coloured open knit tunic top and absolutely loved it. It was so different than anything out there…but it was Paris! Why did I not save it! Silly me , if only . Like you said, Cindy, timeless.

    1. Hi Cath

      I agree. I absolutely love that Sanctuary pullover. It was gifted and I ordered a large on a whim. It is well made and reasonable as well! I wish I had saved the open knits I had over the years as well.

  7. Cindy
    You always look so beautiful.
    Love your style.
    Can you tell me the size you wear in the Stars shirts. I had them years ago and love the quality and feel. I’m just five foot one and often find shirts too long.
    I’m probably a small. I think knowing the size you purchase can help me.
    Thank you

  8. Hi Cindy,
    Your style influences me so much, although I don’t think I carry it off as well as you!
    I purchased the EF sweater in black off of your link to Poshmark, it was stretched out but I shrunk it down and will figure out a way to make it work. I’ve since purchased several more. They’re great layering pieces for wearing around here where the weather is never the same hour to hour!
    It’s sunny and foggy, depending on where I’m headed today, I’m wearing my black long sleeved mesh sweater over a white button up shirt with the collar up. I think I’m set for the day!
    Xo Heidi

  9. Hi Cindy! Love your style! I’m a huge Eileen Fisher fan as well. What brand are the slip on, laced up sneakers?

    Thanks!
    Dee

      1. I purchased similar sneakers from Famous Footwear, but made by Roxy: “Bayshore Plus”.. They come in many colors and are very well made. And they are half the price! They also carry ‘Bob’s extra cute sneakers’ in white. Very cute!

        1. Hi Pam

          I will check out the Roxy sneaks!! How are you guys anyway?

  10. Such an enjoyable blog. I love the look of a linen or mess sweater. I have several linen cardigans that are just wonderful- one I bought in the early 2005. I love a light weight shrug, I wear a light blue over my navy cotton dress. Last week, I purchased a darker green boyfriend style cardigan. – the called the color: Heritage Green. It will be nice now and in transitional weather- We have summer until mid- October. I hope you had a great cruise.

    1. Hi Beth!

      Great to hear from you! I am featuring your friend next week on Ageless Style. We have summer until mid october here as well!!

  11. you make everything look so chic and comfortable Cindy. I literally think of you when I pack for travel and when shopping for new items. I just bought the EF open stitch sweater you rock in gray above in the new caramel color and its divine although I didn’t listen to reviews and ordered my normal size but need to size down one. live and learn. and putting Roux Collective on my must do list when I come out to California. got the husband looking at schedules and tickets 😉 xoxo

    1. Yes, Nancy is right! You are my example when I pack too, and we take a LOT of trips. When I first saw your blog and pictures online I said, “Yes, THIS is the kind of style I am going for.” So thank you very much for sharing YOUR style and for stepping out to try new things that I myself was wondering about.
      Happy summer

      1. Hi Eva

        I really appreciate that. I never thought I would be influencing any ones style!

    2. Thank you so much Nancy! I wear those sweaters all the time. I love them both and am coveting the black.

  12. Cindy, I love your style..always so effortlessly chic! I’m definitely pinning all the looks..love everything..I’ve got some linen dresses that will look fabulous with these types of toppers

  13. Cindy, Have loved reading your emails for many years and love that you support the silver/grey look. How freeing it is. Many, many thanks for leaving the name of the hair salon you go to. I am new to Paso and in dire need of a good cut! Any chance you’d share the name of the actual person you go to. Forever grateful for your info!

    1. Hi Judy

      Absolutely Edward Tedeschi. I couldn’t recommend him more highly. Contact Roux Collective and arrange an appointment. Welcome to Paso. We are fairly new as well.

      1. Thank you, we are excited to be here! I’m going to call him right away and thank you for sharing the salon and his name!! Maybe we’ll meet up one of these days. Our son and fam live in Templeton. Take care, Judy

  14. HA! It is (finally) confirmed that I am “IN”! Love these sweaters and have been collecting them for a few years in a few different colors, but am most impressed how they cover my flabby arms in the summer. Thanks for a fun post!

    1. Hi Rebecca

      I am always reluctant to consider anything a “trend”. I am not one to follow them, but this one I like!! Couldn’t agree more about the arms! They are made for women our age!!

    1. Hi Eris

      The former owners planted it… we have them to thank…isn’t it wonderful?

  16. I have an open lace shirt that over 30 years old. Time to pull it out & put it to good use. Thanks for a lovely read.

  17. Cindy, love this look. Open knits give a beach or vacation vibe … so bring it on! xo

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