The latest women’s version of Patagonia’s Down Sweater Hoody packs impressive warmth for its weight. Insulated with 4 ounces of lofty 800-fill down, the hoody is warmer than Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody and less insulated than Rab’s Microlight Alpine Down Jacket (5.3 oz. of 850-fill down in a size small). It’s also available without a hood for $50 less.
Styles
The Women’s Hooded Sweater coat is a great womens hooded sweater coat choice for fall and winter. The jacket has a double zip, hood and insert pockets for added comfort. It is made of Irish cable knit and comes in a wide variety of colours.
Patagonia updated the popular down sweater with recycled shells and lower weight, a new collar and baffle design, and a few small improvements like one inner zipper chest pocket for stashing a Clif Bar during or after high-intensity aerobic activities and stretch cuffs that prevent rogue snow or wind from creeping up your sleeves.
Materials
This womens hooded sweater coat is made from a combination of cotton, nylon, and polyester. It also features two fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets and stretch cuffs that help keep your hands warm and comfortable while you’re outdoors. It also has one inner zipper pocket at womens hooded sweater coat chest level, which is ideal for those who often become hangry during or shortly after high-intensity aerobic activities like trail running. Buttery YKK zippers and stretch cuffs make this jacket both practical and comfortable.
A white cardigan sweater adds polish to any outfit, whether you pair it with slim-fit jeans and a small handbag for a casual look or a black skirt and heels for work. Look for one with a wide weave to keep the cold out on holiday travel days, and consider shorter options that finish right around the hips when you need something lightweight for a warm afternoon of walking.
1. Casual Outfit
A white cardigan can be a versatile addition to your casual outfits. Wear it with a pair of dark wash jeans and a tee for a chic look that is both functional and comfortable. You can also add a band tee in a grungy grey or dark charcoal color that will stand out against the light shade of your sweater. Expert Style Tip: You can add some extra flair to this outfit by pairing it with a black fedora and some silver jewelry.
White cardigans can also be worn with a skirt or dress for a more polished look. Try wearing it with a pencil or A-line skirt in neutral colors such as white, grey, or black. If you want to elevate your look even more, you can wear it with a skirt that features a pattern like stripes or herringbones. You can also dress it up with a pair of heels and a chic handbag.
When it comes to footwear, flats are a good option that goes well with white cardigans. You can choose from a variety of styles that include ballet flats, loafers, and mules. You can also select shoes in neutral shades such as beige, black, or brown to create a stylish and unified look. You can also go for a pair of white cardigan sweater sneakers in white, which is a trendy and contemporary choice that will complement your sweater perfectly.
2. Work Outfit
The right cardigan sweater can elevate a work look from office to casual. For instance, a plaid cardigan outfit with a wool midi skirt and white lug-sole boots is ideal for a fall day on the slopes or in the city. And for a cozy-chic effect in the office, try a long cardigan sweater that extends past the waist of a short sheath dress with a pair of polished loafers.
If you like the idea of a sweater coat but want something less fitted, consider an open-front cardigan that’s a bit shorter than the jacket version. It hits anywhere from the bottom of the ribcage to high hip and is substantial in weight with a banded v-neck and large buttons (often horn or wood look). This year, this type of cardigan, also known as the grandpa cardigan, is back in style.
Shirt-and-cardigan combos are easy to wear and flattering for any figure. Solid-colored tops of any color look great under cardigans, while patterned ones add eye appeal. For a more casual look, try a sweater with matching wide-leg pants. They are super comfortable and easy to move in—perfect for a lazy day at home.
3. Party Outfit
If you’re looking for a sweater to wear for an autumn or winter party, consider this white cardigan with large buttons. It has ribbed cuffs and collar and is made of soft cotton blend fabric that washes well. It’s available in several sizes, including XS to XXL. Pair it with a sheath dress in a neutral shade and slip on strappy heels to complete this party-ready look. You could also add a clutch and ear studs to this outfit for a casual-chic vibe.
Another way to style a white cardigan sweater is by wearing it over a sheath dress with a floral print and pairing the outfit with black wedges and a canvas tote bag. You could also add a belt to this dress outfit to make it more slimming, and you can wear a black headband or scarf for a chic look.
A final sweater outfit to try is a shearling-lined cardigan with a black skirt and utility pants. This outfit is a great choice for a holiday party or a weekend brunch with friends and family.
Whether you’re dressing up for work or relaxing at home, a white cardigan sweater is an essential wardrobe staple. These versatile pieces can be worn with almost any kind of bottoms to create many different outfits. You can also mix and match these cardigans with other colors to create fresh looks. And don’t forget—white is a classic color that works for any season.
4. Night Out Outfit
One of the best things about white cardigans is that they can elevate any casual outfit to a chic look. This is particularly true when paired with skinny jeans and a tank top or v-neck shirt. Add heels to elongate your legs and a simple handbag to complete the ensemble. This outfit is a great choice for date night, a party with friends, or any other occasion that calls for a stylish yet comfortable look.
Many of the best sweaters for women feature embroidery on their collars or cuffs to give them an even more elegant style. Some are also designed with faux fur to create an white cardigan sweater extra cozy feel and add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. A longer-style cardigan is a great choice to wear over a dress for a night out. This type of outfit is a great way to showcase your figure and adds extra warmth for cold weather.
If you are looking for a stylish winter outfit idea that is both casual and chic, try pairing a long cardigan with a black pair of dress pants. If you’re a fan of the layered look, you can also add a sleeveless vest to this outfit for additional warmth. You can then finish off the look with a sexy belt, a cute crossbody bag, and dangling earrings.
Women Suits are a staple in many women’s wardrobes. Whether worn as a full suit or mixed with separates, they can work for any occasion.
Women’s suits have a rich, boundary pushing history dating back to Sarah Bernhardt scandalizing Parisian society in her men’s clothing and Georgio Armani championing androgynous shoulder pads. The modern women’s pantsuit emerged in the 1980s.
History
Women suits have had a long and varied history. Coco Chanel may evoke images of cool femininity and pink perfume bottle elegance but she was also one of the first to take menswear designs and make them more suitable for women. Her tweed women’s suits from the 1920s were designed to allow women to breathe, a welcome departure from restrictive corsets. Her effort was echoed in Katherine Hepburn’s tom-boy look of the 1930s that made it possible for women to work outside the home in pants or skirt suits with wider shoulders and more masculine fit designs.
Giorgio Armani introduced tailored trouser suits for women in the 1980s that helped reintroduce the suit to the workplace. Often referred to as “pantsuits” but officially known as skirt or pant and blazer suits, these new styles took the gender out of fashion and ushered in a era of career-minded women clad in power suits. The suit went through a brief lull in the 1960s as many women sought more traditional domestic roles following World War II. But by the 80s with the share of females in the workforce growing and Georgio Armani championing androgynous shoulder pads, the suit was back with a bang.
Styles
Women’s suits have a rich, boundary-pushing history. At one time, wearing men’s clothing was scandalous and illegal, but actress Sarah Bernhardt wore her “boy’s clothes” with conviction in Hamlet, and her style set the precedent for modern women. Today, a suit is considered chic and effortlessly cool. Anthony Vaccarello’s re-invention of the suit at Saint Laurent proves it is still a relevant style choice.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that suits became commonplace in the workplace for women. At the urging of designer Giorgio Armani, tailored trouser and skirt suits pushed back against the sexy dress culture that Women Suits had defined women’s fashion in the 1970s and ushered in a new, more serious era for career girls.
Pantsuits have also become a common women’s workwear staple, as exemplified by Hillary Clinton’s rotating wardrobe of power suits. To build a suit for yourself, start by finding your perfect blazer at Sandro Paris, Maje, Nordstrom, Pinko or the Outnet and then shop Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Sezane or Yoox for the trousers that match. For a more fashion-forward look, choose a blouse in the same color family as your suit for a monochrome effect and add gold jewelry to elevate the style.
Tailoring
After determining the purpose and basic style of your suit, consider what messages you want to convey. Choose 3-5 messages and jot them down. These will guide the design process.
In 1925, Coco Chanel was the first to introduce casual chic to women’s tailoring, ditching the corset in favour of a flatter bust and more streamlined silhouette. She also introduced trousers to women’s suits, a major breakthrough that allowed them to move freely and comfortably in the workplace.
For a sleek and sophisticated look, tailored velvets, satins and metallics bring a seductive edge to after-dark parties. Embellishments such as diamante trims and feather embellishments add a touch of drama to the mix.
A good tip for making the most of your tailored suit is to have a friend take pictures of you from the front, side and back. This will allow you to easily spot fit issues or proportion problems. It’s a great way to identify the best accessories and hairstyles, too!
Fabrics
When it comes to designing your own suit, the right fabric is key. Choose a material that is breathable, soft, and reflects your style. This will help you create a tailored look that will leave a lasting impression on others.
Wool is a popular choice for suits because it’s both warm and breathable. It also resists wrinkles and is soft against the skin. Wool is available in a variety of weights and weaves, including flannel, worsted, merino, and tweed. These fabrics are typically reserved for colder weather, but they can be worn year-round if you want to look stylish during the fall and spring seasons.
Another great option for a suit is linen. This material is breathable and can withstand high temperatures. It can be a good choice for women who live in areas with hot summers and want to wear a comfortable outfit.
Accessories
Women’s suits aren’t just a formal wear, they can be reimagined for casual outfits too. A sleek designer suit can Women Suits look chic and sophisticated with jeans or a casual top when accessorized with the right accessories. The classic black suit will always be in style, but this season colour is key. From high-waisted trouser suits in burgundy, navy or olive to cropped suits and matching blazers that are great for office wear.
For a contemporary take on the suit, style it with a simple white tee neatly tucked into your trousers. This keeps your neckline high and professional but with a stylishly edgy twist. Exact match accessories like a sharp handbag and heels look incredibly polished and well-thought-out, giving you that extra professional edge.
If you’re after a cheaper option, Macy’s has a selection of suits that are made for the brand by designers. This includes AK Anne Klein, Calvin Klein and Tahari by ASL among others. They also have a line called ‘Everyday Value’ that features designers at a more affordable price. Alternatively, you can find suiting separates and sets at designer stores like Nordstrom.
A cardigan is a sweater that opens in front and typically fastens with buttons or zippers. It also usually has a relaxed silhouette, unlike a form-fitted sweater.
A white cardigan sweater works well with dresses or sheath tops. You can also button one up over jeans for a Katharine Hepburn look.
1. Long-Sleeve Cardigan
Cardigans are an outer layer that can be worn in a variety of occasions. They can be worn with jeans and sneakers for a casual look or they can be paired with a skirt and blouse for a semi-formal occasion. When choosing a cardigan it is important to choose one that fits well. It is also important to choose a color that is appropriate for the season. Light colors are ideal for spring and summer, while browns, greys, and beiges are more suited for fall and winter.
To make your cardigan outfits more stylish, wear it with a belt. This can add shape to your waist and create a slimming effect. For a more formal look, choose a belt with a wider width.
Wearing a long cardigan with jeans can be a great way to add some style to your everyday outfit. You can also use a long cardigan with a dress for a casual yet chic look. You can even pair a long cardigan with joggers and a loose t-shirt to get a comfortable athleisure look.
2. V-Neck Cardigan
Women’s V-neck cardigans flatter most body types because the “v” draws the eye vertically and elongates the torso. A wrap-style or belted v-neck sweater also creates an hourglass look and looks fab with a dress. A striped v-neck cardigan is also trendy this year, especially when the stripes are narrow and dark. It’s a great choice to wear with a shirtdress, jeans and a pair of flats for a stylish date look.
A women’s cashmere v-neck cardigan looks polished over a button-up shirt, especially when the buttons are color matched to the sweater. It also looks chic with a tee or camisole and wide-leg jeans or neutral pleated skirts.
A v-neck cardigan also works well over a polo shirt in fall and winter or on cool spring or late summer nights. For instance, the Lost + Wander white cardigan sweater Joey V-Neck Crop Cardigan pairs beautifully with high-waisted jeans or espresso-colored bottoms for a monochromatic outfit. This type of cardigan is available in plus, petite and tall sizes to fit all body types. It’s a must-have for your closet.
3. Oversized Cardigan
When it comes to oversized cardigans, the mod look is a go-to for many fashionistas. Oversized rib-knit cardigans with buttons and heavily dropped shoulders, long sleeves and a shawl collar are perfect for pairing with a crisp cotton shirt and chinos to achieve the coveted mod style.
Generally, the key to wearing oversized cardigans is to avoid ones that swallow you up or create too much white cardigan sweater bulk. Instead, opt for styles made from thinner fabric that will not overwhelm petite frames or add too much weight to larger ones. Thinner oversized cardigans also look more polished and sophisticated than their chunkier counterparts.
Another tip for wearing oversized cardigans is to consider their length. Oversized cardigans that are too long can quickly veer into fuddy-duddy territory, especially if they’re draped over a flowing dress. To avoid this, opt for a longer cardigan that hits around the knee or just above it. Alternatively, try belting your oversized cardigan to draw attention to your waist and create definition in your figure.
4. Zip-Up Cardigan
A cardigan can be a great way to dress up casual outfits, especially those that call for smart-casual attire like a polo or T-shirt with jeans. Choose one with a stand-up collar and long sleeves for extra warmth. Choose a style with a zipper to add a sleek look to your outerwear, or opt for classic buttons in horn or wood for a more traditional touch.
You can also take your sweater game up a notch by choosing a shawl collar option. These are more formal and flattering than other collars on a sweater. The draping around the neckline makes for a dapper look that you can wear with a suit or with a blazer in place of a waistcoat.
While some men may still think of the cardigan as the grandpa sweater, it can be dressed up for all occasions. Whether you’re meeting your boss for lunch or you just need something to keep you warm at work, the cardigan is a versatile layer that’s easy to style. Just make sure that you stick to the basics and avoid prints and patterns when it comes to your cardigan.
5. Wrap Cardigan
A cardigan vest is the perfect solution when you need a little extra warmth or an instant outfit upgrade. Just like a sweater dress, this feminine layer is incredibly versatile—wear it with your favorite pair of jeans and a sleek leather bag when you’re heading out for coffee or shopping. Or, wear it with a silky maxi skirt and chic sneakers for an on-trend date night look.
This reversible wrap cardigan is knitted with a puffed design and I-cord edges that add visual interest. The yarn, which combines angora and merino wool, provides both softness and a vaporous effect.
Unlike most sweater vests, this one doesn’t have belt loops, but it does have an adjustable waist tie that makes the piece even more customizable. Use the waist tie to create a flattering oversized silhouette or secure it with a slim belt at your waist for a more fitted look. It’s also made with ultra-fine organic cotton that feels great against the skin and has incredible bounce, so it’ll recover from all-day movement without looking stretched out.
A suit looks effortlessly cool. It certainly does for Yara Shahidi, who opted for head-to-toe Marc Jacobs at a Women In Hollywood recognition event.
BR’s Factory sector has good suiting options, including a blazer and slim pants in this season’s on-trend color, pink. Other good suits include those by Theory (separates) — Nordstrom and Macy’s carry this brand.
History of the Suit
Unlike pants that have a long history, women’s suits are relatively new. It is said that the suit rose to prominence in the early 1900s. This is likely due to the industrial revolution and women starting to work outside of the home. Women wanted to dress professionally, while still being stylish. The suit fit the bill perfectly.
Originally, the suit was a men’s outfit that women borrowed and modified to their liking. This was done so they could be taken seriously at the office or in society in general. The first notable instance of this happened in 1870 when French stage actress Sarah Bernhardt scandalized Paris by wearing a custom-made trouser suit that she referred to as her “boy’s clothes”. This was the beginning of blurring gender roles and the unofficial birth of the power suit. Bernhardt continued to push boundaries when she played Hamlet in 1899 in a suit, further proving that women could wear suits just as well as men.
Coco Chanel is also credited with the creation of women’s suits as we know them today. Her fur-trimmed suit was a departure from the corsets of the day and Women Suits a clear nod to the growing women’s rights movement. The 1930s saw the rise of Hollywood icons such as Marlene Dietrich, who wore a skirted tuxedo suit with a soft felt hat and mannish topcoat.
The Suffragette Suit
By 1910, when the suffragette movement was in full swing, women began to demand more than just votes. They also wanted to shake off the restrictive clothing of the 1800s, which had long restricted movements and caused skeletal deformities in wearers. Enter the suffragette suit, a tailored trouser and skirt that was a clear response to the mainstream hobble skirt (which literally hobbled the wearer around due to its tightness).
Actress Sarah Bernhardt is credited with the earliest iteration of the women’s power suit when she scandalized Paris by wearing a man’s suit while performing Hamlet in 1899. She continued to blur gender roles by incorporating androgynous designs into her repertoire, further cementing the idea that suits were meant for anyone who was willing to break down gendered stereotypes and do it their way.
The suit has since become the hallmark of progressive women and a symbol for the fight for equal rights, with the first women’s suits worn by the WSPU to rally for their cause. In 1913, more than 8,000 suffragists marched in Washington D.C. in a uniform of white, which was chosen to signify a clean slate and the beginning of a new era. Today, we see suits reimagined for the modern woman, from Max Mara’s puffed sleeves and velvet blazer to Louis Vuitton’s tuxedo-inspired silhouettes layered over a slinky tank.
The Modern Skirt Suit
After a brief lull in popularity following World War II as women returned to traditional domestic roles, the female suit experienced a resurgence in the 1960s thanks to feminism and women’s equality movements. Designers like Coco Chanel and Christian Dior’s era-defining ‘New Look’ embraced 1950s housewife silhouettes with nipped waists, full skirts and feminine details, while Georgio Armani championed androgynous shoulder pads that were considered a sign of power for women in the business world.
Today, the modern skirt suit can be seen worn by everyone from celebrities to politicians (our favorite example is Kamala Harris in a white, pleated minisuit). A softer iteration of tailored separates favored by 2023 runways shows that suits are no longer consigned solely to afternoon tea get-togethers and fundraising committee meetings.
A smattering of brands are reviving the skirt suit with sleek Women Suits silhouettes that can be dressed up or down with ladylike accessories and casual wardrobe staples for everyday wear. Look for blazer and skirt combos with a sleek, pleated skirt in neutral hues like cream or gray, or opt for a short style that’s playful and perfect for spring.
Shop a handful of our picks below, or find your perfect fit with the many online retailers that carry suiting separates in regular, tall and petite sizes including ASOS, H&M, Topshop and Zara (and, sadly, the defunct Ann Taylor Factory). Also check out Talbots for wool suits in a wide range of colors that are seasonless and classic enough to work at any level.
The Tuxedo
The tuxedo is not just for men – women can wear it too. And while it had a short lull after World War Two when women retreated to traditional housewife roles, the sixties brought a resurgence as women entered the workforce. Designers like Yves Saint Laurent introduced the suit into elegant eveningwear with a nipped in effect and full skirts.
The term tuxedo (or dinner suit) comes from the early 19th Century when upper class British men began rejecting formal tailcoats in favor of shorter dinner jackets. The trend likely originated with a custom made tailless silk smoking jacket designed by Savile Row tailors Henry Poole and worn by Prince Edward VII.
When paired with a black bow tie and dress sock, a classic tuxedo creates a sophisticated silhouette. It’s easy to see why it became a favorite of the likes of Marlene Dietrich, who wore a tuxedo in Josef von Sternberg’s 1930 movie, ‘Morocco’. Dietrich’s style was boldly androgynous at a time when gender fluidity was still not widely accepted or embraced.
The tuxedo is the ultimate power outfit for women. The look can be dressed down with a pair of trainers and a T-shirt for a smart casual ensemble or elevated with luxury accessories for an evening out. The Reiss jumpsuit combines the classic hallmarks of a tuxedo with a flattering shape and modern finish. Complete with a satin lapel, front pleat trousers and satin buttons this suit is ready to wear – just add a clutch bag, statement cocktail ring and polished shoes.
