Best Sleeveless Knitted Tops For Over 50S

This season’s must-have item is undoubtedly the knitted vest top. Whether you opt for a longer or cropped design, wide-cut or neatly shaped silhouette, V-neck or round neck, and buttoned or pull-on style, this sleeveless top has taken center stage in Fall 2022 fashion.

I’ve had the pleasure of featuring one such cream waistcoat in my Spring 2022 Capsule Wardrobe, which garnered a huge following. Although it’s no longer available, its popularity has led to numerous retailers now offering their own versions.

In my Winter 2022-3 Capsule Wardrobe try-on, I’m wearing the very same knitted vest top that has become a staple in my wardrobe. By adding a warm layer and pairing it with my poncho, this easy-to-wear top is helping me get more mileage out of my other tops.

To help you choose from the many options available at various price points, I’ve curated my selection of these versatile and comfortable tops.

Can I wear this fashion when I’m over 50?

While most models showcased are young, don’t let their age deter you from exploring this stylish trend. The looks can be easily adapted by women of all ages. For instance, as we transition into Fall, older ladies may choose to wear a shirt, blouse or dress underneath these tops, giving them a more polished look. If you scroll down, you’ll find the direct links to my recommended tops. Please note that these affiliate links will generate a small commission for me if you click and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Your support helps cover the expenses of maintaining this blog.

Relaxed fit crew neck tops

Sleeveless vest tops are a versatile fashion staple that can be styled for both casual and refined occasions. When it comes to the casual look, many of these tops feature cable stitch designs that were also prominent in Fall 2022’s fashion trends.Take Madewell’s cream cable-knit top, for instance. Its length is perfect for tucking into jeans at the front or leaving out with plenty of space below to showcase a favorite blouse. This type of layering adds interest and often warmth, which can be especially beneficial for older women who may not feel as confident in fitted sweaters as they once did.J.Crew also offers a sleeveless cable knit top in merino wool, although I find their styling approach too fussy to pair with the chunky structured top. However, I do appreciate the knit itself!Boden’s take on this trend is more feminine and less chunky than some of its competitors. The dropped shoulder and hemmed silhouette create a relaxed weekend wear look that harks back to the eighties and nineties, when slouchy shoulders were all the rage.This style also has a hidden benefit for women who carry extra weight on their hips and thighs: the larger the top, the smaller the lower body appears by contrast. So, pair this with fitted jeans or a midi-length skirt that hangs straightish to create a balanced look.

The casual V-neck sweater vest

Marks and Spencer’s offerings in both the USA and UK are noteworthy, particularly their slightly longer tops that feature a wide shoulder design. This style is ideal for creating a balance between the upper and lower halves of the body, as it prevents the top from being overwhelmed by the bottom half. The V-neckline also contributes to an elongated silhouette, drawing the eye upwards and creating a more balanced visual effect. To achieve this look, be sure to purchase the top in a size that allows for a relaxed, slouchy fit – anything too fitted can detract from the overall aesthetic. This concept is also explored in my previous post on cardigans, where I emphasize the importance of allowing knitted garments to hang freely in order to create a flattering silhouette.

The neater sleeveless cardigan

While boxy styles with shirttails may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there are plenty of alternative options that can still make a fashion statement. For those who prefer a more traditional look, consider a cardigan with a slightly fitted silhouette and a shorter shoulder line. The V-neck cable cardigan from Macy’s is a great example of this style. With its on-trend large buttons, it’s a wardrobe staple that can be worn to work or for a night out. Notice how the sleeve edge sits just above the shoulder, creating a clean and classic look. If you opt to wear a contrasting shirt underneath, the straight line from shoulder to hem can create a slimming effect. On the other hand, if you choose not to layer, you’ll miss out on this advantage. The V-neck design also lengthens the upper body, while the longer hem creates a smart rectangle above the lower half. It’s up to you whether to continue that rectangle downwards with neat pants or add some extra style by pairing it with an over-the-knee skirt or dress that has a wider skirt than top. As it happens, many shops are currently stocked with knife-pleated elastic-waisted frocks and skirts – so why not try one on with this cardigan to see how you look?

The neater round-neck top

Boden’s approach to the sweater vest takes a more polished turn with their cashmere design, which subtly curves at the waist. The armholes sit just above the shoulder, striking a balance between relaxed and refined. This versatile top can effortlessly transition from the office to a night out with friends, paired with a pretty shirt or dress. To create a slimming effect, the sweater is designed to fall longer than expected. If you have the figure for it, this look can be incredibly flattering. The key is to ensure the underlying layer – whether a shirt or dress – provides sufficient contrast, allowing the eye to follow a sleek, narrow line from shoulder to hip.

The sleeveless tunic

This versatile piece can easily be incorporated into your weekend wardrobe. Pair it with jeans for a relaxed look or opt for a midi-dress for a more polished ensemble.

One of my favorite features is Macy’s cashmere tunic in autumnal hues – the bordeaux red shade is particularly stunning. With its lightweight construction, this tunic can be layered under a shirt and jacket to create a defined silhouette, even if you’ve gained a bit of weight recently. The wide armholes provide ample room for gathered sleeves or other embellishments, eliminating the risk of bulkiness at the shoulder – perfect for adding a layering piece.

Marks & Spencer also offers a sleeveless tunic that’s an excellent value proposition. Although it has a slightly thicker knit than the cashmere option, it can still accommodate a jacket as long as it’s generously cut and heavy enough to hang straight down over the top.

A simple staple sleeveless knit

Madewell’s boucle sweater vest is a masterclass in versatility. With its boxy silhouette, it can seamlessly transition from a relaxed everyday look to a more polished ensemble with the addition of a dress or jacket. The wide shoulder line adds a touch of on-trend flair, while the lower cut armholes ensure that even the most voluminous sleeves are elegantly contained.

Colors this Fall

The initial observation when scanning the collection of sleeveless knits is that they predominantly feature earthy tones – a palette that spans stone, various browns, greys, and russet red. This autumnal aesthetic is characterized by a lack of dramatic contrasts, instead opting for a more subdued, nature-inspired approach with tonal variations.When seeking a contrasting under-layer to pair with these tops, consider incorporating subtle patterns in autumn hues or opt for a significantly lighter or darker shade of the same color as the sweater. For instance, a stone-toned top would look great layered over a brown or dark grey base, creating a harmonious and understated ensemble.One navy blue top has been included to cater to those who often gravitate towards this versatile neutral in their wardrobe. This piece can be paired with any color or pattern without compromising style, although adding a dress or shirt that incorporates even the slightest hint of navy will elevate the overall look, imbuing it with a touch of sophistication and elegance.Ultimately, the way you choose to wear these sleeveless layers is a reflection of your personal style – do you lean towards classic and timeless, or bold and unique? The versatility of these pieces makes them an excellent addition to any wardrobe this season.

What size to buy?

When shopping for a sleeveless sweater vest, it’s crucial to consider sizing carefully. To avoid any potential issues, order two sizes online and be prepared to return one that doesn’t fit as expected. When trying on the top in-store, wear underlayers you’re interested in pairing with it, such as shirts and dresses. Pay attention to how well the armholes sit against these items – they should neither be too tight nor stretched. Take note of any bulk at the waist; if present, you may need to size up. When assessing your reflection in a mirror, always stand side-on and straight on to ensure an accurate representation. If your midsection appears more prominent than desired, consider wearing a cross-body bag (shoulder bag) to disrupt the line. To complete your look, try pairing the sweater vest with a jacket and evaluate whether it adds a stylish touch or creates an overly chunky silhouette. Ultimately, the key to pulling off this trend is finding a style that flatters your figure; for some, a fitted knit works beautifully, while others may prefer a looser fit for a more relaxed appearance.