Versatile casual top for middle aged woman

[ElephantOfRisk]

Probably the antithesis of Style and Beauty but I need some sort of top that I can wear casually on top of a t-shirt or light top, with jeans or cropped walking type trousers etc.

My go to in the past would have been a zipped hoody type thing but at 55 in a couple of weeks, i think i can't carry that off anymore. I am tall (5'10), fair skinned, greyish blondish long bob, size 14, only a few pounds over weight but in reality that means a bit of a tummy and fat arms! Anything too fitted such as a stretchy sports zipper type thing just emphasises the wrong bits and also rides up.

I know cardigans seem to be the way to go and I do have some that i'd wear for a more officey type look but even the casual chunky ones that look good on a young thing suddenly look a bit old fashioned when I imagine them on a older lady such as myself.

So just some sort of solution for the "it's a bit too cold to go without and I don't want to put a rain jacket on" scenario, something i can chuck on to go for a casual walk and maybe lunch in a cafe.

Any suggestions gratefully appreciated.

How about a blazer?

A jersey blazer or a jersey/knitted jacket?

www.karenmillen.com/relaxed-jersey-blazer-jacket/AKK93775.html?color=105

Thanks , I think it's not a bad call for the stroll about town and pop into a cafe teamed with jeans and pumps/converse type shoes but maybe not so much with strolls about the countryside and more casual like with walking trousers and trainers/shoes. I think i'm probably looking for more than one thing tbh.

I wear an oversized shirt.

I’d second the jersey blazer for smarter days, but for casual what about a ‘shacket’ as they’re calling them - an over layer that’s a mix of shirt and jacket. They have them everywhere.

Gillet type thing?

www.joules.com/Womens-Clothing/Gilets

www.rydale.com/collections/ladies-gilets

and crew are quite good for 1/2 zip sweatshirts

www.crewclothing.co.uk/womens/clothing/sweatshirts-hoodies/

Thanks, not a gilet as I want something to cover my arms but suggestions for the half zip tops from fat face and crew are great thanks.

Also the shacket thing is another good idea, I have a couple of linen shirts that I put on over a vest top so similar vibe :)

I'm always recommending the Chloe jacket from Kettlewell. It's not cheap but price per wear will be peanuts as it is so versatile. It is also very flattering and forgiving when you leave it unzipped.

www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk/products/jackets-wraps/item/chloe-jacket

To be honest people of all ages just wear hoodies.. even my 72 year old mum has a smart but casual hoody she wears on walks.

It's grey, zip up, size 14, with a pockets & a longer cut so it goes past your bottom & the best bit is it was good quality but only £12.50 from Asda!!

I personally like Gap hoodies plus I have a dark pink man's hoody from Superdry that I love... I'm 44.

Bomber jacket? I’ve got this one in black for more casual days at work and I really like it:

www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-quilted-bomber-jacket/p/clp60507874?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I really like that jacket @RedHotChiliChips but my goodness the price! I will have to sleep on it.

Plain crew neck sweatshirt, they all look the same in pictures but e.g. the Whistles ones are a heavy luxurious fabric and feel a bit less like primary school Uniform. Having said that I’m 50 + and still In hoodies. Also why not just a sweater, somehow they have a completely different look to a cardigan.

Thanks folks, I realise that I could technically just get a new hoody but I suppose I'm just not feeling them anymore. I love the look of a nice sweatshirt or sweater but somehow they just don't seem to suit me, i need something with a shape to it I think or something where i can wear something under that has a shape. being tall as well means that a lot of stuff just doesn't quite sit in the right place.

What i probably need to do is go to actual shops but I live somewhere smallish with not many shops which have re-opened and I also don't really enjoy shopping tbh.

You've all given me food for thought though and some things that I wouldn't have naturally gravitated to but I think might fit the bill.

www.outdoorgb.com/pi/berghaus/4-22095AC3_1.jpg?w=800&h=800

I have this, no hood, fitted, looks great on.

I recently bought this kimono in black it's loose fitting and looks good over tee shirts and sweatshirts.

Love that, MissKitty.

What about a cotton knit jumper? M&S have a couple of quite nice looking ones.

Love that lordamighty

Knitted poncho?

www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-poncho-jumper-dark-grey/p5177675

I think you probably need a black leather jacket :-) I wear mine with absolutely everything! Mint Velvet have a 20% off everything at the moment and I’m tempted to order a new one.
For some more unusual sweatshirts and hoodies, I would recommend taking a look at House of Neon and/or Scamp & Dude. I keep banging on about S&D but it’s only because I can’t get enough of their sweatshirts. If I pop a sleeveless shirt underneath with a collar sticking out, the look is instantly smartened.
I also just received a beautiful lilac and neon pink sweatshirt from Sunday & Soul - it’s so unusual and made in a very nice heavy weight sweat fabric but it’s bright (live it!)

I would go for a khaki shacket with a drawstring waist that you can adjust. It will literally go with everything.

As an eg this

(Which has a belt not a drawstring)