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.

I have this in two colour ways. I love it as not as smart as a jacket but more fitted and stylish than a cardigan https://www.perfectlybasics.com/sibin-linnebjerg-lulu-short-cardigan-camel-0285010666082115.aspx

However in the scenario you describe of walking round the Lakes I have no idea. I just wear a jumper and raincoat .

I was going to suggest Uniqlo, both the Block tech parka's and the lightweight down/fleece have a bit of an urban look. Also look at Gap?

I’ve got one of these utility jackets from LL Bean - I was a bit reluctant to order as it was coming from overseas but in fact it fits well and I didn’t have to return.
global.llbean.com/shop/Womens-Classic-Utility-Jacket/118011.html?page=classic-utility-jacket

@LifeInAHamsterWheel It’s made of good quality thick jersey, once you have it, you can see it’s not overpriced. Their clothes aren’t Chinese made either.

I received their catalogue few days ago, here’s pic of the current 15% discount code.

@RampantIvy I’m 5’4, a borderline petite on arm length, I have size S which gives me a good full sleeve length.

Lots of good suggestions but just here to say I think you can wear a hoodie. I'm 50+ and I have one of these which I wear a lot, goes well over all sorts of things. They also do more expensive cashmere ones, and Cos and Arket often do beautiful ones.

If they are cashmere, fine-knit, or a bit fancy, hoodies don't have to look slobby or too casual.

Definitely www.wearthestars.co.uk/ amazing quality hoodies and wash beautifully!

[quote RedHotChiliChips]@LifeInAHamsterWheel It’s made of good quality thick jersey, once you have it, you can see it’s not overpriced. Their clothes aren’t Chinese made either.

I received their catalogue few days ago, here’s pic of the current 15% discount code.

@RampantIvy I’m 5’4, a borderline petite on arm length, I have size S which gives me a good full sleeve length.[/quote]
Thank you. I think those sleeves will be too short for me. I am 5'7" with long arms, and often buy men's jumpers to get the sleeve length. Pity, because I liked those jackets. I suspect they show the models with the sleeves rolled up because they are too short for them.

Marks has some nice jackets, I'm very pleased with my denim one.

I shouldn't have clicked on this thread. I have just ordered this