Christmas jumper for MIL

[charltonred]

MIL has asked for a knitted winter jumper as her Christmas present, husband usually sorts present but he really has no clue so he’s asked me to help. Tbh I’m struggling too, I have no idea where she shops and she also said she was a size 14 so I’m not really sure what style would suit either. It’s the first Christmas we’ve spent with them so will be there when she opens it on Christmas morning so I want it to be nice and something she likes, scared of picking something that won’t look nice.

Can anyone recommend anything they may have seen lately that could fit the bill?

I agree about avoiding embellishments but in the price range of up to £75 merino or lambswool at that price will be better quality than cashmere at that price.

Some more here (although again slightly over budget)- the plain ones are at the end

Plain Bosie of Scotland jumpers

14 isn’t an unusual size ! You’re making it sound like Special Considerations are needed to accommodate her outlandish proportions! 🤣

I don’t think anyone was going to suggest anything skimpy for a MIL. So long as it comes to the waist it’ll be fine. But any neck style - crew, v neck, polo - should suit her just fine.

Some of these are lovely. I think the Geelong polo style is a good call. It’s slightly distinctive but couldn’t offend. Also both stylish yet serviceable, depending on which she meant.

I’m trying to think of what would be flattering to her shape really and having not shopped for anything like this before I’m a bit stumped but will heed the advice and do some more digging and look at all the suggestions

Have you never bought knitwear for yourself? Setting aside cropped top, skimpy, teenage knitwear I don't really see that buying knitwear for your mother-in- law should be any different.

I'd try Whitestuff or Landsend from how you described her style. Just give her a gift receipt and if she doesn't like it can be returned. Something like this is fairly safe:

www.whitestuff.com/p/4652/lovely-ribbed-jumper/FR_NAVY

@IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle Of course I’ve bought knitwear for myself, but I’m 5ft 8 , size 8 and completely flat chested.
My MIL is a size 14 , a lot shorter than me and has a huge chest. So obviously the styles we would wear are completely different not to mention the 35 year age gap.

I wasn’t referring to cropped tops , I mean a cropped style where the end of the jumper is relatively close to the top of your trousers so there isn’t really a lot of material. They’re only really flattering to people with a flat stomach. Or I recently bought an off the shoulder jumper from Cos which I guess would be classed as a bit ‘skimpy’ obviously not going to be buying her that. I’ve only come on here looking for some advice to try and get a nice present for my MIL sorry I bothered.

This is great thank you, I’ve actually heard her mention this shop before now you’ve mentioned it. I think the pink would actually suit her a lot too, I’ve seen her in pink a few times. I’m going to order this thank you

https://www.joules.com/style/su250484/209218#209218

This is lovely.

Although I've just read the huge chest part so it may not suit her.

Try White Stuff

My DM likes their clothes she's 80 if that helps

She bought me a lovely jumper from WS which DD like to wear too

To be honest oP it sounds as though you are trying several angles to be catty about her, what with all this then the frumpy comments.

You could have just said “she’s size 14 and about 5 foot whatever.” End of. All this hand-wringing about “ how could I POSSIBLY know what might work? “ comes across a bit loaded.

I’d suggest start by picking a colour. What colours does she usually wear? What colour suits her? - warm colours, bold colours, pastels?
If she is bigger chested then maybe stay away from a high neckline. Stick to shops like M&S. Better play it safe

If she’s busty, I’d look for a V neck (not too low) or scoop neckline. White Stuff is a good shout, FatFace is another option and you often get nice Fair Isle style Christmassy (but not Christmas) jumpers in Next.

The pink Whiteface which the OP has picked is shown on a model who is a 5' 9" and a size 10 - so almost as thin as but an inch taller than the OP and nowhere near the same height or size as mother in law.

… and I’m honestly sure it will be fine.

There's always sea salt for the frumpy, middle aged, big of nork set of which I'm one.

www.seasaltcornwall.com/lily-bell-crew-neck-jumper?color=37724

Indeed it will.

The white stuff jumper isn’t very nice. The Seasalt one is much nicer. White company sometimes have nice knitwear in the price range. M&S cashmere sweaters are about £80. It’s not difficult.

Celtic and co. They have some lovely stuff. https://www.celticandco.com/womens/clothing/jumpers

They do cowl neck ones which is good for a large bust

I bought a couple of these recently from M&S, and now I need a few more before I wear them to bobbles. They are very good quality for the money and fit nicely. Not too tight, not too loose. A very classic look that would suit a lot of styles.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/roll-neck-jumper/p/clp60627667?color=CAPPUCCINO#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r6c2

M&S merino - I like them better than their cashmere. About £35.

I’m size 14 and short with an enormous bust. I don’t think I’m a freak, but some of your comments make it sound like we busty hobbits are impossible to dress!

Try here - lots of suitable options I think!
www.houseofbruar.com/ladies/knitwear/