Adding some fun to a simple outfit

Susan B. wears a printed sweater in abstract leopard, slim-leg jeans and slip-on platform sneakers. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

I’m all about simple, un-fussy style, but sometimes I just want to wear something fun. A printed sweater or top is one way to add visual interest (and fun) without a lot of fuss.

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. All ideas are my own. (None of the items I’m wearing were gifted.)

earrings | sweater | necklace* | jeans | sneakers

*worn as bracelet

I’ve been living in my jeans and sweaters lately. Almost all of my sweaters are either solids or stripes, so when I saw this irreverent take on leopard print, I had to try it. I’m wearing the XS.

Susan B sits on a swing wearing a leopard printed sweater and jeans. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

When I first pulled this sweater out of the box, I was worried that the print might be too big for me. And maybe it is, but I don’t care. 😆 It’s fun and quirky, and appeals to my playful side.

Susan B on a swing wearing a leopard printed sweater and dark wash jeans. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

The jeans are one of my all-time favorite styles, the AG Prima. The cut is slim, but not skinny. I have a few pairs in this style in different washes. They’re quite comfortable; the fabric is lighter with some stretch. And they hold up really well too!

Nordstrom carries the clothing brands I wear most often (Eileen Fisher, Madewell, Vince, AG, Halogen). They offer free shipping and returns. And if you’re in a hurry, you can order online and pick up at a store near you. (Curbside pickup, too.)

More printed sweaters

Susan B. wears an abstract leopard print sweater, dark wash jeans and slip-on sneakers. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Do you wear printed sweaters? What’s your favorite print or pattern?

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52 Comments

  1. Such fun, and you look so happy, well I guess you always do. This certainly fits the gamine catagory of your style. I was just thinking, Gigi fits that as well 🙂

  2. I like a fair isle print, but living in Florida, finding one suitable for the climate was a tough chore. I finally found my sweater on sale at Nordstrom- it’s cotton (!) and a creamy white base with hot pink and tan and silver in the pattern.

  3. I love Garnet Hill merino wool cardigans in various prints. Every year, I look forward to seeing the new prints and buy one, maybe two. In fact, there are several that might appeal to those of you with warmer coloring —

  4. I love your “simple” outfit and it fits my unfussy lifestyle beautifully. Also loved how you pulled it together with the brownish shoes!
    I have a lovely read sweater with a heart of leopard skin on the front. I absolutely love it and get tons of compliments whenever I wear it. Reminds me of your outfit today!

  5. I love a sweater with a print, and that one is great on you. I like to channel my “Italian knitware” vibe — printed sweaters are a staple for me and have been for years. I generally prefer a cardigan to a pullover, and underneath tend to go with the “column of one color” approach for the pants and the shell or t-shirt under the sweater.

    I have solid-color sweaters as well, but I find that unless they have some special detail (e.g., mixed stitching or a pretty sleeve or neck detail), they don’t get worn as much!

    1. I agree, it’s now the sweaters that have either an interesting detail or texture that I want to wear the most.

  6. My sweater wardrobe consists of solids with a few stripes. Years ago I had given up holiday sweaters (after a particularly on point episode of What Not to Wear ☺️) but this year I brought home a Talbots novelty sweater with 3 sledding miniature schnauzers…you see, we’ve owned 3 mini schnauzers over the years, lost our last in 2019, and it’s a pandemic. That purchase was a no-brainer. It makes me smile every time I wear it. And if I’m in my 60s looking a little silly, so what?

    1. Oh, it sounds charming, especially if the print has a special meaning for you. And we all need something that makes us smile.

    2. Oh, I LOVE that sweater – good for you! I buy ANYTHING I find with a fox terrier on it – smooth or wire, as we’ve had both. Terriers Are Life. 🙂

  7. Can you tell me which AG prima style you are wearing, please? The Nordstrom site has several different ones. Thanks! You wear it well!

  8. Love your sweater! It’s a keeper. I also love your jean/pant suggestions, but when I “shop” then they are all too short for me (5’8”.) An ankle jean/pant for me is a 29-30” inseam. I would love to see some choices in that range.

  9. You look ageless in this look Susan, it’s so fresh and fun! You take such nice care of your skin too, it really glows. I have been using prescription Retin A like you do, for over 20 years now and it really has helped so much.

  10. Everything you style looks so easy and effortless – but your happy, kind smile cements it! I am a totally different color (winter), but also petite, so when shopping, I visualize what things would look like on you first, and then try to adapt color. I visited several blogs on your reading list, plus a few others yesterday, and yours is above all. I appreciate your conversational tone, approach, and focus. Your layout makes sense to me and it is easy to locate everything. Thank you, Susan, for your diligent effort and positivity.

  11. I do not like wearing printed sweaters*, on me, at all, ever, no way, and rarely stripes either (ok for t-shirts) yet fell for a cashmere printed in large turquoise, fushia and other bright colors on a cream background. Susan, this is entirely your fault because your enthusiasm inspires me to look at spring colors, since I am a spring, even though I strongly prefer quiet colors……Similarly influenced, I bought several of the Jenni Kayne fisherman’s sweaters in cotton and in cashmere. Luckily ebay is there when I have these frenzies.

    *(I do think the J. Crew cardigans are so pretty, however.)

    1. I’m also a bit print-averse, but every now and then there’s one (like this one) that catches my fancy.

  12. I can’t think of a thing I don’t like about this sweater on you – fit, length, color, print, and the impish smile it brings to your face. I am going off to look for a “Kristina” version of this type of thing. Thanks for the inspiration.

  13. Darling outfit. So perfect for you – great colors and so playful. I am curious – recently I bought a pair of AG jeans after seeing them on your blog. I also bought some eye cream and lip treatment from Brian + MW. I’m very pleased with both purchases and I am not sure how you get credit. I bought a different style of jean with a high rise and they are perfect. I would like to know that you are getting some credit because it helps a lot to narrow down choices for me when shopping online. I use the “link” to browse and may not buy the same day or may choose something else, like a different jean style.

    1. Thanks very much! With regard to the “credit,” for most of my links if you make a purchase from the retailer in my link within a few days (even if a different item) I usually will get that commission. Regarding Brian + MW, he’s a friend and I’m delighted to share his products because I think they’re great. I don’t receive a commission for those, though he will sometimes give me samples of new products to try.

  14. I love this look on you – your description of “simple and unfussy” is perfect. Jeans and a great sweater is one of my go-to looks in fall and winter. Depending on my mood and plans, I pair with sneakers, ballet flats, loafers, or ankle boots. I am so intrigued by your new wardrobe colors and choices since the Red Leopard consult – I want to do this so I can get my wardrobe to really shine. Your embrace of your colors and style has been transformational. I think you glow!

  15. I love this sweater. Its actually in my palette. So I ordered it. Since banishing my black/gray/dark navy sweaters I’ve had so few winter sweaters Looking forward to it. Hope I look at least half as good as you do in it.

  16. Fun! Yes, fun is important now during such a difficult time. And you find fun with this cute sweater. I’m a fan of Nordstrom and buy there often. I’m surprised to hear you wear XS — you’re a giant in my eyes!

    1. Awww, thanks Shybiker! I’m actually quite short (5’1″). And yes, Nordstrom has a great selection, don’t they?

  17. The sweater looks great on you! I love the colours and the pattern isn’t too overwhelming at all. I have several drab grey and black sweaters in my winter wardrobe that are about to get the heave-ho. It’s time to replace them with some colour!

  18. I like sweaters with a playful print! Looks great! Why is this a sponsored post by Nordstrom if you weren’t gifted the items?

    1. Thanks Michele!

      To answer your question, sponsored collaborations can take different forms. In this case, Nordstrom pays a fee for me to feature items available on their website.