A Letter From a Reader

As Warm as a Cardigan, But Lovely as a Work of Art

A soft knit hooded sweater in a gorgeous artistic print, with wooden buttons and a cozy hood. Warm, comfortable, and full of personality — over anything you own.

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by linda parker· mount pleasant, south carolina

Posted August 2026 · 6 min read
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Photographed outside..

 

At 68, I want to be warm and comfortable, but I'm so tired of looking like every other woman in a plain grey sweater. I still want a bit of personality, something that says I haven't given up on having a little style of my own.

 

What I really wanted was one cozy layer that was warm but far more cheerful, something with colour and character that I could throw on and feel like myself in. Everything I owned was either comfortable or interesting, never both.

 

It was my sister who told me to stop settling and try one from Brooks & Bennett Newport, a colorful hooded sweater she thought I'd never take off. Before I tell you what happened, I think you should know what finally convinced me.

 

The sweater is called The Grace, and what surprised me was how practical it was underneath all that colour. The easy fit, full-length sleeves and cozy hood were exactly the little things I care about now. I'm going to walk you through them, because they say more about the Patricia than I could.

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As warm as a cardigan — but a little work of art

We made the Leila as a soft knit hooded sweater covered in a gorgeous artistic print, with wooden buttons and a cozy hood. It's every bit as warm and comfortable as your favourite cardigan, but instead of plain beige, it's a piece of wearable art. You throw it on over a tee and feel warm, comfortable, and wonderfully like yourself again.

''I haven't felt this confident in years''

Diane M., Greenville SC
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Soft, warm knit — cozy without a hint of scratch

Most colourful, "fun" pieces are thin and scratchy — all print, no comfort. Not the Leila. It's a soft, warm knit, cozy and gentle against the skin without a single hint of scratch, the kind of thing you sink into on a cool morning and don't want to take off. Soft and lovely, both at once.

“I love having the hood there when the wind picks up. It's comfortable without feeling heavy or bulky.”

Janet S., Bluffton SC
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Wooden buttons and a cozy hood that make it easy

It buttons up the front with lovely wooden buttons — so it's easy on and off, with no pulling anything over your hair — and it has a soft hood to keep the draught off your neck when the wind picks up. All the cozy warmth you want, with none of the fuss. Buttons up in a moment, hood for the chill, done.

"The wooden buttons make it so easy on and off, and the hood keeps my neck warm. Cozy with no fuss at all."

Carol R., Charleston SC
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It layers over everything you own

It layers over everything — over a plain tee and jeans, over a simple top and trousers — and instantly lifts the whole outfit with its colour and warmth. One easy, cozy layer that goes with what you already own and makes even your plainest outfit look considered, so you reach for it again and again.

"It goes over everything — a tee and jeans, a simple top. It lifts the whole outfit. I reach for it constantly."

Patricia L., Columbia SC
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Six artful prints, and a size for you, from S to 5XL

It comes in six artful prints — from this rich abstract mosaic to soft roses and more — and it runs from S to 5XL, cut relaxed and easy to flatter a real range of bodies. A sweater made to fit the woman, not to make the woman fit the sweater.

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The Leila, against your usual cardigan

Typical fall sweater

The Grace 

The feel

Thin and scratchy, or plain

Soft, warm knit — no scratch

The look

Plain beige, forgettable

An artistic print that gets compliments

Getting it on

Pulled over your head

Wooden buttons — easy on and off

Warmth

A chilly neck

A cozy hood keeps the draught off

The wear

Goes with one thing

Holds its shape wash after wash

THE USUAL WINTER TOP

Clings, or hangs like a sack

Hot, stiff fabric

No pockets, or too shallow

Bare arms, or a hot cardigan

Loud or cheap-looking print

THE PATRICIA 

Skims with a soft A-line

Soft, lightweight, breathes

Deep, hidden side pockets

Sleeves that cover, and breathe

A cheerful wildflower, noticed for good reasons

Why they're clearing it now

They priced the Grace Sweater at $250.00 when it launched, and it sold at that price all season.

 

Brooks & Bennett Newport is currently holding its Clearance Sale, with special savings across many of our favorite pieces.

 

That means the Patricia Sweater is now available at its clearance price—but only while remaining stock lasts. Once these seasonal styles are gone, they're gone.

 

Right now it's $59.95.

THE Grace HoodED SWEATER

4.7 / 5 from 1200+ reviews

$250.00

$59.95

Soft and comfortable enough for all-day wear

A gorgeous artistic print that gets compliments

Cozy hood for chilly mornings and breezy walks

Full-length sleeves that stay at the wrist

Sizes XS–5XL · Free UPS shipping · 30-day money-back guarantee

See if your size is still in stock →

Grace | Button Hooded Sweater · $59.95 while sizes last

Our Clearance Sale ends tonight.

Buy 2 get 10%, buy 3 get 15%, buy 4 get an extra 20% off. When it's gone, it's gone.

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Since 2001

Family-owned in Newport

I don't usually write things like this. But I've spent a lot of years choosing sweaters that were comfortable, sensible and safe.

 

This one is on the chair by my bed, because it's the one I reach for.

If you've been wondering whether you'd really wear the color, I hope this saves you the eleven days.

— Linda Parker · South Carolina

See the PATRICIA — $59.95 →

This is a personal account from a Brooks & Bennett Newport customer. Linda was not paid to write it. · Brooks & Bennett Newport · Timeless Women’s Fashion · Free Shipping · 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee.

See the Grace— $59.95 while sizes last