Yes, that title is in all caps. No, it wasn’t a typo. Because when the Free People Ottoman Sweater restocks, you run, you don’t walk. This is not a drill.
I’ve talked about my love for the Free People Ottoman sweater what I feel like may be verging on ad nauseam. So one more time won’t hurt. Especially since Nordstrom has it in stock in all eight colors.
I own four of these sweaters — black, ivory, mauve, and pine green. The mauve and green I will wear until they wear out. But he black and ivory I will buy backups of on Poshmark in case something tragic happens to mine. They’re that good.
So why am I so obsessed with this sweater?
You know those “cool girls” whose hair is always the perfect amount of messy? Who put on an oversized sweater and look like Jennifer Beals in Flashdance (yes, I am, in fact, that old)? Who put on mascara and lipstick and look like they spent hours on their makeup?
Well, I am most assuredly not that girl. But somehow, I can wear this sweater, which was so clearly made for.that.girl.
I wear them with leggings at least two days a week. It is my work-from-home-but-have-a-lunch later wardrobe. Kyle calls it that sweater. (You’re wearing that sweater again? How many of that sweater do you own? Blah, blah, blah.)
I also wear it with jeans. These distressed AG Farrahs give it a bit more style. I like it over a midi pencil skirt, but only if I’m wearing high heels. It’s a little frumpy with flats. I’ve done it, but it’s a Friday and a I Give No F**ks look, not a polished work look.
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The Free People sweater is oversized in the best way, and I say that as a woman who cannot usually wear oversized styles. The key with this sweater is to size down, WAY down. The size guide is basically lies, just ignore it. These are the sizes, as best I can tell from consulting friends and readers who’ve bought the sweater. If readers have other fit references, please leave them in the comments.
In Ann Taylor, I am a size 6. I’m in an XS. My friend, who his an 8 with a 36B bust, is also an XS. So I would try XS first if you are size 8 or smaller, unless you have an ample bust.
A “proportional” size 10-12 reader is wearing a small. As is a friend who usually wears 12. A reader who typically wears 18 is in a large, which she described as “comfortable.”
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Not going to pay $150 for a sweater? Amazon has a <$60 sweater that has a very, very similar look. I cannot vouch for it, as mine has not arrived yet. However, it’s selling out fast, so all signs point to it being a good buy.
{image by Jeremy Bishop; this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}
FYI the XS is already sold out in Black, Cream (White), and Mink (Mauve).
It goes so fast!
I can’t remember – have you talked about your favorite non-workout leggings- that you would wear with “that” sweater?
I just wear Lululemon most of the time. I also like the Spanx leggings and the Core10 leggings. But the best non-workout leggings are the Daily Ritual leggings; they’re thick, which is nice.
Just bought the black which was $100 actually.
I have a maroon one and a bright blue one that I got last winter – I think I found one on Nordstrom Rack on sale at some point.
One is a small and one is an XS and I honestly can’t tell that much of a difference between them.
I literally want to wear this sweater everyday.
Curious if you noticed the difference more in the width or the lenght? I just got a small in the mink and love it but am wondering if I could size down to an xs (wear an 8-10); although I’m 5’8″ so if it’s just a matter of behind coverage in leggings, I’ll stick w/ the small..
FYI-even thought they are sold out online,my nordstrom rack (atlanta) has had these continuously in stock in a range of colors for $59! so may be worth taking a look!
Which Atlanta location?!
Buckhead!
I have the denim colour (icy blue) in small and black in XS. I’m 5’4″ and 135lbs, pear shaped. The xs is a much better fit. Love this sweater, wear it all the time and get compliments on it too.
A word of caution on Amazon reviews of products. Most are highly fake and deceptive. The same goes for the sweater you linked above. I use a great site called ‘Fakespot’ that analyzes Amazon product reviews to determine how much of it is credible. This particular one has an F rating. Please see here: https://www.fakespot.com/product/cable-stitch-women-s-mock-neck-cozy-sweater-c4a20a83-01f0-496e-9971-d6805845b5c2
I never look at the reviews. I typically just look at what is selling out. But this is a great resource, thanks.
for anyone in Delaware, the pink turtle in Greenville carries in Black and Ivory.
It’s 30% off right now at Nordstroms!
Gah, I want this sweater so much. But I am *actually* a size XS (sometimes XXS in sweaters), and particularly unblessed in the chest region. I would need like a 3XS here. Sob.
Belle (long time reader, can’t help it),
Would love an updated review on the Amazon version. I have it and it’s great. This review 100% nailed how I felt when I put it on for the first time.I kept flipping my hair in the mirror, lol. I’ve got the rust color and think it’s fabulous. But I would love to hear your comparison of the two. I’m considering duplicates but maybe I should upgrade?
I love these Free People sweaters so much too! I tried ordering the one off of Amazon to see if it was a decent, less expensive alternative. Short story; It is not.
I ordered the Cable Stitch sweater, in a size small and caramel color. The colour was lovely and it has the right amount of “oversized” cut – width-wise. However, length-wise, it was cut way too short, so it ended up looking super boxy on me. But, the real dealbreaker was just how itchy and uncomfortable the material was!