Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways

A TIMELESS SPRING CARDIGAN – 3 WAYS

05.15.19

You know those special pieces you find once in a while that instantly fill a closet gap you’ve been hopping around for years? Well, today we’re taking a look at one of those!

Towards the end of last winter I made list of pieces that would have been ideal for the variable weather and unpredictable temperatures we always seem to get as we transition into spring. At the top of that list was, ‘a simple cream cardigan’ and so began my search.

Fast forward to this spring, yep, a full year later, when I heard that one of my favourite knitwear lines, L’ENVERS, was releasing an organic cotton collection. The Anna Cardigan appeared to tick all the boxes I’d been hoping to fill and since its arrival we’ve been inseparable.

Today I’ll be sharing a bit more about this special closet staple and how I’m styling my Anna a whole bunch of ways this spring! Let’s have a look shall we?


STYLE BEE READERS RECEIVE FREE SHIPPING ON ANY L’ENVERS ORDER WITH ‘STYLEBEE’*

*This post was produced in partnership with L’ENVERS and Style Bee earns a commission on sales made using the reader code (at no additional cost to customers). Valid through May 22nd (1 week). More details below.


Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways

ABOUT THE ANNA CARDIGAN


As it turns out my requirements for the perfect spring sweater were a bit of a tall order, ergo a year-long search. The must-have elements were:

  • Neutral cream tone to pair with both light and dark colours
  • Breathable natural fibre that would cut out a chill without overheating and be multi-seasonal
  • Timeless design to withstand trends
  • Thoughtful production
  • Easy upkeep (ie: no dry cleaning required)
  • Travel friendly (ie: not too oversize or heavy)
  • Button closures for the option to wear it closed
  • Within my spring budget (I was very lucky to receive this cardigan as part of this partnership and I stand by it’s investment value as a piece to be worn, enjoyed and treasured for many years to come.)

I have really loved my wool Claude Cardigan (styled here) and when I saw that the Anna Cardigan was a similar design with a slightly shorter length I knew it was a serious contender. The other elements that sold me were:

  • 100% organic, undyed cotton
  • Fair trade sourced, spun and knitted in Spain
  • Easy fit that’s wide enough to layer over loose tops but still slim enough to slip into a relaxed denim jacket (shown later) or a raincoat.
  • Machine washable on delicate with air dry (more care notes here)

OTHER ANNA FACTS:

  • Price: €220 (Equates to about $330 CAD or $246 USD)
  • Sizing: S/M (what I got) | M/L | L/XL | With custom sizing available here.
  • Knitted to order with lead time of about 1-week
  • Ships from Madrid, Spain (customs/duties may be charged on delivery, more shipping info here)

MY FAVOURITE STANDOUT DETAILS



ONE NOTE PRIOR TO STYLING IDEAS

So as you can see, the Anna Cardigan answered all the necessary requirements to make its way into my closet this spring. Before shooting or writing this post I wear tested the sweater for a couple of weeks and wore it on my trip to Prince Edward County. Being an investment piece I wanted to make sure I’d really given it a good trial period before featuring it on the blog. Overall, I am so pleased with how it’s performed and believe it will be a staple in my closet for years to come!

The only cautionary note I felt was necessary to share was that being a cotton knit the fibres will relax with wear. After about the 5th full day of wearing the cardigan I noticed that the sleeves on the elbows and around the wrist were loosening up. The sleeves were still snug enough to push up and wear under coats and with a wash it returns to its original shape and fit. You can see the relaxed fit I’m referring to best in Look 2 below.

Now, onto the outfits!


LOOK 1

WITH JEANS & A PLAIN WHITE TEE

Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways
Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways

The way I’ve been wearing this cardigan most since it arrived is with a timeless combo of jeans and a white tee. It’s an easy everyday look for spring and one of my go-to outfit formulas.

The cut of this sweater works great over both wide leg and slimmer fitting denim and I love wearing it open over a high waist with a tucked in tee for a casual but put-together look.

The creamy undyed cotton is a true ecru that contrasts subtly but effectively on a bright white and looks fresh against a dark wash denim. Pairing it with brown tones like my vintage tan mules and gold jewelry emphasizes its warmth.


Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways
Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways

SHOP LOOK 1

ANNA CARDIGAN| gifted L’ENVERS | 100% Organic Undyed Cotton | Fair Trade sourced in Brazil | €220 | Wearing a S/M (I’m 5’7) | Made to order in Spain | ALL SWEATERS SHIP FREE WITH ‘STYLEBEE’ THROUGH MAY 22nd

WHITE CREWNECK TEE | EVERLANE // DENIM KAMM PANT* | n/a JESSE KAMM // WOVEN PARIS MULE | ST. AGNI // LUMEN NECKLACE | WOLF CIRCUS // *Linked to similar


LOOK 2

REVERSED WITH RIGID DENIM + MULES

Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways

I spotted this pin when I was dreaming up unconventional ways to style the Anna and it sparked the idea to try this sweater reversed. While it’s not technically designed to be reversible, I think it is entirely passable!

The higher neckline worn forward looks intentional and with a simple French tuck into vintage or rigid denim it has a casual, cool-girl feel. All seems subdued from the front and then voila! the low back and buttons are a stylish surprise.

For me the key to making a trick like this feel wearable is to keep everything else within the look intentionally minimal. In this case that means; sleek hair, natural make-up, pearl studs, classic jeans and a simple slide sandal. I’d maybe grab my circulo tote or beaded bag to wear this out and about.

What do you think? Would you be willing to wear your cardigan reversed?


Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways
Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways

SHOP LOOK 2

ANNA CARDIGAN| gifted L’ENVERS | 100% Organic Undyed Cotton | Fair Trade sourced in Brazil | €220 | Wearing a S/M (I’m 5’7) | Made to order in Spain | ALL SWEATERS SHIP FREE WITH ‘STYLEBEE’ THROUGH MAY 22nd

90’s DENIM | EVERLANE // ELIZABETH MULES* | gifted NISOLO // CIGAR RING | ATTIC // *Linked to similar


LOOK 3

BUTTONED + TUCKED INTO LINEN PANTS WITH SLIDES

Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways
Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways

I was very curious as to whether or not the Anna Cardigan would be soft enough to wear as a top on it’s own and I can say, without hesitation, that it most certainly is! After seeing how one of the beautiful models was wearing it on the L’ENVERS site I decided to try it out in my own way.

I buttoned it all the way and wore it over a low-cut bralette for a more sultry vibe. You could wear it over a fitted tank or a bra with more coverage if you didn’t want the low v-neck. I paired the ‘V’ neckline with a little coin necklace to emphasize the shape and add some repetition.

Then I simply tucked the front few inches into my Florence pant waistband and pulled enough of the sweater out to spill over the elastic. I pushed the sleeves up and grabbed a couple of woven accessories to add texture but keep the palette soft and neutral. I love how comfy and cozy this look is while still having some elegant and interesting elements involved.

This one is begging for a weekend trip to the market, a morning coffee on the dock at the cottage or a cold chardonnay in the backyard!



Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways

SHOP LOOK 3

ANNA CARDIGAN| gifted L’ENVERS | 100% Organic Undyed Cotton | Fair Trade sourced in Brazil | €220 | Wearing a S/M (I’m 5’7) | Made to order in Spain | ALL SWEATERS SHIP FREE WITH ‘STYLEBEE’ THROUGH MAY 22nd

FLORENCE PANT | ELIZABETH SUZANN // WOVEN PARIS MULE | ST. AGNI // LUMEN NECKLACE | WOLF CIRCUS // WOVEN CROSS-BODY BAG | n/a PEPYTH // PEARL STUDS | gifted JEWELS & ACES // *Linked to similar



3 BONUS LOOKS

Once I got to styling this sweater I couldn’t help but keep going with different ideas. So while I’d intended to share just the first 3 approaches I ended up snapping an extra 3 bonus looks that I wanted to share too!


Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways

1 | OVER A GEORGIA MIDI DRESS WITH SANDALS

I’m happy to confirm that the Anna slides over a wider sleeve like the Georgia tee with ease. I also love how this cardigan pairs with summery dresses for cool evenings and warmer spring days.


ANNA CARDIGAN| gifted L’ENVERS // GEORGIA MIDI DRESS // LUMEN NECKLACE // CIRCULO TOTE gifted // SANDALS* // *Linked to similar


Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways

2 | UNDER A DENIM JACKET WITH BIRKS & BLACK JEANS

I paired the Anna with my denim jacket while we were exploring Prince Edward County and it kept me so cozy on the breezy beach and open vineyards. It’s slim enough to fit under a relaxed jacket no problem.


DENIM JACKET //ANNA CARDIGAN | gifted L’ENVERS // CREWNECK TEE // BLACK JEANS* // BIRKENSTOCKS // TOTE* // *Linked to similar


Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways

3 | OVER A CAMEL TEE WITH A BLACK SKIRT & BROWN ACCESSORIES

You might need to adjust your screen brightness to accommodate my blindingly white legs (hehe) but the point is more about how the Anna pairs with a simple skirt, which is oh-so-well! I love how the casual chunky knit works with a more dressy look like a mini skirt and heels to keep it feeling relaxed.


ANNA CARDIGAN | gifted L’ENVERS // CREWNECK TEE // LUMEN NECKLACE // JARDIN SANDALS* // BROWN BELT // BLACK SKIRT gifted // BEADED BAG


MORE ORGANIC COTTON STYLES FROM L’ENVERS

ALL SHIP FREE WITH ‘STYLEBEE’ AT CHECKOUT

Valid now through May 22nd



Style Bee - A Timeless Spring Sweater - 3 Ways

Have you got a classic cardigan in your closet? If so, how do you like to style it?

I hope these looks might inspire some new ideas for you! Which one is your favourite?


Thanks to L’ENVERS for this collaboration and to you for tuning in!


PARTNERSHIP DETAILS: The Anna Cardigan was gifted in exchange for this coverage and Style Bee earns a commission on L’ENVERS sales made using the reader discount code (at no additional cost to customers) through May 22nd (1 week). Thanks for your interest in supporting the independent brands that support Style Bee! All opinions are always my own and my goal is to share pieces I believe will stand the test of time and trends within your closet and mine.


ALSO WORTH A LOOK: HOW I CARE FOR MY KNITWEAR

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Katie says:

    Lee-
    Thank you for your beautiful photos and thoughts on this sweater. I have been eying the cotton series since they launched but have hesitated due to the cost and the sizing. Last year I ordered the Gaby and it was beautiful but way too big on my 5’2″ frame. I am currently considering either the Anna or the Margarette. I compared the measurements on both and it appears the Anna is slightly larger overall. I really admire your style and was wondering your thoughts on each sweater and which one might work best for a 5’2″ person! Thank you in advance. Be well, Katie

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hey Katie! Thanks for the lovely note. I really like both styles. What I liked about the Anna was how clean the design was (no front pockets or extra visual elements) and the simplicity over all (tonal buttons, classic shape). It is a bit of a relaxed fit, which is great for layering whereas the Margarette will be slightly more fitted with shorter sleeves and torso. I think either would be great but if the Gaby was too big then the Margarette is probably a better call. I hope that helps!! Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions. xo

  2. jamie-lee says:

    Hey Lee,
    I feel like this cardigan is just what I’ve been looking for. I’ve been after a relaxed cotton cardigan that I can wear buttoned up as a top. Everlane released a similar style which I have, but I found the cotton a bit too stiff to wear it how I intended. How would you say this compares? Is it a thinner, more malleable knit? I kinda want something that has the soft texture of merino (in terms of how it moves) but in a thicker weight that has a slight amount of structure (just not too much). I feel like I’m looking for the Goldilocks of cardigans so any light you can shed on this would be fab!
    Thanks!
    Jamie-Lee xx

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hey Jamie! Haha I felt the same before I got this one 😛 I haven’t tried the Everlane cardigan but I was hesitant about it because it looked a bit chunkier than I wanted. The Anna is super soft and moves really nicely, not unlike a lightweight wool but maybe not quite as silky as merino. It has a really nice drape when tucked and falls close to the frame even though the fit is relaxed. Based on what you described I think the could be a really good answer for you! Hope that helps! xo

      Ps. I hope you get it so I can see all the ways you style it! 🙂

  3. Ashlee says:

    I love the idea of a cardigan like this. I ordered a babaa but I felt like a linebacker. I also ordered a vintage cardigan an experienced the same thing. Do you find this cardigan bulky as well?

    Thanks,
    Ashlee

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Oh that’s a good question Ashlee. I find the knit on this one is light enough that it falls and moves really nicely without adding bulk or feeling too thick. It’s not as chunky as L’Envers wool knits but it’s not as slim as a cashmere or merino. I’d say it’s in between. Hope that helps!!

  4. Claire says:

    Hi there !
    Please be careful, organic cotton needs much more water to grow than regular cotton. So it’s not a true “eco-friendly” solution. The only way for responsible fashion is to buy long-lasting clothes, and keep them a long time (and please pardon my French !)
    Thanks for your inspiring blog

  5. Martine says:

    Love the Anna cardigan!
    And it’s indeed a very versatile piece in ones closet and one that was really missing in mine 😉
    Since it was launched I really thought about ordering the Anna.
    But last week I looked again (since a long time) on the Babaa site and they have the most wonderfull cardigans as well.
    I pulled the trigger this afternoon and ordered no 16 in clay pot.
    What I love about Babaa are the colours, they are vibrant and if there is anything lacking in my wardrobe it’s colour.
    The one thing that I’m anxious about is the sizing thing: they only do OS (one size).
    We will see….
    So being shipped from Spain I hope it will arrive next week (or maybe even sooner) so I can benefit from it right away with our every changing dutch weather 🙂

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Martine! I hope the one you found works out for your closet needs! The one you chose is beautiful and it’s lucky you’re so close by. Enjoy! xo