Now that I’ve gotten my big NSale try-on out of the way…the real work begins: what do I actually keep?

One of the clear winners in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the La Ligne Bastien Sweater in that gorgeous emerald green. I adore this sweater. Not only is it made from natural fibers (100% cotton), but it has amazing drape and feels really fresh and modern due to the updated silhouette. But anytime I’m dealing with a new shape, styling it with my existing pieces can be tricky. And this particular sweater is shorter, boxier, and has a big ‘ol zip collar that might be hard to style around. No matter how cute a piece is, if it requires a whole new closet to make it work…well. That’s at least worth knowing, right?

La Ligne’s Emerald Green Half-Zip Sweater Is Clutch. Here Are 10 Ways To Wear It.

I played around with styling this sweater, using both some Nordstrom Anniversary Sale pieces and my existing closet favs. Since this sweater is 100% cotton, I also came up with a few outfit ideas for both warm and chilly weather.

1. Over a Linen Dress

Let’s start with the exact outfit I’m wearing today. It’s 90 degrees in Philly, but -32 inside, thanks to overzealous air conditioning. Because this sweater is all cotton, it’s a light enough texture to pair really well with linen.

sweater (s) | dress (4) | vans | backpack | sunglasses

And then when I head out into the humid hotbox that is Philly right now…

sweater (s) | dress (4) | vans | backpack | sunglasses

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2. Over a T-Shirt

I’m going through a mental list, making sure this sweater works with all my fav stuffs. And a white tee is pretty high on that list. And yay — it works.

sweater (s) | tee (s) | shorts (26) | sandals | this year’s version of my bag

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3. With My Usual Cut-Offs (For the Beach)

Some form of cut-offs, a straw bag, and Vans are typically what I’d wear to the beach. I love the idea of throwing this sweater on over my bikini for when the evenings start to cool down.

sweater (s) | shorts (27) | vans | this year’s version of my bag

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4. With My Levi’s 501s, Half-Tucked

I wanted to make sure that the sweater’s boxier shape would work with my favorite jeans, Levi’s 501s. It totally does, and even as these jeans stretch out and get slouchier, I can just do a half-tuck to show off my waist a bit. It works.

sweater (s) | jeans (27) | similar slides | this year’s version of my bag

Like all Levi’s 501s, they run small, so size up one size. They will, however, soften up over time and get a little slouchier, but because they’re non-stretch, the slouch will be the broken-in, good kind of slouch. The bag and slides are from previous years, so I linked up similar pieces.

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5. With Levi’s Ribcage Jeans, Fully Tucked

I’ve newly discovered Levi’s Ribcage jeans and LOVE them. Such a cool, ’70s vibe, and that high waist is really flattering. That said, these jeans really only work if I can show off that waist. Happily, this sweater can be tucked without being uncomfortable or overwhelming, thanks to its shorter shape.

sweater (s) | jeans (27) | boots | this year’s version of my bag

Normally I’d pair this outfit with one of the new Clare V bags from the NSale…but Linzi stole mine, and so I busted out last year’s. I highly recommend getting a small, crossbody Clare V. in leopard — even the one that’s not on sale. This is one of my most-used bags, and an instant outfit-maker.

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6. With rag & bone Maya Jeans, Dressed Up

I wanted to see if I could dress this sweater up a little bit. It’s not a va-va-voom piece, but I was hoping it was cute enough for a jeans-and-heels kind of night. Sure is.

sweater (s) | similar jeans (26) | similar heels | bag

These rag & bone Maya jeans are some of my very favorites, and I rely on this brand for both flattering cuts and really stellar washes. So. I’m debating over ordering the one pair of Mayas in the Nordstrom Sale. They are acid wash, which is not my favorite. That said, rag & bone washes are usually amazing, so perhaps the jeans are better in person. WE WILL SEE.

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7. Zipped Up

Turns out…this sweater is just as cute zipped up. Such a fun, sporty vibe that’s perfect with my usual skinnies & sneaks combo.

sweater (s) | jeans (27) | sneakers | similar backpack

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8. Layered Over a Turtleneck

This sweater can be layered over tanks and tees, but I didn’t love it over a button-down — the neckline was too messy. A black turtleneck, however, is one of my most-worn items in the winter, and looks kiiiind of amazing layered under this sweater.

sweater (s) | turtleneck (s) | jeans (27) | boots | this year’s version of my bag

Fit Notes: These are the non-cropped version of Levi’s 501s, and I like wearing them a little long and slouchy. I’ve had these black booties for years…and am now looking for something with a rounder toe. I just ordered this pair from the sale.

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9. Layered Over a Turtleneck Dress

If this sweater looks cute over a turtleneck, why not a turtleneck dress? And since this one has a tie-waist, there was a little something to half-tuck the sweater into (a stylist trick).

sweater (s) | dress (s) | boots

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10. Does It Fit Under a Coat?

Lastly, I wanted to make sure this cute sweater could fit under a coat. Cotton knit is sometimes bulkier than wool, so I wanted to make sure it wasn’t just a warm-weather sweater. First, I started with it zipped up…

sweater (s) | jeans (26) | boots | similar coat (xs) | similar bag

Then I added the coat…

sweater (s) | jeans (26) | boots | similar coat (xs) | similar bag

Fits! This coat, btw, was an Anniversary Sale purchase some years ago now. It’s a Pendleton wool coat that’s wind- and water- resistant, and I LOVE it. There’s a similar coat in the sale, if interested.

Anyway, the sweater does fit under a coat, even when zipped.

sweater (s) | jeans (26) | boots | similar coat (xs) | similar bag

Fit Notes: The boots I linked up are the exact boots I’m wearing, but there is another pair in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The NSale pair is almost identical, except the shaft is even higher, which might be good for taller folks (I’m 5’3″).

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In summary: I’m keeping the sweater. The question is, of course, do I keep the black stripe one, too???

Oh boy.

xo,

S