I come from a land where negative temperatures are a winter normal. Our snowbanks pile up so high it becomes a roll of the dice when simply driving and trying to cross traffic. Over the course of my life, I’ve developed what I like to call my Winter Survival Kit just to make it through until spring.
Hero of my Winter Survival Kit this year? Relaxed cashmere sweaters, specifically from Free People.
While I’ve both collected and simply tried on a handful from various brands and retailers, it should come as no surprise to regular readers that my most favorite cashmere pieces hail from Free People. The brand just gets it (or gets me, rather).
Free People Cashmere Sweaters I Won’t Winter Without
Shop the sweaters: Left | Middle | Right
Shop the jeans: Revolve | Saks Fifth Avenue | Re/Done
Shop the uggs: Saks | Neiman Marcus | Amazon
Free People cashmere pieces are woven on the thin side, which results in them being a bit more effortlessly drapey in style (a staple to their designs), not to mention easier to wear (not at all suffocating or bulky). They’re also repeatedly reviewed as “super soft” — none of that itchy business. And although one might think a thinner weave would make them somehow less than, I’ve found that they’ve held up even better than some of the more pricey, thicker sweaters I’ve purchased elsewhere.
1. Poppy Cashmere Turtleneck
I have worn this Poppy Cashmere Turtleneck more times than I could ever count, and — wait for it —… I have yet to notice any pilling. I wash my sweaters only when absolutely needed, which may be part of this one’s life source, but I own other cashmere pieces that looked pretty ragged just a wear or two in, so that’s saying something.
While I don’t mind the sheerness of it (it’s actually a reason I love it), reviews say the darker colors are not sheer, if that’s more your style.
The Poppy Cashmere Turtleneck is the absolute greatest layering piece (again, a testament to its quality that it doesn’t show pilling even when constantly worn underneath other clothing). It’s been a winter game-changer when it comes to warmth, and was one of the main reasons I decided to explore what else Free People has to offer in the realm of cashmere.
I don’t expect this turtleneck sweater to stay perfect forever (pilling is just what cashmere likes to do) but a fabric shaver will save the day. I’ve learned everything about wash + care for cashmere thanks to this incredibly informative post Shana put together years ago.
Fit notes: Very true to size, I’m 5’9” wearing a size medium. It’s 100% cashmere, and while Free People describes this as a “classic silhouette,” I would say it’s an updated, trendy boxy cut with a perfectly loose + breathable turtleneck feature.
2. Ribbed Cashmere Pullover
Probably the lightest and thinnest sweater of the group, this Ribbed Cashmere Pullover has an almost sexy vibe with it’s sheerness (and just so happens to come in two hues that would be epic for a Valentine’s Day or any date night outfit). I feel great wearing the sweater with just a light-colored bra underneath, personally, but layering a bodysuit underneath would also work if you prefer more coverage.
The standout feature of this sweater is the wide ribbed accent. That alone makes it feel a bit more edgy than your standard sweater. The length that most of these Free People pieces come in are perfect for tucking into the top of your jeans (which is my natural go-to).
Fit Notes: Wearing a medium and finding it perfect. It’s 100% cashmere with a cropped cut and dropped shoulders giving the classic shape a bit of a unique touch.
3. Love Like This Cashmere Pullover
Now this one is fun. The Love Like This Cashmere Pullover has an extra-wide neckline that makes it possible to drape over one shoulder, a style that’s not as common in cashmere.
The sleeves have some extra length to them upping the cozy factor, and it also aids to the ability of wearing the neckline pulled over a shoulder without awkwardly cropping your sleeve length. The bottom hemline is just taut enough that you can easily tuck it up underneath, which I adore.
I didn’t think I would love this one as much as I do… and now I want a second color (some reviewers happily report owning multiple colors for multiple years).
Fit Notes: I sized up to a large after reading reviews (FP reviews are always such good help for sizing notes) and am so happy I did. It’s 100% cashmere and the perfect slouchy fit.
4. Latte Cashmere Henley
Three cheers to Free People for making cashmere pieces I can’t find elsewhere. They have two different henley versions (here’s the one I’m not wearing, which is completely cute) but I was immediately drawn to the larger buttons on this Latte Cashmere Henley.
This sweater is another with the wide ribbed feature I find so rad, along with the slouchy, boxy fit that signifies Free People’s comfy, cool look. I’ve been pairing it under their Roll With Us Puffer Vest and get constant compliments on it (seriously, though).
Fit Notes: Wearing a medium. It’s 100% cashmere and just the right amount of fabric and space to be wildly comfortable, but not so much to be considered oversized.
The other items on my Winter Survival Kit? Citrus, tequila and lots of sunless tanner.
Xx,
Amy
Let’s be friends on Instagram! Sharing life from my sleepy little beach town, daily style, makeup favorites, Gilmore Girl bing-athons, and endless cups of coffee – all with a good dose of adorable toddler content, too.
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I bought the Free People boyfriend cashmere hoodie from Nordstrom when it was on clearance and it might be the most perfect hoodie I’ve ever tried!
Yes, AGREED!!! I wear that one alllll the time! Would have included it in this post if it wasn’t such low stock. But if anyone’s curious and can find their size in stock… here it is!! Xx