“Why, Free People, WHY???” I wailed a la Nancy Kerrigan when I saw the Free People sweater offered during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It was the first time in a decade I could actually justify the purchase of a sweater but I really just hated this Free People sweater. Something about the chunky knit pattern, the fact it was cropped; it just wasn’t doing anything for me.

So I passed on it and filled my cart with oversized sweaters from the likes of AllSaints and French Connection.

From Hate To Love: The Best Cropped Knit Sweater For Fall

For some reason, I couldn’t shake the Free People Too Good Sweater. It wasn’t like anything else I had in my closet. The colors were unique. Were my eyes just “too bad” to see how “too good” this little number was?

As it turns out yes, yes they were.

Sweater | Jeans | Clutch

Free People “Too Good” Sweater…It’s All in the Name

Even just by picking the sweater up out of the box, I was impressed by how cozy it felt to the touch. (You know those sweaters that make you wiggle because of itchy fabric? This was not going to be one of those). Then there was the color; red without being a typical winter jewel tone. I knew I’d love the neckline because I’m a sucker for a mock neck. The one thing I was still unsure about was the length. The cropped style and I aren’t always natural allies. But, when I put it on, it felt more like a regular-length top. It’s not the sweater you wear with leggings, but it definitely works with any of the joggers (ooooh the #stupidpants) or jeans currently in your closet.

The Perfect Fit

Sweater | Jeans

This was one of the few times I actually followed the recommendations and sized down. With these shoulders, a medium typically doesn’t cut it. Thankfully I went with the medium because I would have been swimming in a large. I can’t imagine what the length of the sleeves would have looked like either.

How To Style This Cropped Knit Sweater

Sweater | Jeans | Sneakers

In my mind, I dress like a ’40s movie star, but truthfully I’m a casual gal. If it doesn’t look good with shorts or a pair of jeans, it’s not a keeper. I decided to try the Free People Sweater on with my new Levi’s Wedgie Fit Jeans (after 16 pairs of Levi’s, I finally found my pair (article coming soon) and my new Adidas Grand Court sneakers. It’s put together without looking fussy.

Sweater | Shorts | Birkenstocks (similar) | Tote

Another day I needed a warmer top for our walk to the bus stop and threw on the Too Good Sweater with my favorite pair of Everlane shorts and Birkenstocks (similar). My Clare V. Simple Tote came along for the ride because god forbid my toddler decides he needs a snack 10 minutes after he’s devoured breakfast. Anyways, it makes for a cute look that didn’t reveal how frazzled I felt herding my cats…erm, kids…out of the house on that particular morning.

Sweater | Jeans | Boots | Clutch

When my husband and I finally get around to using the gift card to a local restaurant my mom purchased for his birthday…back in APRIL…the Too Good Sweater will look fabulous with my Frame Le High Waist Flares, suede booties and Rejina Pyo clutch. It’s an easy sweater to dress up or down.

Like a lot of things in life, don’t believe everything you see on the Internet. While I wasn’t in love with the Free People Too Good Sweater during the Anni Sale, I am in full-on obsession mode now. I’m considering another color so I have a spare…things are getting serious. At under $80, even not on sale, it’s really too good to pass up.

x, Meredith