7 Day Challenge: Putting My Oliver Charles Sweater To The Test

Practicing green and minimalist living in a concrete jungle.

A New Yorker Wears The Same Sweater All Week Long

Alright, let’s get to it! Welcome to my 1st blog in my 3-part blog series about sustainable living in a big city. This blog is a love note of sorts to my Oliver Charles sweater and how it serves me well in NYC.

From keeping me warm on the way to yoga class to acting as a staple piece in my office attire, the All-Season V-Neck has rightly earned a top spot in my wardrobe.

• 7 Day Sweater Challenge
• 3 Sustainable Fashion Myths
• 3 Ways To Live Sustainably In A City

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I am a minimalist, an attribute that serves me well in a 400-square-foot studio apartment. But living in New York City, where the temperatures can vary 80 degrees from the depths of winter to the peaks of summer, my wardrobe needs to be accommodating.

That said, I was immediately on board when Oliver Charles challenged me to wear the same sweater for the 7 Day Sweater Challenge.

My sweater collection is one-sided, varying towards the overly bulky, chunky knit. These are great for keeping me warm, but they take up so much space in my closet! They are becoming a storage dilemma, especially when I need to swap my closet with my spring and summer clothes.

When I opened the package from Oliver Charles, I was surprised by its lightness. For an All-Season Sweater, I just anticipated it would be heavier. I fell in love with the Charcoal color (after all, New Yorkers are notorious for wearing dark colors all year round).

I also liked the initial feel of the yak wool—not scratchy, but still tightly woven and soft to the touch.

My New Office Staple

After opening the package, I immediately put it on. While I had another outfit chosen for that day, I was too tempted not to start the challenge outright. Being in the office three days a week has started to make figuring out how to dress a morning hurdle.

It was a typical damp and dreary winter day, so I paired it with my favorite matchstick jeans and boots for a work-appropriate but casual look. Like with most offices, the temperature range can vary drastically. One day, the air conditioning blows on you, and the next, you sweat through your clothes. Thankfully, with this sweater, I felt comfortable all day.

After reading up on Oliver Charles, I learned this is likely because it is made of yak wool. This versatile material has been around for thousands of years, and it's known for its soft, luxurious feel. Its durability makes it the perfect match for the year-round sweater.

And because it’s a solid color, I was already thinking of how I could pair this top with blazers, vests, and scarves to switch up my office outfits.

An Elevated Look For Everyday Errands

One of my favorite parts of city life is that I can walk everywhere! I avoid taking the subway whenever possible, preferring the sights, sounds, and fresh air (well, as fresh as city air can be). When it comes to running errands, I typically throw on a pair of leggings and a sweatshirt.

It’s definitely more casual, so I’ve wanted to look more pulled together. The Oliver Charles sweater is the perfect solution when you want to be comfy but also look like you put some effort into your outfit.

This Friday morning started with a trip to the dentist for a cleaning. It was drizzling, so the sweater was the ideal base layer for a bright and cheery red rain jacket.

I then walked home to start my work-from-home day. I had more Zoom meetings than I would have liked for a Friday, so the sweater worked out well for being on a bunch of conference calls and still looking pulled together.

A Perfect Cozy Base Layer After Yoga Class

One of my favorite weekend activities is attending my favorite yoga class in Brooklyn at OneYogaHouse. It’s a bit of a hike from my apartment in the city, but I adore this particular instructor, and it is a bright start to a Saturday. I fell in love with yoga while living in San Francisco.

As someone who has always been active, I sought something that pushed me physically while benefiting me mentally. Yoga was the perfect match and I have fallen in love with the practice.

The vinyasa class in Brooklyn is heated but not overly hot. I wear layers to feel cozy before and after the class. Afterward, I chit-chat with the instructor and fellow yogis, talking about everything from upcoming travel plans to new restaurant openings. Since I’m in another part of the city, I try to meet up with another friend for coffee or take a leisurely walk across the bridge.

A Classic Staple That Stood Up To The Test

With the conclusion of the 7 Day Sweater Challenge, I’m happy to report that my sweater stood up to the test. I was honestly surprised that I never felt the need to wash it — even after putting it on after a sweaty yoga class!

Oddly enough, it got more comfier with each wear. It became a routine to reach for the sweater throughout the week, and I know I’ll continue to reach for it as the weather slowly transitions to spring.

I’m even more excited to bring it on my next trip. The sweater’s lightness and breathability would make it a great pick for a flight when you never know if you’re going to have the air blasting on you or not. It’s a piece that I’ll be adding to my travel capsule closet.

To wrap it up, Oliver Charles’ All-Season V-Neck exceeded my expectations. I felt great wearing it around NYC from a comfort and sustainability aspect.

If you believe that every good wardrobe starts with owning less and owning better, consider buying yourself an OLIVER CHARLES sweater.