There is no arguing that this sweater looks pretty awful on the model. When it first came out, I had no intention of purchasing the Olivia. However, with the temperature dropping daily I was in need of some thicker sweaters. So, I went back to J.Crew. com for a closer look. The sweater looks great in the product pics (not modeled), so I gave it a shot.
I am very happy to say that on me the Olivia sweater looks completely different than it does online. You can see in the photo, that the sweater looks very cropped in the waist with bracelet sleeves. It also looks extremely thick through the center. This model is gorgeous obviously, but she has a long waist and rectangular figure which doesn’t suit this sweater. For once, I can say I am lucky to be short and curvy.
On me, the Olivia sweaters hits at the waist. The sleeves are much longer, hitting about mid-hand. I love extra sleeve length in a sweater. Especially when it balances out a shorter waisted one like the Olivia. I am 5’4″, so if you are tall or long waisted this sweater may be too cropped for your liking.
The cables going down the front on the sweater are thicker than you usually see. They have sort of a 3D effect, in that they come away from the sweater. The fit along the sides though is streamlined with no extra bulk. If you are self-conscious about your natural waist, you probably will not find the Olivia flattering. A fuller chest and hip with a smaller waist keep the center of this sweater in check.
I love the neckline of the Olivia. It comes up off the back of the neck a bit which really flatters the neck and shoulder blades. The V neck is quite deep. I might wear a cami or fashion tape to keep from showing too much.
I purchased this sweater in the Heather Flax. The online photo is slightly darker than the color is in real life. The shade is a warm based pale brown, I would call it Oatmeal. I am pretty pale and the Flax is just deep and warm enough that I don’t look washed out. This is helped by the V-neck though. I think the color would be just a bit too light and bland for me in a crewneck.
The knit is soft and not itchy. It is much thicker than most sweaters that J.Crew offers. The yarn is 90% wool and 10% cashmere, which is becoming my favorite blend of J.Crew’s because of it’s softness and affordability.
Retail Description: An effortlessly wearable classic with cables and a flatteringly deep V-neck. Wool/cashmere in a 3-gauge knit. Fitted. Rib trim at neck, cuffs and hem. Long sleeves. Hits at hip. Import. Dry clean. Catalog/jcrew.com only. $98.00
Thanks for the review. I love the pink color on the model but I know this won’t work for me at 5″10″ and with my “waist” being my worst feature…glad it worked for you.
I just ordered the bright berry Astrid and the Duchamp print Astor at 2:00 am on Monday morning before the website crashed later in the day. I hope to get them soon.
ooh, i never thought twice about this sweater because you’re right, it looks terrible on the model, but now that i look closer (well, when i look at the product picture instead of the modeling shot at least), i see that it could actually totally work on me. thanks for the great review
The model looks like she’s wearing a child’s sweater, and it doesn’t help that she’s wearing men’s pants (why does JCrew keep doing that?). I do, however, love the chunky thicker knit. Maybe I’ll get one when (if) it goes on sale…
I knooow, I am getting a little tired of every look being styled with menswear…Sure it can look good if you are 5’10″ AND they pin it on you but irl… I would look hilariously bad in men’s pants.
I’m sorry, but that UGLY sweater makes that size 0 model look FAT, and plain and unattractive. I can only imagine how dreadful I would look in that “missionary barrel” looking sweater…. :0(
Thanks for the great review of this sweater, I wouldn’t have (didn’t) think twice about it but now. . . I think it would work for my shape. I’ll have to force myself to wait until after Christmas though, I have been buying waaay to much!!
I paid $63 for this sweater but I bet it will get even cheaper. Since you have to be a certain shape for it to work, it’s got a limit customer base
Shannon,
Do you really think it is worth $63…seems a bit high in price to me for a plain, simple sweater without a lot a pizazz…hmm….nice review but doesn’t look to me that it would be worth more than $30
I don’t think everyone will feel it is worth 63, that is why I mention it will probably get marked down further. I felt it was worth purchasing now because I was lacking thicker sweaters, I love the softness of the knit, collar shape, and color.
Thanks for the reply, Shannon. Yes, if you needed a thick sweater than who cares what the price was..esp. with the great fit for you:)
I was just curious…thanks again.
Thanks for the review, Shannon! I have been eyeing this sweater as well, but wasn’t sure about the length of the torso/arms. I’m slightly taller than you but after reading your review I bet it wouldn’t look TOO cropped on me!
yes the model looks like she is wearing a sweater that was shrunk in the dryer. it looks terrible on her. i’d love to see a picture of someone else in it
I wouldn’t want to see someone else in that sweater, it would look terrible on anyone.
Thanks for your strong opinions Kirbydog lol, but the sweater does not look terrible on everyone. If it did I would have sent it back. My dh would not hesitate to tell me if something looks awful. We have been together for 10 years, so we are over saying what we think the other wants to hear. In fact, he basically told me to set the Blouson-sleeve bateau on fire, it looked so bad on me lmao
I added an irl pic of the Olivia to give every one an idea of the fit on a non-model
This sweater looks fabulous on you! Very cute. As others have said, I would not have given this sweater a second look due to the online pic. Thanks for this (and so many other) great reviews!
Thanks Lolo
thank you for the irl pic! it looks great!
wow, thanks for the IRL pic–that really helps clear up how it would look. It’s the closest I have to trying things on since I’m in the middle of nowhere
I think it’s a cozy little sweater, definitely looks plush to me! Nice!
I think that the color is great on you, and the length def. looks better on you than the model….but are the sleeves really long??? Or is that just the pic?
Thanks.
Thanks, yes the sleeves are quite long. It’s so different than on the model, I have to laugh
Looks great on you Shannon! How did they get that model to look so bulky in that sweater?!
shannon, the sweater looks great on you! so different than on the model. LOL, everything that particular model wears looks shrunken! she must be super tall w/long arms too
Thanks ladies.
Something definitely went horribly awry with the model pics lol
That sweater looks terrific on you! J Crew should have used a different model — maybe you? The woman wearing it in the catalog isn’t right for the sweater, or vice-versa. I have a build that’s similar to your’s so maybe it would look good on me, too. Thanks!
Thanks
I believe this was marked down to 60 and you can get an extra 30% off that if your total is 150, with the Jingle code. That makes it a pretty good buy I think!
thanks for the review shannon, i was looking for one. i’m a 5’4 gal too so hopefully it looks as good on me as it does you!