Free People is one of the places I turn to when I want something special. Their aesthetic is eclectic, feminine, and always unique. Some of my most loved pieces are from Free People, including The Dolman Quilted Denim Jacket, which I have been wearing the heck out of this winter. But I recently picked up a set that is by far my favorite FP purchase of the last year. The Zuma Sweater Set is a must-have for your closet!
This super versatile sweater set consists of a button-up knit top and ribbed knit shorts. At $88, it is a fantastic deal for two pieces you can wear in so many different ways. The fit is oversized, but I stuck with my regular size Medium because I didn’t want the shorts to be too tight. The fit is just right with the top nicely oversized, and the shorts aren’t skin tight.
The set is available in so many fabulous colors. I purchased the black and immediately went back and ordered in another color. Inventory comes and goes, so be sure to check back if your color and size are not available.
Trend Alert: Matching Sets
Matching sets are one good thing that came out of the last two Covid years. Finally, after months of living in pajamas, we all collectively woke up to the idea that we could be comfortable yet fashionable. Enter the matching set.
A matching set can be any two pieces you wear together that instantly make an outfit. Some of my favorite sets are tracksuits and sweater sets.
Related Post: How to Wear Casual Coordinated Sets
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5 Ways to Wear The Zuma Sweater Set
Outfit #1: Zuma Set + Tights + Boots
You can easily dress up this sweater set for an evening out. Below I am wearing black tights and knee-high boots with the set. It would also be a perfect outfit for warmer climates during the winter. My one wish is that Free People used black buttons instead of tan on the black set. The set is part of their beach line, so the buttons fit that vibe. You can easily swap out buttons if you want to elevate the look.
Outfit #2: Zuma Sweater + Graphic Tee + Jeans + Lug Sole Boots
I love this set because I would easily pay $88 for just the top. The shorts are a bonus. So it is no surprise there are so many ways to wear this top on its own. My favorite way to wear it is open like a jacket over a t-shirt & jeans.
My t-shirt is a men’s tee by Profound Clothing. The quality is impressive. The cotton is well structured and very similar quality to Anine Bing Tees. On a side note, I also buy my N94 masks from Profound.
My jeans are The Whitney Boyfriend by Able Clothing. The denim is lightweight and perfect for the warmer months. Right out of the box, these jeans felt like your most loved and well-worn pair. However, I did size up as I found the waist snug. I am wearing this outfit with lug sole boots by Vagabond Shoes, but it would look great with flats for spring and summer.
Outfit #3: Zuma Sweater + Joggers + Converse Sneakers
Joggers are a great alternative to jeans. I added my rag & bone, engineered joggers, and Converse high tops to the buttoned Zuma Sweater. The Paige Mayslie Cropped Joggers are similar but with a slightly shorter inseam.
The Converse are the Clean Leather Chuck Taylor High Tops. As my daughter stated, “The leather is a great way for grown-ups to get in on the Converse trend.” She is not wrong. I like to elevated look of the leather.
Related Post: Outfits with Converse High Tops
Outfit #4: Zuma Sweater Set + Graphic Tee + Sneakers
When the weather is warm again, I will wear this set with a graphic tee & sneakers. It will be an easier transition than immediately returning to denim shorts. Covid quarantine has not been kind. And just like everyone else, I have packed on a few pounds. At 52, those pounds seem more determined to hang on. So the idea of elastic waistband shorts sounds good to me.
The warmth of the knit will make this outfit perfect for the cool summer weather of June.
Outfit #5: Zuma Sweater Set + Silk Camisole + Sandals
Another great way to wear this set during summer is with a silk camisole. A good silk camisole is a versatile piece you need in your closet. I wear mine all year round. During the summer, I wear one as a tank under a light sweater or independently. In the winter, I wear a silk camisole as a base layer under a sweater.
Silk is a natural fabric that breaths well. It keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Despite the care directions, silk washes easily on the gentle cycle and then hung to dry. It will lose some of its shine over time if you opt for hand washing instead of dry cleaning, but I don’t mind it.
Shopping Tip: Always buy your silk camisoles on sale. They are pricey but always go on sale. You can get great deals on silk camisoles during the end-of-season sales.
As I put this post together, it has become abundantly clear it is time I opted for the self-tanner. It is always so stressful to self-tan, so I avoid it as long as possible. But now that we are dreaming of spring and I am preparing content for the warmer months, it is time. Plus, as I write this, it is 67 degrees in San Diego, and my friend, visiting from Maryland, is sunning herself by the pool.
Of course, being a true cold-blooded Californian, you won’t catch me out by the pool until it is well into the 70s. But, it doesn’t mean I don’t want to look like I have been lying by the pool. The Free People Zuma Sweater set is another inspiration for getting my tan on because I can’t wait to wear the fabulous set around town.
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