Elevated basics are a cornerstone of my own wardrobe; many of my most-loved capsule wardrobe essentials have a timeless silhouette with a modern touch. One of my most recent brand discoveries – La Saison Sportive – has skyrocketed to the top of my list of quiet luxury brands that offer a unique point of view and high quality, well-designed knitwear.
Based in Brooklyn, NY, La Saison Sportive is a brand after my own heart. My own personal motto is to “wear the clothes”, even if that means you’ll risk getting covered in little grubby fingerprints. And this is knitwear designed to be worn day in, day out. Not stashed and stored away for a special occasion (because let’s face it, every day should feel special).
Each La Saison Sportive knit is made with merino wool, which has so many amazing properties. For one, it’s antibacterial and antimicrobial; it won’t hold onto odours which makes it a perfect base layer particularly in the colder months. Merino naturally regulates temperature, so ideal to wear both during warmer and cooler weather. It’s wrinkle resistant, so will spring back into shape even when compressed (5 mins in a steamy bathroom will get rid of any stubborn wrinkles).
And as someone who refers to themselves as an aesthete, the tactile quality of my clothing tends to play a major role on whether it’ll be on high rotation… or not. And judging by how frequently I’ve reached for my La Saison Sportive pieces, they’ve clearly passed my litmus test. Think luxury level knitwear that’s accessibly priced.
It’s also how their clothing makes me feel. It supports a range of movement, being soft and flexible to wear I’m not restricted in any way. The yarn itself is smooth, soft, and acts almost like a second skin. And the designs are versatile: easily dressed up or down, and despite the soft fine knit, they don’t feel precious in a delicate sense.
A few other things I really love about La Saison Sportive?
- It feels beautiful against the skin – the ultra fine yarn has a slinky quality that’s smooth to the touch.
- The details. Elements of the garment-making process aren’t removed during the finishing process, to highlight the beauty of the process. Dainty mother of pearl buttons. Soft rolled hems.
- Easy to care for – most of the pieces can be machine washed on the hand wash setting and laid flat to dry.
- Ease of styling. Each piece is a classic in its own right, but feels modernised because of the cut.
- Their consistent use of Australian merino wool across their entire collection. Which honestly, feels like a luxury to wear. All of their merino is fully traceable and mulesing-free, and is spun in Italian factories powered by hydroelectric and solar energy.
- This is a sustainable brand that is made to order. Slow fashion at its finest, and the 3D knitting process helps to minimise waste. Perhaps more incredible still, the pieces arrive within 5-7 business days (oh, and shipping is free!).
With Christmas and the festive season on the mind, these immediately strike me as an elegant gift idea for a loved one, to add that little touch of luxury into their every day. So many colour options to choose from too, including easy neutrals, rich gem hues, and lighter spring tones.
La Saison Sportive Nell Oversize Sweater
Wearing ‘chestnut’ in size S
Possibly my favourite style from La Saison Sportive, this is a super slouchy, tunic-length knit. For reference, I’m 172cm tall, and find that this falls just a little below my hips.
As it’s a fine knit, you don’t get too much bulk when tucking into trousers (though recommend slipping the hem up into a bralette if you want a seamless tuck). It features a wide open neckline which reveals the collarbone and adds an element of elegance – also acts as a way to reveal layers when wearing a tee or racerback tank underneath. The sleeves are also quite wide, so sleeve garters work wonders if you want to push them up to reveal your forearm.
I would recommend sizing down if… you are petite (due to the generous cut), or want to tone down the drama of the fit. Otherwise, go with your usual size for a very relaxed fit.
HOW TO STYLE
An easy option is to just wear the Nell Sweater loose, over a pair of fitted trousers, jeans, or even a maxi. But, I personally lovehow it looks tucked as the merino yarn drapes so beautifully.
With jean shorts, to create some contrast, between the refined quality of the merino, and the casual nature of denim. A belt at the waist adds in extra definition as well as upping the formality level slightly.
With a mini skirt, worn with a half tuck, where I’ve slipped the hem in on one side only. This gives the outfit some asymmetry, while also helping define my waist.
Or, we can dress it up with a pair of fluid drape trousers. This is how I’ve been wearing the Nell Oversize Sweater the most, as it not only looks effortless, but feels it too.
La Saison Sportive Zoe Long-Sleeve Polo
Wearing ‘Midnight Blue’ in size S
The humble polo has been having a bit of a resurgence; often seen translated in knitwear with a plush appearance. Which was part of the reason I was so drawn to La Saison Sportive’s take on this preppy classic. It’s long and lean through the body, with an almost delicate quality, semi-sheer characteristic.
Also worth highlighting the little style flourishes. Three button closure at the neck, with mother of pearl buttons. And unlike the other two knits I have, the hemlines and cuffs lay flat against the skin with a ribbed yarn finish.
I would recommend sticking with your usual size. The La Saison Sportive Zoe Long-Sleeve Polo is a slimmer fit, and the fabric tends to graze the contours of the body when worn.
HOW TO STYLE
I’ve mostly found myself tucking this one in, opting for my beloved monochromatic moments by pairing it with a full length navy pant. Also, love the little scrunch you get when wearing it loose and softly gathered at the waist.
With a wide leg jean. Playing up the prep and leaning into a bit of 70s styling (lite). For a little bit of layering, you can add in a racer bank tank. This adds in some additional modesty but also highlights the open neck if you wear the buttons undone.
With a midi skirt. Paired also with a pointed toe pump, this is a chic way to wear it to the office. Outfits like this, that are centred around dark navy or black items, will always look best when you focus on texture.
With a tapered trouser. And usually a ballet flat, or a sneaker. Easy breezy weekend vibes with a touch of tailoring.
La Saison Sportive Siena Cardigan
Wearing ‘Ruby Red;’ in size S
Final piece I wanted to share is the Siena Cardigan. A fine gauge jersey stitch knit with mother of pearl buttons. You can see that there’s some similar themes here. The longline length, rolled hems, the slim, subtle body-hugging fit. And occasionally, a little hint of a Khaite influence, when you get little gaps between the button openings – something I love when wearing this cardigan just with a bralette underneath.
Again, this is a fine knit, so works perfectly worn both loose or tucked in.
Recommend sticking with your true size… unless you want an ultra slim fit. I’m wearing my usual size, but if I wanted the fabric to really hug the body/fit more closure around the waist/back then going down a size would likely achieve this. But TTS is ideal.
HOW TO STYLE
Despite my personal love affair with neutrals, I do love a punchy pop of red. It’s fun to wear, and fun to style, too.
For the first look, worn with neutral tones to help ground and tone down the vibrancy, Personally I like a lighter neutral, but black works too if you’d prefer a little more contrast.
Buttoned up and tucked into a pair of jeans. Blue denim goes with pretty much everything, and the colour pairing here looks so harmonious. Also a great way to get a slightly different look – you can also wear it open too, of course.
Or as part of a monochromatic outfit, with a red skirt or pant – go bold or go home!
Thank you to La Saison Sportive for partnering with me on this post.
You carry this knitwear really well. No doubt, yo are looking great.