Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

5 Adventure Challenge: Rediscovering Style In Simplicity

Trying out my new sustainable sweater for 5 adventures.

October 16, 2025
By Kelsey Mullinax

Building A Closet That Finally Fits My Life

Introducing the 1st blog in my 3-part blog series about discovering the versatility, sustainability, and everyday joy of the Summer V-Neck Sweater.

This blog is about how one thoughtfully designed sweater made from unique seaweed yarn can adapt to every occasion, prove its worth as an investment, and inspire creativity through outfit repeating.

By the end of this series, you’ll see how a single piece can transform your wardrobe. From adventures in daily life to conscious closet choices and endless styling ideas, you’ll be equipped with the inspiration and tips to build a wardrobe that feels authentic, sustainable, and effortlessly stylish.

----------

“Rediscover your style, embrace it, and keep showing up.”

I have been thinking about this idea a lot lately. It’s about being intentional, not just with your time, but with what you wear. So, I decided to put my own styling skills to the test with a personal experiment I called the Oliver Charles 5 Adventure Challenge.

The goal was twofold. First, it was a chance to get creative and explore my own fashion sense. Second, it was the perfect way to test the true adaptability of our sweater. This challenge was all about seeing what a single, versatile piece could do for a capsule wardrobe.

Wearing My OC Sweater During My Morning Walk - Oliver Charles

Style Is a Journey. Sometimes It Starts with a Walk.

On a recent morning walk, a path I’ve taken for months, I found something new. Tucked away behind the trees was a quaint labyrinth, a whimsical resting spot I had never noticed before. What stood out in the quiet morning air was the effortless feel of the SeaCell sweater. Its seamless design meant no scratchy distractions, just complete freedom of movement as I powerwalked the shaded trail, with fog dancing along the Chattahoochee River.

That feeling of uncomplicated comfort is a bigger deal than it sounds. For a while, especially post-partum, getting dressed felt like the worst part of my day. The realization that my clothes could feel this good against my skin, moving with me instead of against me, was the epiphany I needed. It was a small step toward feeling like myself again.

It’s why I started my Instagram handle, @HowdyHydrangea. I wanted to inspire women by styling both new and thrifted pieces authentically. It is my hope that I can encourage others to wear what makes them happy and have fun with their style, no matter what season of life they are in.

Finding your personal style is a journey. For me, rediscovering it started by making my daily routines, like a simple morning walk, feel good again, right down to the breathable layer I chose to wear.

Exploring The Labyrinth In The Woodland Wearing My OC Sweater - Oliver Charles
Finding A Whimsical Mosaic During My Morning Hike - Oliver Charles

Peaceful Afternoon At The Lake

Next on my list was a simple, sunny afternoon overlooking the lake. It was a perfect opportunity to cancel out the noise. I found a comfortable spot, soaked up the sun, and spent some time journaling and organizing my thoughts.

As the day warmed up, the sweater’s breathability really stood out. The unique SeaCell yarn felt light and airy against my skin, keeping me comfortable long into the afternoon. Eventually, the southern sun hit its peak, and I slipped the sweater off.

Later, when a breeze came in off the water, I pulled it back on. This is where its practicality shines. It came off the back of my chair without any major wrinkles and had not lost its shape at all. It is the kind of easy-care piece that simplifies your day. One less thing to think about.

For this little escape, I paired the sweater with some simple gingham shorts, hot pink slides, and my favorite sunglasses.

Enjoying A Peaceful Afternoon By The Lake - Oliver Charles

Fashion Meets Function at the Park

The next adventure was a classic: a neighborhood park day. For this, I paired the sweater with a flowy, exuberant skirt that I call “the skirt of many colors.” The simple, clean style of the knitwear provides the perfect balance to a more vibrant piece. It’s an easy way to look put together without overthinking it.

Of course, a trip to the park is never just a walk. When my little one dared me to a race up the rock wall, I really appreciated my SeaCell sweater’s flexibility. There are no restrictive seams to pull or get in the way, which makes a huge difference whether you are climbing, bending, or just chasing a toddler.

This is what makes a piece truly fashionable and functional, It serves as the perfect second layer to peel off as needed, but on a breezy afternoon, this outfit was just right. It is durable enough for play and stylish enough for everything else.

Wearing My OC Sweater At The Park - Oliver Charles
Matching My OC Sweater With A Colorful Skirt - Oliver Charles

Finding Hidden Gems in a Secondhand Bookstore

For my fourth stop, I visited a local secondhand bookshop. There is something special about these places. I love supporting small businesses in my community, and I am a big fan of books and all things vintage. It’s about the thrill of the hunt and the stories held on every shelf.

For this outing, I paired the sweater with a sage-colored corduroy overall dress. It’s an outfit that feels both playful and comfortable, perfect for an afternoon of browsing.

This is where you can really feel the difference in how the Summer V-Neck is made. As I spent time reaching for books on the top shelves, the seamless design was a game-changer. There’s no pulling or restriction at the shoulders, just a smooth, easy stretch. The knitwear moves with you, making it the kind of piece you forget you are even wearing.

Visiting A Bookstore - Oliver Charles

An Impromptu Ice Cream Run

For the last stop on my 5 Adventure Challenge, I needed a pick-me-up!

A lazy Sunday, solo trip for a milkshake at the local ice cream shop. I enjoyed a mint chocolate chip milkshake and the views from the game patio, overlooking my tiny town.

Sweet treats and funky, thrifted orange pants are amongst my favorite things.

My SeaCell sweater made for an excellent grab-and-go option. This is where a truly versatile sweater proves its worth. It pairs effortlessly with almost anything, even statement pieces. It takes the guesswork out of getting dressed, giving you one less decision to make.

Enjoying An Impromptu Ice Cream Run - Oliver Charles

A Sustainable Sweater for Every Occasion

After five very different adventures, one thing is clear. A thoughtfully designed piece of clothing doesn't just add to your wardrobe, it simplifies it.

This challenge was about rediscovering the fun in getting dressed, and the Summer V-Neck was the perfect partner. From the seamless comfort on a quiet morning walk to its easy-care nature on a warm lakeside afternoon, it just worked. The seamless 3D-knitting meant it moved with me while I chased my kids at the park or reached for a book on a high shelf. There was no pulling or fussing, just effortless style.

That is the true meaning of versatility. It’s a single, reliable piece that makes everything else in your closet better, from thrifted orange pants to a colorful skirt. The breathable SeaCell fabric makes it a true all-season knitwear staple.

Ultimately, this is what building a sustainable capsule wardrobe is all about. It’s about finding those few, special items that you can turn to again and again. This sweater is more than just a stylish knit. It is a sustainable piece that first earns its place in your closet, and then, very quickly, your heart.

Kelsey Mullinax is a passionate writer and storyteller. She likes helping others. If she isn't writing or spending time with her family, she's probably deciding which hobby she is going to obsess over next.

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

5 Adventure Challenge: Rediscovering Style In Simplicity

Trying out my new sustainable sweater for 5 adventures.

Read more

7-Day Sweater Challenge: Wearing The All-Season Quarter Zip In Augusta, Georgia

Could this be the perfect sweater for unpredictable fall weather?

Read more

Making Our New All-Season Socks

From Himalayan yak fiber to our North Carolina factory.

Read more

7 Day Challenge: A Sweater For Work And Play

Testing the versatility of my sweater as a digital nomad.

Read more