Good morning! I’ve got a new try-on haul for you today, with styles from J.Crew, Nordstrom, Evereve, and more. I found some really nice transition pieces this week, lots of denim and tops, and a great pair of shoes.
Fall Styles from J.Crew, Nordstrom & Evereve
SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small or medium in tops and dresses, a 29 in jeans and pants, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.
KUT from the Kloth Amanda Boxy Twill Jacket in Military
at Nordstrom (S) // FRAME tee (XS) // similar AG jeans (29) // similar loafers
DETAILS: “Super versatile for casual outfits, this military-inspired jacket is made from super soft stretch twill in a slightly boxy fit that’s easy to layer.”
- 23 1/2″ length
- 54% cotton, 22% polyester, 14% lyocell, 9% rayon, 1% spandex
- Machine wash, tumble dry
I had this jacket in a strawberry red last spring, so I knew it was a sure thing, and as soon as I saw the new fall colors, I ordered this deep forest green. It also comes in a rich chocolate brown, which I like as well, but I feel like I will get more wear out of the green.
It’s very stretchy and comfortable, and I like the large cuffs and the way it’s very slightly fitted through the waist for a flattering silhouette. I also appreciate that the hardware is muted so it will work well with whatever color metal I’m wearing in my jewelry.
This jacket runs true to size, or size down if in between. The small fits me perfectly, and sometimes I have to size up in KUT from the Kloth jackets.
VERDICT: Keeping this one, for sure. Cannot wait to wear it!
Tommy Bahama Pebble Stitch Short Sleeve Sweater
at Nordstrom (S) // similar AG jeans (29) // similar loafers
DETAILS: “Slits on the sides add interest to a short-sleeve sweater that’s knit from breathable cotton.”
- 24″ long
- 100% cotton
- Hand wash, dry flat
I like the design of this sweater a lot, with the v-neck and the collar, plus the side slits and ribbed cuffs and hem. But it’s an odd length, and I don’t like how it falls on me. It adds a lot of visual weight.
VERDICT: I sent this one back; I have a lot of options right now, and I just don’t love this one enough to justify keeping it.
Vince Camuto Satin Boatneck Shell
at Nordstrom – 35% off (S) // similar AG jeans (29) // similar loafers
DETAILS: “Gathers at one shoulder release to create the subtle draped effect of this luminous satin shell framed with barely there cap sleeves.”
- 23″ length (size Medium)
- 100% polyester
- Machine wash, tumble dry
- Back keyhole with button-and-loop closure.
I love how this satin top has gathers at the one shoulder, and the cap sleeves create diagonal lines that I find flattering. I tried to capture the gathered shoulder here by holding my phone in my left hand. It’s also a really nice length and shape for leaving untucked, much like the Marci Muscle Tank, but I actually prefer the sleeves on this one.
This black is almost sold out, but it does come in other colors, and it’s currently on sale at Nordstrom.
VERDICT: Keeping, I love a black top like this for date nights, and it should layer nicely under jackets when it gets colder.
Lucky Brand Sandwashed Shirt
at Nordstrom (S) // MOTHER jeans – 30% off (29) // beek flip flops (8)
DETAILS:
- 24″ long
- 100% modal
- Machine wash, tumble dry
This versatile, short-sleeve button-up shirt is made of a super soft sandwashed modal fabric, and I like the ease and simplicity, and how it looks just a little bit nicer than an everyday t-shirt.
It’s a smidge too long for my liking, but when I front tuck it, the button placket makes it bulge out awkwardly, so I paired it with jeans in a similar shade of blue and just let it hang. Since there isn’t a distinct line where the hem of the shirt crosses the jeans, I think it works.
VERDICT: Keeping, I actually wore the exact outfit earlier this week.
Marci Muscle Tank
at Evereve (S) // similar AG jeans (29) // Vince mules (8)
DETAILS: “Elevate your summer-to-fall wardrobe with this stylish muscle tank by EVEREVE, featuring a crew neckline, woven rayon fabric, and a back keyhole button closure.”
- Length from Shoulder to Hem: 22 1/2″
- Material: 100% Rayon Weave
- Care: Machine Wash, Wash Cold, Dry Flat
I was initially drawn to the colors and pattern in this woven top. They call it tie dye, but it looks more like an abstract floral print to me… either way, I like it. Prints can be hard, and I feel like large scale prints like this one are generally more “grown-up” and modern for those of us who are over 40.
I also really like the muscle tee design, and it’s a really nice length and shape for leaving untucked, which makes it really easy to throw on with any of your favorite jeans or pants. I didn’t bother to fasten it in the back, which is why it looks odd, but I think the keyhole button closure is a nice touch.
VERDICT: Keeping! I wore this to lunch yesterday with different shoes.
Cloth And Stone Drop Shoulder Shirt Dress
at Evereve (S) // Vince sandals (8)
DETAILS: Finished in a watercolor floral pattern, this button-front dress features a collared neckline, adjustable drawstring waist, and rolled short sleeves. Wear it day or night with flats, booties, or mules.
- Length from Shoulder to Hem: 35″
- Material: 80% Tencel, 20% Nylon Woven
- Care: Machine Wash, Do Not Dry Clean, Tumble Dry Low
Yikes, this a big fat no. I mean, it’s too small, for starters, but it’s also verrrry short. I should have ordered a medium too, knowing how in between sizes I am right now.
I feel like it would still be too short if I sized up, so I didn’t bother, but it’s a cute print and a very on-trend style if you like shorter skirts, or if you’re shorter than my 5’5″.
VERDICT: This dress went right back to Evereve.
Fitting Room Try-Ons: J.Crew & Nordstrom
The rest of the items in this post are from a trip to the mall a few days ago, so they’re all fitting room photos. I started out at J.Crew.
Cashmere cable-knit cardigan sweater in Camel
at J.Crew (S) // PAIGE jeans (29) // similar flats
DETAILS: “A luxe layer inspired by our customer-favorite lady jackets. Crafted from premium 100 percent cashmere, it comes with four pocket details finished with gold crest buttons and a classic cable-knit texture for added visual interest.”
- Cropped fit.
- Body length: 19″.
- Sleeve length: 30 1/2″.
- Hits slightly above hip.
I struggle with lady jackets feeling too structured and boxy, but they look so cute on other women. When I saw this cashmere sweater version and felt how soft it was, I had to try it, and I kind of like it. Because it’s a soft knit and clings a bit to my curves, it looks more flattering on me than the classic tweed versions, and it also feels more authentic to my personal style.
VERDICT: This is the small, but I think I need a medium, and they didn’t have one in-store. I might order one the next time they run a sale on their cashmere. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen.
Cashmere relaxed T-shirt in Hthr Stone
at J.Crew (M) // J.Crew cardigan (S) // PAIGE jeans (29) // similar flats
DETAILS: “Say hello to the new relaxed cashmere tee. We updated it with a slightly shorter length, roomier fit and easy roll at the collar.”
- Relaxed fit.
- Hits at hip.
- Body length: 23″.
- Sleeve length: 14″.
- 100% cashmere.
- Hand wash.
I love a sweater tee, and this one has really pretty details. I love the trim at the neck and hem, and the rolled edges on the sleeves. It has a classic fit without being too clingy, and I like the 23″ length. It looks nice left out, but I can also front tuck it if I want.
This is the perfect sweater to wear alone or layer when it gets colder. I tried it with the cable knit cardigan over my shoulders, and I think this is such a great look. It’s classic and also very current.
VERDICT: I was not feeling good the day I went shopping, and nothing looked right to me, so I didn’t purchase this sweater. Looking back at these photos, though, especially with the cardigan over the shoulders, I think I will at some point. Again, I’d love to get it during a sale, so I’m going to keep an eye on it.
Featherweight cashmere-blend sweater shell in leopard print
at J.Crew // PAIGE jeans (29) // similar flats
DETAILS: “Something about featherweight cashmere just says luxe. This sweet, subtly shrunken silhouette hits right above the hips and is crafted from our famously supersoft cashmere that’s lighter than air, ultrasmooth and a touch more delicate. In other words, it’s the perfect layering piece for now and later.”
- 82% cashmere/16% polyamide/2% elastane.
- Hand wash.
This leopard shell is the first piece that caught my eye when I walked in the store on Thursday, and I really like the print. It’s so soft, almost a brushed cashmere, and very lightweight, as described above. I could see that it was a shrunken fit, so I grabbed the medium and the large, and I put on the large first.
I like the length and the way it fits through the body, but it’s a little too open around the armholes. It’s hard to see in these pictures, but I don’t like how it shows all that fleshy area behind and in front of my armpits… sorry for that not-so-lovely description, haha! But you know what I mean…
Here’s how it looked in the medium… this is probably the “correct” size for me, but it’s so much shorter than the large, and I did not like how it was clinging to my muffin top. I’m wearing shapewear, and it still looks lumpy.
Also, the neck is cut really high, and that combined with how the armholes are cut, creating a vertical line from the hem to the top of the shoulder, makes it look very boxy on me. I just don’t find it very flattering
Featherweight cashmere shrunken cardigan sweater in leopard print
at J.Crew (S) // leopard shell (M) // PAIGE jeans (29) // similar flats
DETAILS: “A sweet, subtly shrunken silhouette that hits right above the hips and is crafted from supersoft cashmere that’s lighter than air, ultrasmooth and a touch more delicate. In other words, it’s the perfect last layer for the spring and summer months.”
- 100% cashmere.
- Hand wash.
- Imported.
The sales associate was trying to be helpful, so she brought the matching cardigan for me to try. I put it on over the medium sized shell, but this is way too much leopard for my personal taste.
VERDICT: I did not purchase either of these. In fact, I left J.Crew empty-handed, but I’m going to keep an eye out for a sale on that sweater tee and cable cardigan.
From there, I made my way to Nordstrom…
rag & bone Liquid Miramar Trompe l’Oeil Maxi Skirt
at Nordstrom (29) // stripe tank (S) // similar flats
DETAILS: “A masterpiece of deception, this nicely draped maxi skirt is an oh-so-comfortable canvas for a photorealistic print of five-pocket-style denim.”
- 43 1/2″ length (size 29)
- Zip fly with button closure
- 100% Tencel® lyocell
- Machine wash, dry flat
I keep hearing about this Miramar Trompe L’Oeil collection from rag & bone, which are pieces made of a super soft Tencel Lyocell fabric that’s printed to look just like denim.
I have to admit, I thought it was going to look really cheesy and fake, but when I spotted this skirt on the rack when I was shopping at Nordstrom last week, I totally thought it was denim until I reached out to touch it.
This fabric is so soft and fluid and lightweight, so of course, I had to try it on, even though I wasn’t crazy about the maxi length A-line skirt design.
VERDICT: I didn’t bring this home. It’s just too long and hippy dippy trippy for my personal style, but I would definitely consider another piece from this collection.
rag & bone Flexi Wren High Waist Ankle Slim Straight Leg Jeans in Sadie
at Nordstrom (29) // FRAME tee (S) // similar flats
DETAILS: “Cut from featherweight stretch denim, these ankle-length jeans feature a slim, straight-leg fit that looks great any day of the week.”
- 27 1/2″ inseam; 13 1/2″ leg opening; 12″ front rise; 15 1/2″ back rise (size 29)
- 75% cotton, 12% polyester, 6% Lycra® EcoMade elastomultiester, 5% recycled cotton, 2%Lycra® spandex
- Machine wash, line dry
It’s been a while since I had rag & bone jeans, and I liked the wash on these, plus as you know, I’m trying to find another everyday jean I like enough to rotate with my beloved MOTHER Weekender.
If this rise wasn’t so ding-dang high, these would be an easy in. I love the fit through the legs; they’re just a smidge wider than the MOTHER Dazzler, my other favorite pair of everyday jeans, which almost reads as a skinny to me these days. And they have a very subtle bowed shape that leans into the current trends without being too dramatic.
The rear view is really good too; the pocket size and placement is perfect, and I feel like they give me a nice shape. The 27 1/2″ inseam is the perfect ankle length on me, and I like that they have finished hems.
VERDICT: Like I said, I wasn’t feeling the greatest that day, and nothing looked or felt quite right to me. I didn’t buy these, but I’m still thinking about them.
MOTHER The Weekend Flare Jeans in Teaming Up
at Nordstrom (29) // Topshop sweater (S) // similar flats
Details: “Designed with a whiskered and sanded finish, these stretch-kissed flare jeans exude retro style.”
- 30″ inseam; 19″ leg opening; 10″ front rise; 13″ back rise (size 29)
- 94% cotton, 5% polyester, 1% elastane
- Machine wash, tumble dry
- Made in the USA
Well, I caved and ordered the MOTHER Weekender in this darker wash with the finished hem. I finally decided that I was trying too hard to find something I like as well, and maybe I need to get another pair in a different wash.
Since I have this raw hem pair, I decided to go for a finished hem for my 2nd pair. I also feel like that’s where the trends are headed, although I do love raw hem jeans. I like the casual/edgy vibe and the way it adds texture to a simple look. BUT this time I went for a finished pair!
I like this wash a lot. The darker blue is nice for a change, but they still have some whiskering and sanding for a casual, lived-in look. They are just a smidge too long with these very flat sandals, but I think (I hope!) they’ll take up a little bit when they’re washed because I do want the option to wear these with flats.
VERDICT: I did bring these home with me! I actually ordered them online and picked them up in the store when I was shopping on Thursday, and I threw them on in the dressing room to be sure they fit. I’m actually wishing I’d tried the size 30, though. These are pretty snug, but they will probably loosen up with wear.
Veronica Beard Jovie Stripe Cotton Sweater
at Nordstrom (S) // rag & bone jeans (29) // similar flats
Details:
- 23″ length (size Medium)
- Spread collar
- Long sleeves
- Dropped shoulders
- Ribbed cuffs and hem
- 100% cotton
- Dry clean
I haven’t tried much from Veronica Beard, other than her shoes and boots, but this brand is known for high quality and classic yet current styles, so I grabbed this chunky cotton knit collared sweater when I saw it on a display table. It’s more than I want to spend on a cotton sweater, but I was curious to try it.
It’s a nice length, and the cotton knit is gorgeous. I love those extra long sleeves with the deep ribbed cuffs, and the relaxed but not oversized fit. The v-neck is flattering, and the collared style is right on trend, but I don’t really care for the dropped sleeves. I also wonder if I should try an XS; it almost looks too big.
VERDICT: I didn’t love this one enough to buy it, but I’ll keep an eye out for more of her sweaters this fall, especially if I see them on sale.
FRAME Easy Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt in Chocolate Brown
at Nordstrom (S) // rag & bone jeans (29) // similar flats
Details: “Cuffed dolman sleeves give an easygoing sporty look to a V-neck T-shirt made from supple Supima® cotton.”
- 24 1/2″ length (size medium)
- 100% cotton
- Machine wash, tumble dry
I really just grabbed this t-shirt to have something to try on with the jeans, but I kind of like it. It’s not quite as long and the v-neck isn’t quite as deep as the FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck Tee. I had that one in brown last year, and I passed it on because it never seemed to fit quite right. Odd, because I have it in white, and I love that one.
This FRAME tee also a slightly thicker cotton material, which I like. It’s Supima cotton, as opposed to pima cotton, which I googled, and there is a slight difference.
But anyway… I like how this one has a little bit of trim at the v-neck, and the cuffed sleeves are a nice touch. I would front tuck it, as shown above, but I took the pictures below so you can see the exact length when untucked.
VERDICT: Again, I didn’t buy this, but I might at some point, if I decide it could be helpful to have. At this price, I need to make sure I’d wear it a lot! I like v-necks for layering under jackets, and I have a lot of crewnecks right now, so this could be useful.
Topshop Boxy Sweater Vest in Khaki
at Nordstrom (S) // MOTHER jeans (29) // Franco Sarto flats (8.5)
DETAILS: This boxy, wool-kissed sweater-vest is knit in a slightly cropped silhouette with a V-neckline and cozy ribbed trim.
- 70% polyester, 21% nylon, 8% wool, 1% elastane
- Machine wash, dry flat
This is a much more budget-friendly item, for those looking for some of those options, and I like the color a lot. The narrow v-neck is flattering, and not too deep, but it’s just a little too wide throughout the body and the sleeves for my personal taste.
VERDICT: I didn’t buy this either.
PAIGE Kirby Button Fly Crop Flare Jeans in Butter Ecru
at Nordstrom (29) // FRAME t-shirt (S) // similar flats
DETAILS: “A mid-rise waist balances the slightly flared cut of these cropped jeans crafted from nonstretch denim in a light wash.”
- 25″ inseam; 16″ leg opening; 11″ front rise; 14″ back rise (size 29)
- Front scoop pockets; back flap-patch pockets
- 100% cotton
- Machine wash, dry flat
These are just a no. I don’t care for the cropped length or the way they fit through the legs, and the rear pockets give me a major pancake butt. Yoiks!!!
They are also not “a mid-rise waist” with an 11″ front rise. I don’t know where they get that description.
VERDICT: No bueno.
FRAME Crewneck Organic Linen T-Shirt in Deep Rust
at Nordstrom (29) // PAIGE jeans (29) // similar flats
DETAILS: “A staple you’ll turn to time and again, this crewneck T-shirt is made with organic linen to keep you feeling fresh on warm, sunny days.”
- 21 1/2″ length (size Medium)
- Crewneck
- Short sleeves
- 100% organic linen
- Hand wash, dry flat
I think this t-shirt is too small for me, and I don’t love the boxy fit or the length for me. It’s a nice fabric, though, and a pretty fall color.
VERDICT: Nope, not today. I felt like that’ wa’s the theme of this shopping trip. I did luck out in the shoe department, though!
Franco Sarto Emma Pointed Toe Slingback Flat
at Nordstrom (8.5)
DETAILS: “Adjustable straps offer a customized fit on a slingback flat fashioned with a pointy toe for contemporary appeal.”
- Adjustable straps with buckle closures
- Cushioned footbed
- Leather upper/synthetic lining and sole
As I was trying to put together transitional outfits this week, it became very clear that I need a pair of black flats, and that was the impetuous for my shopping trip the other day. I went to Nordstrom without anything specific in mind, but when I saw these, I knew they were what I needed.
I love that they have that python print texture to them, and the black hardware gives them a slightly edgy vibe. The heel is really cool too, it’s hard to see in these pictures, but you can see it on the website. They’re actually quite comfortable, and they have a good bit of padding in the footbed, especially under the ball of the foot. They also come in a deep red patent leather and a white patent with black trim — both great options!!!
FIT TIP: I sized up to the 8.5 to accommodate that pointy toe, so if you have a wide toe box, you may want to consider that, as well.
VERDICT: I bought these, and I’ve already worn them once!
