Spring Fashion Try-On Haul For Women Over 40

Before we get started, a few of these featured retailers are running good sales this weekend. J.Crew is doing up to 50% off women’s swim and more sun-ready styles, or 25% off your purchase with code GOSHOP (exclusions apply.)

And Bloomingdale’s is doing Buy More, Save More; take 15% off when you spend $100, 20% off when you spend $200, or 25% off when you spend $400 or more on items labeled “TAKE 25% OFF WITH CODE: SAVEMORE.” The usual suspects are included, such as Paige, Equipment, Rails, and Faherty.

PAIGE Jodelle Blouse

at PAIGE (S) // on sale at Evereve & Bloomingdale’s // at Nordstrom (S) // similar jeans (29) // boots (8) // earrings c/o // necklace

I’ve been drawn to PAIGE blouses lately. Every time I see a pretty blouse, I click through and it’s PAIGE! I don’t wear a lot of blouses, and these are spendy, so I kept bypassing them until I saw this one on sale.

I decided it was time to finally try one, so I ordered it, and it. is. amazing! The quality was evident when I pulled it out of the box. It’s 100% silk georgette with a crinkle texture and covered buttons and a perfectly placed cascade of ruffles around the neckline, which don’t look froo-froo at all.

I also love the print. This is how they describe it on the PAIGE website: “The beautiful black floral brocade print takes inspiration from Jimi Hendrix and is equal parts feminine and rock-and-roll.” That pretty much sums it up!

My one concern was that it’s pretty sheer, so I took pictures from all angles, but it doesn’t look risqué. I was wearing a nude bra, but I’ll probably wear black when I wear it out. (You can wear a black cami underneath, if you like.

This blouse looks great with blue jeans, as well as black, and I’m also thinking I might even like it with ecru since it has a few white flowers scattered throughout.

VERDICT: Keeping this one! I can’t wait to wear it. It runs true to size; the small fits me perfectly, and it’s on sale at Evereve and Bloomingdale’s. (The best price is at Evereve, but sizes are limited.) You can find all sizes (but not on sale) at Nordstrom and PAIGE.

Maeve Pointelle Sweater

at Anthropologie (M) // jeans (29) // similar sandals (8)

You may remember I tried this sweater a while back in the size small. I’m so glad I gave it another chance in the medium because now I love it. The ivory pointelle knit is so pretty, and the black trim creates a pleasing contrast.

I was concerned that the combination of puffed sleeve and lighter top might make me look top heavy, but I took a straight-on photo, and I think I look fairly balanced.

VERDICT: Keeping this one, for sure!

FormKnit Boatneck Elbow-Sleeve T-Shirt in Stripe

at J.Crew (S) // pants (8) // shoes (8) // Kendra Scott earrings // Vic Em bracelets c/o

I ordered some different striped tops to try, since stripes are trending this spring, and for some reason I don’t have many striped tops at the moment.

This one is very tight and stretchy, but it’s double lined so it doesn’t really look like it. I feel like it’s meant to be tucked in all-around, but as y’all know, that’s something I typically don’t do.

And by “don’t”, I mean never. But, for the sake of this post, I tried it, and you know what? I don’t hate it.

When I’ve tried tucking tops in the past, it’s usually with mid-rise pants, and the horizontal line created where the top is tucked into the pants lands at an unflattering place on my body because my natural waist is so high. But these Everlane Organic Wide Leg Pants have a very high (12.75″) rise, so they kind of work.

It’s also important to note that the cropped length keeps the proportions of the outfit in balance. Full length jeans might look strange because my top would be so short compared to the pants, but these proportions work nicely.

This is a verrrrrry different look for me, and it will take some getting used to, but I can’t say I hate it.

The rear pockets are set a little low for my liking, and they’re also quite large… I’m not sure I love that, but I do like how they provide some coverage back there. I’d like to see how this looks outfit with a belt.

VERDICT: For now, this shirt went back. I’m not ready for this look quite yet, but I might warm up to it after I try it a few more times in some different variations.

The pants are keepers, though. I wore them this week with a cropped sweater… the rear view doesn’t bother me with a top that comes down over the waistband.

Everlane Boxy Crew (S) // Veja Esplar in White/Sable (39)

STYLE TIP: I talk a lot about rear pocket placement. Here are a few quick tips about what to look for:

1. The bottom of the pocket should sit just above the crease where your bum ends and your thigh begins. (If the pockets sit too low and fold into the crease, your bum will blend into your thighs and lose all definition. If the pockets are too high, you end up with the dreaded long butt, especially in higher rise jeans.)
2. The size of the pockets should be proportionate to the size of your jeans and to your bum. The pockets should be about the same length and width in shape. (If pockets are too wide or too narrow, your behind will look wider. If they are too long, your behind will look droopy.)
3. The ideal width for pockets is when the top outer corner hits right below the belt loop at your back hip. If the pocket goes past the belt loop and comes too close to the side seam, then it’s too wide and most likely your behind will look wider than it is.

Linen roll-cuff crewneck T-shirt in stripe

on sale at J.Crew // jeans (8) // sandals (7..5) // earrings // ring c/o // bracelets c/o

This is another option for a stripe top I ordered from J.Crew during their President’s Day Sale last weekend. I like how the stripes don’t cover the entire top, and how it’s linen and sort of sheer, but it doesn’t excite me either. I don’t care for how it fits around the armpit, and the sleeves are an awkward length.

VERDICT: Returned this one.

Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Flare Jeans

at Nordstrom (8) // top (on sale) (S) // sandals (7.5) // ring c/o // bracelets c/o

These are the jeans I’m wearing with the top above. They’re Wit & Wisdom, so reasonably priced, and the slit hem is very much on trend. I like how it gives off a 70’s rock-and-roll vibe.

They also fit pretty well, and the wash looks pretty good for the price point. They aren’t super soft, but they’re stretchy and not constricting.

VERDICT: I returned these, as I have other flares that are similar that I like better, but if you want a slit hem flare for under $100, these are definitely worth a try. This top is on sale, too, by the way!

MOTHER The Roller High Waist Wide Leg Jeans in Lets Trip

on sale at MOTHER(29) // on sale at Bloomingdale’s (29) // on sale at Saks (29) // at Nordstrom (29) // sweater (S) // sneakers (38) // sandals (7.5)

I reviewed several budget-friendly wide-leg styles in my last few try-on hauls, and I mentioned that I wanted to try some wide leg styles in premium denim. Someone recommended the Mother Roller, so I ordered these from Bloomingdale’s. (They’re on sale at both Bloomingdale’s and the MOTHER website.)

At first, I felt a little ridiculous wearing these, but the more I look at these pictures, the more I think I like them. I definitely want to play around with them some more. They’re verrrrry comfortable, which isn’t surprising; most MOTHER jeans are. But I also kind of like the laid-back casual vibe, and they’re more flattering than I expected due to the snug fit in the hips and thighs.

They have a 10″ Rise and a 31″ Inseam with a 26″ Leg Opening, and they’re made in Los Angeles of 78% Cotton/16% Modal/4% Polyester/2% Elastane. I like them with the sneakers above, but they also work well with heels… The 31″ inseam is pretty versatile for me.

Here’s a side and back view. The picture on the left is with heels, and the one on the right is with sneakers. I guess they need to be about an inch shorter to really work with the sneakers, but I like them best for casual looks, so we’ll see.

VERDICT: Definitely holding onto these for now, since I got them on sale; I want to play with them some more.

MOTHER The Weekender Mid Rise Flared Jeans in Fog

at Bloomingdale’s (29) // at MOTHER (29) // at Shopbop (29) // Faherty top on sale (S) // platform sandals (7.5) // earrings // bracelets c/o

These are the MOTHER Weekenders I like so much, in a really great shade of beige they call Fog. I like how they’re darker than a lot of the bone and ecru shades that are out there right now; I feel like they’ll be easier to pair with other neutrals as well as contrasting colors like the navy I’m wearing here.

Also, this top is on sale again at Bloomingdale’s. It’s a really nice thick gauzy organic cotton with a henley style placket and cuffed short sleeves. I have it in both white and navy, and I’m trying to decide which one to keep.

Here’s another shot of these jeans. They have a 9 1/2″ Rise and a 31″ Inseam with a 20″ Leg Opening, and they’re made in Los Angeles of 94% Cotton/4% Polyester/2% Elastane.

They’re stretchy and soft and comfortable, and the raw hem makes them easy to shorten if you don’t need all the length. They’re also nice and thick and not as see-through as some white and ecru jeans.

VERDICT: I think I’m keeping these, but I’d prefer to get them on sale. They aren’t included in the Bloomingdale’s Buy More, Save More, but I expect Shopbop to do their Spring Event soon, so I might keep the tags on and hope they go on sale before I want to wear them.

PAIGE Nellie Cropped Jeans in Crisp White

at PAIGE (29) // on sale at Bloomingdale’s // at Anthro // at Shopbop // t-shirt (on sale) (S) // sandals (8) // earrings // bracelets

I kind of like these! The crop wide leg jeans seem easier to style than full length styles, at least for spring/summer, because they look so good with sandals.

Rather than reinvent the wheel, I’ll copy and paste the description from the PAIGE website:

Our classic culotte silhouette, this cropped, wide leg pair is designed with a high-rise, loosely tailored shape that feels timeless in crisp white. This white denim provides plenty of coverage and is soft to the touch with the perfect amount of stretch.

These jeans have a 10 3/4″ rise and a 26 1/2″ inseam with a 19 1/2″ leg opening, and they’re made of 92% Cotton/6% Elastomultiester/2% Elastane, so they have a good bit of stretch. They’re just a tad thinner than I prefer, but overall, I really like them.

The rear pockets are a nice size for white denim, and they’re placed perfectly.

VERDICT: Keeping for now with tags on; I’m waiting to see what I really need when I start dressing for spring.

PAIGE Leenah High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

at PAIGE (29) // at Nordstrom // on sale at Bloomingdale’s // at Saks // at Anthropologie // t-shirt (on sale) (S) // sandals (8) // earrings // bracelets c/o

Alright, so. These jeans are equal parts amazing and infuriating. They have a 31 1/2″ inseam with a 23″ leg opening and a 10 3/4″ front rise, and the fabric is 98% cotton/2% elastane so they’re more of a true denim fabric than the ones above.

Here’s the description from the PAIGE website:

Crafted in comfort stretch white denim with a high-rise waist, this wide leg reflects the sailor styling trend that we’ve been seeing on the runway with front patch pockets. This long and lean silhouette is ultra chic in crisp white, finished with clean faux welt pockets in the back.

They are nice and thick and not see-through, and I absolutely love the silhouette. They are uber flattering, and the fit is so on point, but WHY do they have those front patch pockets right where most women hold a little extra fluff?

I also don’t care for the faux welt pockets in the back. I prefer external pockets, especially on white jeans, because it offers more coverage for an area that tends to look a little lumpy as we age… just keeping it real!

FYI… I swear by these smoothing shorts under white denim. They aren’t constricting, but they do create a nice smooth seamless look under thin or light colored pants.

VERDICT: I am so undecided on these… I am leaning towards keeping them. I feel like they look so good on, and they fill a hole in my spring/summer wardrobe. I love these as an alternative to full length flares or bootcut jeans with heeled sandals for more elevated outfits. The issues with the pockets may be more of a me thing. What do you say?

PAIGE Cindy Raw-Hem Straight Jeans in Tonal Ecru

at Paige (29) // on sale at Bloomies (29) / at Saks (29) // flats // earrings

I think I shared these before, but I’ll give them a mention since they’re on sale again. The ecru is very on trend for spring, and I like the straight ankle fit, but they’re a little more see-though than some.

VERDICT: Still deciding on these. I want a pair of ecru straight ankle jeans, but I wish these were thicker.

Rails Ellis Long Sleeve Gauze Shirt in Malibu Pink

at Nordstrom (S) // on sale at Bloomingdale’s (S) // jeans (on sale at Bloomies) (29) // flats (8) // earrings

Okay, so this top needs a good steam, but I photographed it real quick the day it came in. I took it to Florida, but I didn’t wear it, although I photographed the navy one that I shared in a previous try-on haul.

This pink is really nice for spring, and it’s currently on sale, so it’s a good time to snag it if you’ve been on the fence.

VERDICT: I’m still deciding on this one. I don’t need both colors, but it’s a lovely shirt. Nice and thick and soft, Rails quality for sure.

Lolë Piper Oversized Rain Jacket in Paprika

at Lolë (S) // sweater (S) (on sale!) // jeans (29) (also at Bloomies) // simiar loafers // earrings // necklace

Okay, home stretch! I had some requests for spring jackets for areas that get a lot of rain, and I ordered a few to try. This one from Lolë is legit. It has every feature you could possibly want in a rain jacket. It’s fully seam-sealed to keep you dry, and it packs into a backpack for travel.

You can cinch the waist as well as the arms, and it has a fully attached hood, so you don’t have to deal with it coming accidentally unzipped or unsnapped. (That always happens to me with removable hoods, even on high quality jackets.)

Here’s how it looks zipped all the way up, and with the hood. This coat comes in a bunch of great colors and sizes ranging from XXS–XXL.

VERDICT: I don’t really need it, with my black The North Face rain coat and the new olive Everlane anorak, but I love the color, and the quality is outstanding… I’m tempted!

Z Supply On The Move Quilted Jacket

at Evereve (S) // sweater (S) (similar for less) // jeans (29) (also at Bloomies) // boots (8) // earrings

This is a really cute quilted jacket for spring that is more about style than function, although it’s pretty functional too. I like how it has a somewhat sporty vibe, so you can wear it with your athleisure if you want.

It has a front zip and snap closure, stand collar, and adjustable bungee toggle cuffs that create a nice detail as well. It’s very lightweight and slightly oversized, so perfect for layering over thicker sweaters.

Speaking of sweaters, the Equipment cashmere v-neck I’m wearing here is part of the Bloomingdale’s sale!

Here’s how the jacket looks when it’s zipped up. I kind of like the cropped, boxy shape. In fact, I’ve already worn it once!

VERDICT: Keeping!

Vuori Boyfriend Jogger in Flax Heather

at Vuori (S) // tee (M) // denim jacket (S) // sneakers (8.5)

This is a random last minute addition to this post, but I’ve shown these joggers before in other colors, but I just ordered this flax heather when I saw them on sale.

I think it’s such a great color for spring, and I love how I styled them here, with a white tee and denim jacket and white sneakers.

These joggers are more relaxed than the Vuori Performance Joggers that I often wear, and they’re a little longer too. They also come in flax heather, and they’re on sale! I have the small in these, and I take a medium in the Performance joggers.

VERDICT: Kept these!

Okay, that’s a wrap. I actually have more pictures, but this post is long enough, so I saved those for next week!