Good morning! I’ve got a new spring fashion try-on haul for you all today. This is a mish-mosh of stuff, with no real theme… not that my try-on hauls ever have much of a theme. I always want them to be more purposeful, but that would mean leaving some things out, and I figure you all would rather see all the options.

SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small in tops and dresses, a 29 in jeans, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.

Spring Fashion Try-On Haul for Women Over 40

Online shopping tends to be hit or miss, and this week there are more misses than hits, but I think it’s helpful to see some of the items that don’t work for me as well as the ones that do. I also stopped into Nordstrom one day and did a few dressing room try-ons, but it wasn’t a very fruitful shopping trip. It’s all good, though. You can’t win ’em all!

Tommy Bahama ‘Two Palms’ Linen Raw Edge Jacket

at Nordstrom (S) // PAIGE Leenah (29) // WHBM Utility Tee (S) // PAIGE wedge sandals (8)

Starting with one of the hits… I’ve been needing/wanting a non-denim jacket to wear as a “3rd piece” when I want to look casual but elevated… something not as tailored as a blazer but not as casual as a utility or bomber jacket.

This raw edge linen jacket has been on my radar for some time; in fact, I think I tried it once in the white and sent it back, but this black one might be exactly what I need!

It’s a little bit stiffer than I’d like, but it has a nice fit, the length is perfect for me, and it isn’t as boxy as I had feared. It actually does have a bit of shape through the waist.

The photos online showed it with the sleeves pushed up, which I would have never thought to do; I usually roll them, but I like this look. It definitely helps it look more styled, and a 3/4-length sleeve is generally more flattering than a long sleeve because it draws the eye up and in towards the waist.

I styled this jacket as I might wear it to church or lunch with a friend… over a black and white stripe top with white trouser jeans.

VERDICT: I like this look, and I’m excited to have a completer piece that is a little more refined than the denim and twill options I have in my closet. Keeping!

Frank & Eileen Cropped Wide Leg Sweatpants

at Shopbop // at Nordstrom // AGOLDE tee (S) // ATM tee (M) // Taos sneakers (8.5)

I ordered these Frank & Eileen sweatpants because everyone raves about them, especially for travel. They were part of the last Shopbop Spring Event, and I was curious, so I ordered them.

I went with the medium because I was afraid of them being tight in the tush, but they were way too big, as you can see.

The tush looks good, tho! LOL!

They were clearly too big, so I reordered in the small, and they finally came in.

First of all, I don’t know why they are so short. It doesn’t seem like they’re supposed to be this short, although I know they’re cropped, but still… they look off.

I like the overall design, with the raw hem and all, but I’m also not terribly impressed by the fit and feel. They feel kind of rough inside, and for this price, they should feel like butter. All that to say, they went back.

VERDICT: Returned them. I’ll stick with my Vuori for travel pants!

Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution V-Yoke Denim Skirt

at Nordstrom (8) // Sanctuary top (M) // sandals (8)

I’ve already shown this top styled with other bottoms, but I tried it on with this skirt at Nordstrom the day I bought it.

I used to wear casual skirts like this all time time, but then they sort of went out of style. I would have continued to wear them anyway, but they got increasingly harder to find; and the longer, relaxed tops that were so popular during the skinny jeans era didn’t work well with them.

Anyway! I was glad to see this option when I was shopping at Nordstrom last week, but unfortunately, it doesn’t fit me quite right in the rear.

This, my friends, is why you should always look at the rear view…

I tried pulling it down lower, but it isn’t meant to be worn that way, and that got the waistband all off-kilter. Needless to say, this skirt stayed at the store.

Caslon Floral Woven Shift

at Nordstrom (S) // sandals (8)

I wanted to like this shift, but it runs reeeeeeally small. I’m sucking in everything here, just to take these pictures to show you the dress.

I didn’t like it enough to go back and get the medium. Sheath style dresses rarely work for me; I need more structure for my curvy figure.

Plus, the print is a bit much for me, but I think some of you will like it, so I wanted to share. Just be sure to size up!

VERDICT: Didn’t buy this one either.

Vince Sleeveless Stretch Cotton Trapeze Dress

at Nordstrom (S) // sandals (8)

And here’s one more NO from my shopping expedition at Nordstrom last week. I told you it wasn’t a very fruitful trip!

This trapeze style of dress doesn’t usually work for me, so I didn’t expect much, but I love Vince quality, as well as the elegant simplicity of this dress, so I thought I’d give it a shot.

It doesn’t cost anything to try it, as my mom always told me!

Well, I was right. I tried standing in such a way that it looks cute for this picture, but it doesn’t do anything for me.

Even if I had the straps taken up, which would be a very simple alteration given the design of this dress, I don’t think the skirt style does me any favors.

VERDICT: I left this one in the store, as well.

Button-Front Midi Dress in 100% Linen

at Madewell (8) // sandals (8)

This dress is a similar style, but with a button-up front, and it’s linen rather than cotton. I ordered this with Italy in mind, but unfortunately, it doesn’t fit me in the chest area.

I could try the 10, and have it taken up a bit in the straps, and it might work, but while the bottom half is more flattering than the Vince dress, it still doesn’t do a whole lot for me. I look better in straighter skirts, especially when they’re longer like this.

VERDICT: I decided to send it back and not try the 10.

Sleeveless Draped Slub Sheath Dress

at White House Black Market (6) // sandals (7.5)

Okay, now we’re talking… This dress makes me feel like a million bucks! My only issue is, I don’t have a lot of places to wear it.

It’s made of a soft jersey knit, so it doesn’t seem quite dressy enough for the wedding I have to attend in June, but the style is pretty va-va-voom, so I can’t see myself wearing it to church. It’s a great date night dress, though!

VERDICT: I kept this one. Even if I don’t wear it a lot, the style and color are classic enough that I can keep it in my closet for a few years.

I also managed to snag it on sale, so I think I’ll get a decent cost per wear out of it once all is said and done. It’s the kind of dress that’s hard to find when you’re specifically looking for it, and I think I’ll be glad to have it.

Side Knot Modal Blend Midi Dress

at Nordstrom Rack (S) // sandals (7.5)

This dress was sent to me for PR purposes, and I like it quite a lot! It’s a Nordstrom Made Brand, specifically designed for The Rack, and I would say the quality is on par with LOFT or a store like that. It’s super flattering, and it comes in several colors. For $29.97, you can’t beat it!

VERDICT: This one went right into my closet!

Faherty Isha Linen Swing Dress

at Nordstrom (S) // at Evereve (S) // sandals (8) // hoops

These pictures are from last spring, but I noticed this dress was back this year, so I thought I’d share. It’s cute in theory, and I wanted to like it, but it’s a bit snug across the chest, and when I sized up, it was way too boxy and voluminous all over.

It’s a nice quality, though, and very cool and comfortable. I would recommend this to someone with a straighter body type.

FRAME Le Jane Crop Wide Leg Jeans

at Nordstrom (29) // tank (3) // sandals (8)

Okay, these are the last of the Nordstrom in-store try-ons. I saw these Frame jeans folded on a table and thought they were more of a slim, straight style. Nope!

The barrel leg is very trendy right now, but these do nothing for me.

VERDICT: These stayed behind.

Good American Fitted Rib Scoop Neck Tank

at Nordstrom (3) // jeans (29) // sandals (8)

This fitted tank, however, came home with me. I think it will come in handy this spring and summer; it looks great with high-rise, wide-leg pants and jeans. The fabric is nice and thick, too. Just size way up. I’m in the 3, which equals the size large.

Evereve Keegan Tank

at Evereve (M) // jeans (8) // wedges (8)

I love a sweater tank in the spring and summer, and I also love wearing black and white together, so I thought I’d love this, but I’m not sure that “band” around the bottom that’s created by the contrasting knit pattern is doing me any favors.

It’s such a cute top, though, and I love the design and the length. The v-neck in the back is another nice detail. I also appreciate the way it’s cut around the arms – not too low, and not that cutaway style that’s so popular right now. That does nothing for this 50-year-old mama.

VERDICT: Deciding… For the price, I should love it, but I have some reservations. What is the saying… If in doubt, do without? So, yeah. We’ll see.

KUT Kelsey Slim Kick Jean

at Evereve (8) // tank (M) // wedges (8)

These jeans that I’m wearing are a nice option for a white denim flare that isn’t too long. I’ve always liked KUT from the Kloth for white jeans. The denim is a good, crisp white, with no cream undertones, and it’s soft and stretchy but not see-through.

There have been a lot of questions in my Facebook Group lately about the “right” length for bootcut jeans. These are dubbed as a “slim kick jean” per Evereve, and when you see “kick” in the description of a pair of pants or jeans, that indicates a crop or ankle-length. That is also how they are pictured on their models, but keep in mind, both of their models are 5’9″.

On my 5’5″ body, this pair is a little too long to be considered ankle-length, but too short to be full-length, but I actually like them with these black wedges. I’m just not sure how versatile they will be with other shoes. They might be too long for sneakers and flat sandals, but they look okay to me with a heel.

VERDICT: I don’t really need any more white jeans, so I returned these. But if you are petite and need a full length bootcut, or tall and need a crop or ankle-length, these would be a nice option. They may be a little awkward for those of us in the middle, but it depends on what you’re looking for.

Miley Twist Trim Tank

at Evereve (M) // jeans (8) // wedges (8)

Finally, this twist trim tank is right up my alley! I love a simple black top, whether it be a luxe black sweater in the winter, or a sleek black tank in the summer. I think that’s partially because of my coloring, and also black is equal parts elegant and edgy, and I’m always trying to walk the fine line between the two.

It’s hard to see the details in this picture, but this tank has a subtle texture to it, as well as the twist trim detail around the neckline and armholes. I also love the traditional tank-top style cut of this top. It’s simple and easy, as well as flattering and comfortable.

As far as sizing is concerned, I ordered the medium and the small, and after trying both, I kept the small, but I have a feeling I will wish I had the medium. It fits the model rather loosely, and I think I’d like a little more wiggle room, but I already wore it and felt good in it, so it’s a keeper!

Coming Soon!

These are a few things I’ve ordered… they will be in next week’s try on haul!

Stay In Touch

If you liked this post, be sure you’re signed up for my email newsletter. In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox.

I would also love for you to join my JLS Fashion Insiders Facebook Group! This is a friendly place to discuss all matters of fashion and style with other women, share your outfits, get advice, and stay up to date on all the happenings in our community.

This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!