at Talbots (S) // jeans (6) // sandals 30% off (size 8) // earrings

I don’t usually find a lot at Talbots that speaks to me, but every once in a while, I find a hidden gem, and this sweater is one of them! I think it’s so flattering and cute on.

I love the raglan shoulder seams and the wide v-neck with the black stripes. I actually thought they were navy, so I paired this sweater with dark wash wide leg jeans (also from Talbots.) Of course, that works fine, but I’ll probably wear it more with black jeans.

The fabric is a soft cotton/rayon blend, and it’s 23 1/2″ long — perfect for wearing untucked with pants or jeans. This sweater also comes in petite, plus, and plus petite sizes.

VERDICT: Keeping this one!

Ribbed V-Neck Cardigan – Multi Stripe

at Talbots (S) // jeans (6) // sandals 30% off (size 8) // necklace // earrings

This striped cardigan has so much potential! I love the color palette, and the shorter v-neck cardigans are trending. Unfortunately, it’s a little too low-cut to wear without a tank underneath, and that ruins the v-neckline.

I also don’t care for the drop shoulder, especially with the horizontal stripes. It just makes my already wide shoulders look wider and more disproportionate to the rest of my frame.

VERDICT: Sadly, I decided to return this one. It’s cute, but I can do better.

Pintuck Yoke Shell – Voile

at Talbots (S) // jeans (6) // sandals 30% off (size 8) // necklace // earrings

I love this shade of green, and I thought this blouse would be pretty with white pants and dark denim this summer, but it’s kind of stiff, even though it’s thin. It doesn’t drape the way I would want it to, plus the ruffles on the shoulders are a bit much for me.

To show you the length, I photographed it untucked, but it looks better tucked, and it works best tucked all the way around. It doesn’t have enough drape for a front tuck.

VERDICT: Returning. This would be cute on someone, but it isn’t for me.

Elbow Sleeve Pullover – Variegated Breton

at Talbots (S) // PAIGE denim 20% off (29) // heels 10% off (7.5)

This is a lovely, classy sweater, but it runs the risk of looking a little frumpy because of the length, high crew neck, and elbow-length sleeves. Any one of those features is okay, but altogether, it’s very conservative. It definitely needs to be styled with a very current style of pant, like these PAIGE wide leg trousers, which are back on sale at Bloomingdale’s!

Here’s how it looks from the back. Because of the longer length, I wore full-length pants with a heel to keep the proportions of the outfit in balance.

VERDICT: This sweater is flattering and good quality, and aligns with my personal style, as it’s modern, polished, and understated. But something about it just feels a little too conservative to me. I decided to send it back.

Button Detail Tencel Popover

at Talbots (S) // PAIGE denim 20% off! (29) // heels 10% off (7.5)

Alrighty, well… this one is interesting! I actually like the neckline and sleeves from the front, and the denim blue tencel fabric is lovely and so summery with white jeans. BUT. It’s way too long for me, and while the petite might be a good option, the buttons down the back are total deal breaker for me.

VERDICT: I couldn’t send this back fast enough!

Drop Shoulder Pocket Tee – Paradise Stripe

at Talbots (S) // jeans 20% off (29) // heels 10% off (7.5)

So this top, I kind of like. I’m not usually a fan of the boob pocket, but this one is small, and the contrasting stripe pattern is kind of fun. Also, the way they did the roll cuff on the sleeve is a nice detail.

It runs a little small, but it has a nice drape. It definitely needs a front-tuck to make it look a little more styled, and I would like to see this look with a belt, but I like it.

VERDICT: Keeping this one! I like it with the white jeans, but I can also see wearing it with shorts for more casual looks.

Classic Crewneck Tee – Arbor Stripe

at Talbots (S) // jeans (6) // heels 10% off (7.5) // necklace // earrings

This is another one that runs the risk of looking frumpy (especially if you leave it untucked) because it’s kind of long (26″) and fitted, but it’s a nice one to tuck in all the way around.

I like the graduated stripes, and the sleeves are flattering, but I wish the neckline were more open. These high crewnecks they’re doing this season are hard to pull off, and if you’re larger chested, forgetaboutit. I’m pretty sure I would have hated this before my breast reduction surgery.

Here’s how it looks tucked in. This is a nice beyond basic stripe tee, if you need something like that and don’t mind the high crewneck. It also comes in plus, petite, and petite plus sizes.

VERDICT: I returned this one, I’d like to find a v-neck or scoop neck stripe tee that would serve the same purpose.

Wide Leg Pants & Jeans

Let’s move on to pants and jeans! I have more wide leg styles to show you today, and some are really good. I truly cannot believe I’m embracing this silhouette, but it just goes to show how quickly our eyes can adjust to new trends when we give them a chance.

Wide Leg Jeans – Moonlit Wash

at Talbots (6) // tee (S) // slides (8) // platform heels 10% off (7.5)

Let’s start by talking about these dark wash wide leg jeans from Talbots. I like these a lot, in theory. The dark wash is polished and sophisticated, and they have just the slightest bit of fading on the thighs and rear, which keeps them looking current.

They have long, lean silhouette, and the wide leg style plays into current trends in a classic way. The sailor buttons at the waist are a nice detail, as well as the wide sewn hem.

They’re just a TAD too long to wear with flats, so I would need to hem them if I wanted that option. They look great with heels, though, so that’s how I would probably wear them. (Although I think they look too short with these platform heels; I like them better with the braided slides.)

The rear view is just okay; the pockets are a nice size, and they’re evenly spaced, but they’re set a little too high on me, and they don’t really shape or flatter the way most of my jeans do. I realize they’re meant to be more of a trouser jean, but they could still be more flattering.

VERDICT: Returning. While these could be nice to have, I have soooo many other options right now, I just don’t think I’d reach for them.

Twill Wide Leg Pants

at Talbots (6) // sweater (S) // ballet flats (8)

This white pair has a nice, classic silhouette, but they’re pretty thin. I don’t like how you can see the front pockets through the fabric.

I also don’t care for the rear pocket placement. They’re too high and small, and the fabric is too thin so you can see ev-er-y-thing. I would obviously need to wear the beige shaping shorts, but even with those, I just don’t think these pants are doing me any favors.

VERDICT: Returning. If I were going to keep them, I think I’d have them shortened 1/4–1/2″ because I like the silhouette with flats.

Faherty Stretch Terry Wide Leg Pant

on sale at Evereve (29) // top on sale (S) // clogs (8)

These are nice for a more streamlined wide leg pant, and I really like the color. I’m also warming up to those front patch pockets. The rise is really high, though, so be aware of that. They’re also on sale at Evereve.

VERDICT: Keeping.

Faherty Stretch Terry Sailor Pant in Bone

on sale at Evereve (28) // top (S) // clogs (8)

These are basically the same pants in bone, but I don’t like them as much, for some reason. The pockets seem to be more prominent, and the color is kind of yellowy.

Here’s a close-up of the top. So cute, love the navy!

VERDICT: Returning the pants, keeping the top.

KUT from the Kloth Meg High Waist Wide Leg Jeans in Sand

at Nordstrom (6) // other option 10% off // Caslon t-shirt (S) // slides (8) // necklace // earrings

I ordered these because I liked the fit of the blue denim pair, but I didn’t love the wash. I actually really like this sand washed color for spring; it’s a nice alternative to white and blue jeans, and it looks great with these espadrille slides.

The measurements on these are 27″ inseam; 23″ leg opening; 10 1/2″ front rise. I like how they’re just fitted enough through the hips and bum to have a flattering shape, and the rear pocket placement looks good.

They almost have a bit of a flare to the silhouette, rather than a sleek wide-leg style, which I like. It gives them a casual, almost boho vibe.

Here’s how this outfit looks styled with a denim jacket on top. I think this is so cute!

VERDICT: Keeping these! I might even wear this outfit with sneakers the next time I travel, and it would also look good with platform sandals or clogs.

High-Waisted Cropped Wide-Leg Chino Pants

at Old Navy (6) // clogs (8) // white tee (S) // denim jacket (S) // necklace // earrings

These pants have a similar silhouette to the KUT from the Kloth pair above, but with a 26″ inseam cropped inseam. They also come in petite (24″ inseam) and tall (30″ inseam) sizes, plus there are lots of colors to choose from – this green, as well as black, brown, beige, light pink, and light blue! So many good choices..

Whereas the KUT from the Kloth Meg is a thicker, more denim-like fabric, these are more of a chino fabric. They’re nice and light, so perfect for warmer climates. And I don’t know what is going on with the red patches on the rear – it was something about the lighting in the photo.

I also styled a look with a long-sleeve shirt for those of us in cooler climates who won’t be wearing t-shirts for a while. This long-sleeve knit polo is really soft and comfortable.

VERDICT: Keeping! I’m really impressed with these. Also, you can use code AMAZE to save up to 35% off your Old Navy order.

MOTHER The Roller High Rise Wide Leg Jeans In Let’s Trip

on sale at Bloomingdale’s and motherdenim.com (28) // tee (S) // sneakers (38) // earrings

Yes, we’re back to these… but this is a size smaller than the pair I was wearing last week, so I took the opportunity to play around with them some more. I don’t know when I’ll learn, especially with MOTHER denim, that even when my larger size seems to fit, sometimes the smaller one fits even better!

I was hoping the smaller size would also be just enough shorter to work with flats, but they aren’t. I would still need to hem them if I want to wear with flats, but they do look really good with my Dolce Vita Volli boots!

I mean, seriously… no one does denim like MOTHER. The fit on these is so good, plus they’re thick and soft with just enough stretch to be comfortable but not so much that they lose their structure.

Like the KUT from the Kloth Meg, these almost have a bit of a flare to the silhouette, which I like. I always prefer my jeans be somewhat fitted in the hips and thighs; that’s why I loved skinny jeans, and also why I love bootcut styles so much.

I also tried them with my Dolce Vita Lukas platform slides, and while they look okay, the jeans get caught under my foot when I walk. A platform sandal with a back strap or closed back should work with them, though. I want to try them with these from last year, and I also just ordered these to try.

Sidebar: I was futzing with this shirt because I don’t like how it bubbles in the back when I front tuck it, so I tried the ridiculous half tuck, and voilà!

I don’t know if I will ever wear it this way in real life, it seems so silly, but I’ve learned never to say never!

Also, these jeans are definitely too long for slides, unless I hem them, which I don’t want to do. So heels it is!

VERDICT: I finally decided to keep these, in the size 28.

PAIGE Anessa With Raw Hem Jean

on sale at Evereve (29) // sweater on sale (S, but need M) // sandals on sale (8)

I like the idea of these… the dark wash and raw hem are kind of nice for a change, but I don’t love the distressing on the rear pockets; it seems rather incongruous with the sleek dark wash, and they are reallllly wide at the bottom.

If you do like this silhouette, this pair is 20% off at Bloomingdale’s. I think I’d like that wash better. In fact, all the PAIGE denim I’ve been showing recently is 20% off at Bloomingdale’s, including the Jolie slim cargo pants! (See more HERE.)

VERDICT: Returning the jeans, but I ordered this sweater in the next size up, and I’m keeping these sandals. I think they’re really cute, and they’re also very cushiony and comfortable. That strap is adjustable, too.

White Jeans & Shorts

Alrighty, moving on… I’ve got a couple pairs of white denim to show you.

Mid Rise Classic Straight Jeans

at Gap Factory (28R vs 29S) // similar Vince sweater // sandals 30% off (size 8) // necklace // earrings

I ordered these to have a budget-friendly pair of classic white straight leg jeans to recommend, and I’m impressed! They are really nice. The fabric is thick and soft and stretchy, and they have a really nice traditional straight fit.

I would gauge the rise at about 10″ although they don’t offer that measurement on the website.

The rear pocket size and placement is excellent, as well! These are the 28 in the regular size, and they fit just about perfectly. The inseam is 29″, according to my measurement, and that seems about right for how they fit my body. (The website says 30″.)

Here’s how they look with flats, and I think this works, although in my perfect world, they might be an inch shorter. I typically like 28″ for a straight leg jean.

They also come in short and long sizes, so I ordered the 29 in the short, and I could definitely size down to the 28. I measured these, since they don’t offer the inseam length for the short and tall sizes, and I came up with 27″.

On me, that is the perfect ankle length, but I feel like these are intended to be full-length, and I prefer the fit of the ones above.

VERDICT: I’m holding onto these. I don’t really need them, but I might end up styling them for an upcoming Gap Factory collab, so stay tuned! These are 20% off, plus you can stack your GapCash on top of that, or use code ALLYOURS to save an additional 20%.

Jen7 Roll Cuff Denim Shorts

at Nordstrom (6) // WHBM tee (S) // slides (8)

When I ordered these shorts, they were on a major sale, but they’re back to full price now. I’m just glad they’re still in stock because they’re really good! They’re very stretchy and comfortable, with a versatile 4 1/2″ cuffed inseam and 10 1/4″ front rise.

The rear pockets are on the smaller side, but I think they’re okay. I ordered the 28 and 29, and I’m wearing the 28, and they’re quite comfortable. I think it’s safe to say you can size down, if in between. (I don’t like to size up in my shorts unless I have to, because then the leg opening looks funky on my spindly legs.)

VERDICT: Definitely keeping! I feel like I scored big with these.

AG Mari Crop Jean in White Cream

on sale at Evereve (29) // at Zappos // top (S) // slides (8) // earrings

These jeans are more of an ecru, but I’ll throw them in here with the white denim. They’re the AG Mari in a crop length. You may recall, the AG Mari is a slim straight style, and they typically have a 29″ inseam, so similar to the white Gap Factory pair above.

This pair has a 27″ inseam, so they’re more of a crop or ankle-length style, depending on your height. I like them in theory, but the rear pockets are a deal breaker for me. They’re kind of narrow and set too high. The bottom of the pocket should be right about where the hip meets your bum.

VERDICT: Returning, although I would like a pair of straight ankle jeans in ecru, so I’ll keep looking.

Shoes

Okay, so a few pairs of shoes I’ve ordered that I thought I should share.

Adidas Retropy E5 Sneaker White-Black-Shock Purple

at Nordstrom (8) // sweater (S) (similar for less) // jeans (29)

These caught my eye for the color palette, and I thought they’d be cute with black joggers and flared leggings, but I did not find them comfortable at all. They’re plenty cushiony, but my feet slid around in them, and they just didn’t have enough structure for me. Very cute, though, if you like the way they fit.

VERDICT: Returning.

Gola Grandslam Pure in White Ash Fuchsia

at Zappos (8) // jeans (29)

This is another pair of sneakers I bought because I loved the color palette, but once again, I did not find them comfortable.

I tried to wear them one day, but I took them off before I left the house. I’ve tried Gola before and felt the same way. I guess they just aren’t made for my feet. Cute colors, though!

VERDICT: I returned these.

Adidas Gazelle Bold Platform Sneaker

at Nordstrom (8) // jeans (29)/ sweater (S) (similar for less)

And yet another pair of sneakers… these have a slight platform, and I wanted to try them with the wide leg jeans I’ve been playing around with. I ordered the 8, but they’re too small, so they’re going back. I don’t think I like them enough to order the next size up. They seem to grunge for me, or something…

VERDICT: Returning.

Linea Paolo Newry Ballet Flat

at Nordstrom (8) // pants (8) // top (S)

I really like the ballet flats with the gathered topline, and I’m seeing a lot of them out this spring. I ordered these in the black (obvi) and the leather is like butter. They’re extremely soft and comfortable, but there is absolutely no support, if that is a requirement of yours.

I’m noticing a lot of girls wearing these with the wider leg pants, which I kind of like, but it’s an interesting contrast.

I used to think I needed a bulkier shoe to balance a wide leg, but I was listening to this podcast yesterday, and they were talking about this issue specifically. They explained that you need a more structured shoe with wide leg pants because it helps define the bottom of the outfit. It makes sense, I guess!

VERDICT: I think I’m keeping these. I’ll at least hold onto them for the time being.

Dresses

Okay, home stretch! I get a lot of requests for dresses this time of year, and I’ve found some good ones lately.

Eyelet Fit & Flare Dress

at Talbots (6) // sandals (7.5)

This one has a really pretty fit and flare silhouette, if you like that sort of thing. It has a bit of a retro vibe, which is nice.

Also, eyelet is a big spring trend right now, but it can be a little sweet for me, so I like how the black fabric counteracts that. I also really like the split neckline and the cap sleeves.

VERDICT: I think I’m returning this one. While I can appreciate that this dress is flattering, it really isn’t my style. It’s also a little big on me. I would try the size 4 if I wanted to keep it. If you like it, it’s 30% off right now, and it also comes in petite, plus, and plus petite sizes.

As for the green shoes, I LOVE THESE! But I did notice that they fit a little bigger than the Light Natural pair I have in the exact same style. I don’t know what’s up with that.

Stretch Crepe Sheath Dress

at J.Crew (8) // heels (7.5) // earrings // old bracelet

You all know how I love a sheath, and this one from J.Crew is so lovely. It has a really nice fit, and it’s excellent quality. I’d say it’s more of a scuba fabric than crepe, though. It has more of a smooth texture with some stretch to it.

I’m wearing the 8 regular here, but I did also order the 10 petite, which fits much better. I shared that in my Instagram Story last week, and then somehow forgot to take a picture! I kept the 10 petite, so I’ll get a picture of that sometime this week and share both in next week’s Try-On Haul, so you can see the difference.

VERDICT: Keeping! I plan to wear this for Easter, if the weather cooperates, and also the wedding I’m attending this summer. I just need to figure out jewelry.

Cinched-waist cupro midi dress in Festival Pink

at J.Crew (S) // heels (7.5) // earrings // bracelet

This is a really pretty fabric, and I like the bright pink, but it’s kind of plain, and it’s an awkward length. I don’t care for how it ends at the widest part of my calves.

VERDICT: Returning. Don’t love it.

Brielle Midi Dress

at Evereve (S) // heels (7.5) // earrings // bracelet

Now, this is a really pretty one from Evereve, and it’s included in their spring sale! I don’t mind the ruffle on the bottom because the top is fairly simple and structured. I’m just not sure the colors are best for me, but they’re really pretty.

This is the size small, and it JUST fits. I think I’ll order the medium while it’s on sale, and see if I like it better or not.

VERDICT: I’ll hold onto this one until the medium comes in, and then decide.