Hi there, I promised a Part II to Friday’s Try-On Haul, and here it is! This post is jam-packed with tops and sweaters, and I threw in a couple pairs of fun pants, as well.

Fall Fashion Try-On Haul: Tops & Sweaters

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.

Treasure & Bond Clean Oversize Cardigan in Burgundy London

at Nordstrom (S) // Fidelity Cher (29) // Gap Factory tank (S) // similar loafers

This is a nice basic cardigan, if you’re in the market for one. I wish I’d shown it unbuttoned, but you can see it that way on the website. It’s made of a soft, spongy knit (no wool!), and it comes in six color choices.

I like the front patch pockets, the contrasting buttons, and the relaxed but not oversized fit. It’s a nice medium length, which should work with lots of different outfit combinations. I wish I’d tried it with a more trendy denim silhouette; I like how it’s styled here.

photo credit: Nordstrom

VERDICT: I’ll hold onto it and see if I reach for it before I take the tags off, but I definitely recommend trying it if you need something like this.

Treasure & Bond V-Neck Cardigan in Rust Russet

at Nordstrom (S) // Fidelity Cher (29) // Gap Factory tank (S) // similar loafers

I thought I might like the cropped length of this soft cotton-blend v-neck cardigan, but it’s too short… at least with these jeans, and they have a 11″ rise, so yeah. It’s verrrry short.

I like the shape of it, though, especially the v-neck and the generous sleeve length.

Here’s how it looks unbuttoned.

I also tried with the AG Mari, which I thought had a higher rise than the Fidelity Cher, but they do not.

FYI, the length of the sweater is 19 1/2″; and the fabric is 51% cotton, 33% viscose, 13% nylon, 3% spandex – so no wool, for those who can’t tolerate it.

VERDICT: Going back, but it might be a good option for someone else.

Faherty Jackson V-Neck Cotton Blend Cardigan

at Nordstrom (S) // AG Mari – on sale! (30) // Marc Fisher flats (8)

I also tried this grey cardigan, at the recommendation of someone here. This is a nice quality, Faherty always is, but I don’t love the silhouette. It’s a little too boxy, or something. I wonder if I should have sized down, because I like how it fits the model on the website, but it kind of hangs on me.

The fabric is 53% cotton, 23% polyester, 4% elastane; so again, a nice option for those who can’t wear wool. And the length is 22 1/2″.

VERDICT: I returned this one, but it’s a nice cardigan. If you need one, definitely try it, and maybe size down.

Evereve Clara Fair Isle Pullover

at Evereve (S) // MOTHER Weekender – on sale! (29) // Dolce Vita Volli (8)

Fair isle sweaters are a classic style that are having a moment right now, and I love the cozy, wintry vibe. They’re perfect for someone like me, who enjoys a simple pullover and jeans outfit, because the print makes the top interesting without needing to add a layer, or even much in the way of accessories.

This sweater has an all-over fair isle print, which sets it apart from the myriad of other options out there, and the color palette is really nice. I love how it complements blue jeans and brown boots.

I really like the 22″ length and the slightly relaxed fit; and the fabric is a soft and spongy acrylic/polyester/spandex blend.

VERDICT: Keeping this one!

SUNDRY Crew Neck Fairisle Pullover

at Evereve (S) // AGOLDE Riley (28) (more sizes in this wash) // J.Crew Field Sneakers (8h)

Sundry is a brand I’m quite fond of, and Evereve carries a lot of it. They’re a casual-chic California lifestyle brand, and their fabrics are usually very soft and comfortable and easy to wear.

I’ve had a lot of their sweatshirts and t-shirts over the years, but I think this is the first time I’ve tried one of their sweaters. I think this is such a fun color palette for winter, and I love the pop of white in the fair isle pattern. The 22 1/2″ length is perfect for me, and it’s a soft and stretchy and comfortable knit. The fabric is 75% Polyester, 7% Wool, 15% Acrylic, 3% Spandex Knit.

Here’s how it looks with the MOTHER Dazzler. I’m not sure why I switched, since they’re so similar to the AGOLDE Riley… maybe because I know these are the straight ankle jeans I reach for most often, and I wanted to make sure I like them together.

Here’s how it looks from the side; it dips a bit in the back, but not in an exaggerated way that dates it. I feel like this is a nice compromise between too long and too short, and too relaxed and too fitted.

VERDICT: I’m holding onto this one. It’s bolder and brighter than what I normally wear, but it’s fun for a change, and it has a festive flair. I think I’ll enjoy having it during the holidays and beyond.

John + Jenn Cora Turtleneck

at Evereve (S) // MOTHER Weekender – on sale! (29) // Sorel Hi-Line Chelsea Boots (8)

John + Jenn is a new brand to me, also at Evereve. They’re known for on-trend, cozy sweaters for an elevated yet casual lifestyle, and I like a lot of their designs. The price point is higher than LOFT, but not as high as Rails and the like.

I love so much about this sweater. The donegal pattern is a little more interesting than a solid, but not quite as bold as the fair isle patterns that are trending, and it has a nice relaxed fit and easy 22″ length. It’s very soft and lightweight, almost too thin, but not quite see-through.

I appreciate how the raglan sleeves soften the shoulder, especially in a turtleneck, which really is not my ideal neckline.

The soft turtleneck keeps you warm, but it isn’t tight or constricting at all. Here’s a side view, I’m never in love with how a front tuck looks from the side, but it does help the sweater look more styled.

I’m not sure I like these boots with the flare leg jeans, but otherwise, I love this look.

I swapped out the flares for the AGOLDE Riley straight ankle jean, and I like this much better. It’s a little more casual, which makes sense with these boots. I also love how the white boots bookend the look with the white sweater.

VERDICT: Keeping this one, for sure!

Treasure & Bond Collared Bell Sleeve Sweater

at Nordstrom (M) // MOTHER Weekender – on sale! (29) // Dolce Vita Volli (8)

Okay, so this is a little more of a going-out sweater. In fact, I wore it last night with different jeans and boots. It’s thin and ribbed, but very soft and stretchy, not too snug.

It’s hard to see, but it has a collar that lays nicely. I hate it when a collar sticks up in the back of my neck, and then my hair gets caught inside. It has a slightly belled sleeve, but nothing too dramatic. Just enough to add an element of interest to the otherwise fairly simple design.

The length on this one is 24″, which I find a little tricky. It’s not too long to throw off my proportions, but it looks awfully plain just left untucked. I tried a front tuck, to give a little more shape to the waist, but I don’t love how it lays on the sides.

When I wore it last night, I left it out, but I put a leather bomber on top, to add interest. Of course, I didn’t keep the jacket on in the restaurant, but that’s okay because I was just sitting at the table, and the neckline of the top is what makes it special.

I also added a statement necklace and bold earrings, and I carried a fun bag for a pop of color!

outfit details

I also like this top with these brown velvet jeans that just came in from Bloomingdale’s. See more on them below.

VERDICT: This top is a keeper! It also comes in ivory, for those who are interested, and I recommend sizing up if you’re worried about it being too body-con.

LNA Emelie Rib Top

at Evereve (M) // PAIGE Laurel Canyon Welt – on sale! (28) // Marc Fisher booties – on sale! (8) // Frame belt (M)

This top would have a similar purpose in my wardrobe, and I like it a lot, but the fabric isn’t quite as forgiving as the Treasure & Bond collared top.

This is more of a top and less of a sweater, so I feel like it really needs to be tucked in, but I just don’t care for tops tucked in on me… at least, not without layering piece on top.

I added a belt to help define the “waist” and add interest, but I don’t feel like it does much for me at all. My actual waist is much higher than the top of the jeans, so it creates a bit of a muffin top.

VERDICT: I’m holding onto this, and I’ll play around with it. I think I might be happy to have it at some point this winter. It’s such a nice casual date night top, and maybe I just need to wear a jacket with it.

Free People Be My Baby Long Sleeve Knit Top in Ivory

at Nordstrom (M) // on sale at Zappos (M) // MOTHER Weekender – on sale! (29) // Dolce Vita Volli (8)

With the addition of a few new jackets to my wardrobe, I realized I need some base layers that aren’t sweaters. I’ve ordered a few, but this is the only one I’ve had time to try so far. Actually, that’s not true. I also kept the Caslon long sleeve crew in rust, but I guess I don’t have any pictures of it without a jacket on top.

ANYWAY! This Free People number caught my eye because of the slub knit and lettuce trim edges. The seam up the back and raglan seams on the shoulders also add interest and keep it from being a basic tee, but its soooo thin. This is the medium, too, so I wouldn’t size up any further, I don’t think.

It looks okay when I’m standing straight, but I don’t think I’d care for how it looks when I sit down and move around. I tried it on with a couple of my new jackets, just to see, and I do like it. But I fear I wouldn’t want to take my jacket off.

outfit details

outfit details

VERDICT: I’m probably going to return this, but I’m holding onto it to make sure I don’t change my mind.

Splendid Classic Thermal Henley

at Nordstrom (M) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // P448 Monza (39)

This is another option for a base layer under casual jackets. The price tag gave me pause, but my friend Lindsey wears hers a lot, and every time I see it, I think I want to try it.

It’s a very nice fabric, as Splendid tops usually are: 58% pima cotton, 38% modal, 4% spandex, and made in the USA. I just wish it wasn’t so long and didn’t have such an exaggerated high/low hemline. I think it looks okay with a front tuck, though…

It looks even better with the top few buttons undone, for a little more interest, and a flattering v-neckline.

And here it is with Rails Steffi Plaid Trucker Jacket, which is on sale at Nordstrom for a limited time. This jacket just came in, so I didn’t get to include it in my last try-on haul, but it’s really soft and a nice quality.

VERDICT: I’m probably going to keep the thermal, but again, I’ll leave the tags on until I make sure I need it and it works with my outfits. (I’m probably not keeping this jacket; I don’t really need it, with the Lucky Brand one in a similar color palette.)

Lou & Grey Collared Signaturesoft Top

on sale at LOFT (S) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // Vince flats (8)

This Lou & Grey top is suuuper soft, such a nice feel to it, but I don’t care for the styling at all. It’s going back.

Cable Sweater Vest

at LOFT (S) // PAIGE Laurel Canyon Welt – on sale! (28) // Marc Fisher booties – on sale! (8)

I’m not sure why I ordered a sweater vest at this point in the season, but I saw this cable v-neck version at LOFT, and I wanted to try it. I love how it fits, it’s a great length, not too snug, not too loose, and the armholes aren’t revealing.

You could wear this over a long sleeve tee or button-up if you like that look, but since I’m not likely to wear it that way, I’ll probably just return it. It’s a nice one, though! One of my better LOFT finds this fall.

VERDICT: Going back.

Vince Mock Neck Short Sleeve Pullover

on sale at Bloomies (S) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // P448 Monza (39)

This sweater has a similar vibe, but it’s a much nicer quality. It’s made of a luxe and very thick and soft 70% wool/30% cashmere; and I like the subtly relaxed fit. The length is a tad too long to leave untucked, but it looks nice with a front tuck. Even though it’s thick, it drapes nicely, which is more flattering than when it just cuts straight across the midsection.

I probably would wear it with a dressier outfit, but I was trying things on real fast yesterday, and I just left these jeans and sneakers on.

VERDICT: It’s on sale, and I like it a lot, so I’m tempted to keep it, but it’s verrrry cold here in PA and will be for several months, and I have enough short sleeve cashmere sweaters. I don’t feel like I’d get a decent cost per wear out of it, but I definitely recommend it if you like it and need something like this.

Splendid Linnett Herringbone Jacquard Cardigan

at Nordstrom (S) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // P448 Monza (39)

I’m always on the lookout for interesting sweaters, and I thought this one looked fun. Splendid is made in the USA, and the quality is really nice, so it’s pricier than some, but I really like it.

I do wonder if it’s too big, though. It’s pretty boxy. I asked my daughter what she thought, and she says it looks like all my other sweaters, lol! I guess it does serve the same purpose as the Rails stripe cardigan, but I think they’re different enough to keep both.

Here’s how it look with black jeans, and I like this combo as well.

As an aside, these jeans are the AG Mari in City View, but in the size 29. If you’ve been following along, you may remember I have the size 30, and I was struggling with them, feeling a little frumpy in them. Well, know I know why. They were too big. These fit and feel so much better.

VERDICT: Still debating on this sweater, I might return it and wait for a sale, and order the XS.

Polo Ralph Lauren Plaid Wool Short Sleeve Sweater

at Bloomies (S) // AG Mari (29) // Marc Fisher heels (8)

Back to short sleeve sweaters for a sec, I thought this might be fun for the holidays. It’s a nice quality, and I like the pattern, but I don’t care for that wide black banded waist, on top of the black jeans. They blend together and throw off the proportions of the outfit.

I feel like it makes it look overall too short, which it probably is anyway. It barely covers the waistband of the jeans. If it were a couple inches longer maybe.

VERDICT: Going back!

AQUA Cashmere Turtleneck Cashmere Sweater in Wheat

on sale at Bloomies (M) // AG Mari (29) // Marc Fisher heels (8)

Real quick, this is the Bloomies house brand cashmere, and it’s on sale right now, so I wanted to do a quick review. I’ve always liked these sweaters, but I haven’t had any in the last couple of years.

They’re a nice mid-range quality, they come in tons of colors, and when they go on sale, they’re a really good value. I always size up, though. This is the medium.

Joe’s Jeans The Callie Coated High Rise Cropped Bootcut Jeans in Rum Raisin

on sale at Bloomies (29) // Treasure & Bond top (S) // Marc Fisher Ulani – on sale (8)

Finally, I know these aren’t tops, but they’re on sale, so I wanted to call your attention to them. Coated denim kick flares in a fun burgundy wash, super fun for date night and casual holiday looks.

I was trying a few different ways to wear this top, tucked vs front tucked, and of course, the other option is untucked, as worn above.

I just feel like the shorter jeans need a shorter top, so I’m not sure I love this combination. I need to try them with some other tops and try a layering piece, as well.

VERDICT: Deciding…

AG Farrah High Rise Velvet Bootcut Jeans in Bitter Chocolate

on sale at Bloomies (29) // Treasure & Bond top (S) // Marc Fisher Ulani – on sale (8)

And finally, you know I like to end on a high note, and this velvet pair is really fun.

I feel like the longer length is more flattering on me… at least, with this top. I can leave it untucked with these and the proportions don’t look so unbalanced. I might add a faux fur jacket or faux leather puffer on top, to add some pizzazz, but I think this is a great look for the holidays.

VERDICT: Keeping, and getting them hemmed ASAP!

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!