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Spring Fashion Try-On Haul

Hi friends! I’m excited to bring you a new try-on haul today, full of spring fashions and transition styles. I was hoping to get this out last week, but the launch of my new blog design interrupted those plans.

2024 spring fashion try on haul for women over 40 midlife fashion

It actually worked out because there’s a lot of Evereve and Nordstrom represented here, and both stores are running promotions right now. Evereve is having a Spring kick-off sale, and Nordstrom is doing a Bonus Points Event for Nordy Club members and cardholders.

Spring Styles from Evereve, Nordstrom & Gap Factory

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.

LOFT Ruffle V-Neck Blouse

at LOFT (S) // FRAME denim (29) // Vince Camuto sandals (8)

I’ve shared this blouse a couple of times, but I didn’t really get a chance to review it. It’s 100% rayon with a relaxed fit, and it has a v-neck with ruffle trim.

This is about as ruffly as I get, but I like how it adds a touch of femininity to the classic solid navy top. The blouson sleeves are not too voluminous, and it front tucks nicely into jeans or pants.

Here’s how it looks with white trouser jeans. (These are 30% off, by the way! They’re my go-to dressy white jeans for spring/summer.) I feel like this would make a nice Easter outfit for those of us in cooler climates.

VERDICT: I’m keeping this one!

Winona Midi Dress

at Evereve (S) // Sam Edelman sandals (8)

I wanted to love this dress. The satin fabric is right on trend, and the black and white print has a classic appeal. It has a flattering v-neck and cap sleeves, and a modest slit in the flowy, midi-length skirt.

Unfortunately, I’m so short-waisted that there is excess fabric that bulges in the back above the elasticized waistband. This is a problem I often have with dresses with a set-in waistband like this one.

VERDICT: Sadly, this one went back.

Athena Ruched Dress 

at Evereve (S) // Sam Edelman sandals (8)

I knew this dress was going to be iffy, but I wanted to try it because I love the print the sophisticated style. Unfortunately, the blouson top with ruched skirt combo is never a great combination for me, since it adds visual bulk around the mid-section. I also look better in a more open neckline. Still, it’s a cute dress if the style works for you. 

VERDICT: I returned this one, too.

Donna Karan Floral Wrap Front Midi Dress 

at Nordstrom (8) // Sam Edelman sandals (8)

This dress is a nicer quality than the two Evereve dresses. It’s fully lined, and it has a flattering fit, but I really don’t care for that large gold clip on the side. I’m not sure if that should be a deal breaker or not. I love a black and white dress, and this fabric is so easy to pack for travel.

VERDICT: I’m tempted to keep this one. What say you?

Spanx AirEssentials Maxi T-Shirt Dress 

at Evereve (M) // at Spanx.com (M) // VEJA Esplar (39) // AG Chiro Jacket (S)

I was hoping this would be a nice, casual dress for spring, but it’s kind of shapeless. I also don’t care for that high crewneck. I feel like it looks like it’s choking me.

That said, the fabric is nice and substantial, as you would expect from a Spanx product, and it’s a classic style that I think a lot of you will like. It just isn’t for me.

Just to give it one more shot, I tried it with my AG Chiro Jacket, and this doesn’t really help matters. What it needs is a shorter jacket that draws more attention to the waist. I should have tried it with my KUT from the Kloth Kara.

VERDICT: Even with a shorter jacket, I don’t like the way it fits at the neck, and I’d want to be able to wear it without a jacket sometimes, so I returned it.

BlankNYC Adobe Rose Bomber

at Evereve (S) // Gap Factory denim skirt (29)  // Vionic sandals (7.5)

I love the idea of this cropped bomber in a pretty shade of blush pink. The fabric is soft but on the thicker side, so it’s nice for this transition season. 

It’s a little oversized in the shoulders, but I think that’s intentional. The fit is pretty much true to size. 

VERDICT: I didn’t keep this one. Something about it doesn’t seem to quite work for me, but it’s very cute and on trend. I definitely recommend trying it if you like it.

Faherty Sport Jersey Tee

at Evereve (S) // MOTHER Hustler (29) // Marc Fisher flats (8)

I feel like I’ve already talked about this top enough, but since I have the pictures, and I love it, I will share again. Plus, I have to remember that not everyone reads every post I publish. I mean, I don’t know why not! But that’s the way it is. 😜

This top is a nice medium weight 100% cotton jersey fabric, and it has a slightly cropped 21 1/2” length with a boxy, relaxed fit. It’s perfect for transition season! Such nice quality, and it has a classic appeal with modern details. The boat neck and stripe pattern give it a nautical flair, and the wide sleeves are right on trend.

I love how this top pairs with white jeans, but it also looks good with blue, although I prefer it with lighter wash denim. There isn’t as much contrast in this look as I’d like.

FRAME Pixie Le Slim Palazzo Wide Leg Jeans (29)

VERDICT: Keeping this one! Wore it twice already. If you want more info on these jeans, I reviewed them in my last Try-On Haul.

Faherty Legend Rib Henley

at Nordstrom (M) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // VEJA Esplar (39)

I’ve been looking for a good waffle knit henley style top for ages. They’re always too long, too thin, too tight, or too… something! This one is perfect. I especially wanted it for layering under jackets this spring.

VERDICT: Definitely keeping! For size reference, I ordered both the small and the medium, but I prefer the fit of the medium.

FRAME Utility Pocket Straight Leg Ankle Jeans

at Nordstrom (29) // AllSaints Tee (8) // P448 sneakers (39)

I tried these on when I was shopping at Nordstrom before my trip. I really like them, but the price tag gave me pause. It’s one thing to spend upwards of $200 on a pair of jeans I might wear twice a week for three seasons of the year for a few years, but I don’t think I will get that much wear out of these.

That said, if they’re your thing, I think they’re great pants. The cargo pockets are subtle enough, and not placed in such a way to add so much visual bulk, and I like the straight ankle styling. They almost have a barrel leg silhouette, but not quite. It walks the line and keeps them on trend without looking too juvenile.

VERDICT: I left these at Nordstrom for someone else to enjoy!

AllSaints Anna Cuff Sleeve Cotton T-Shirt

at Nordstrom (8) // FRAME denim (29) // P448 sneakers (39)

I thought this might be a cute white tee to add to my closet. I like the cuffed sleeves, and it’s really nice and soft, but I ended up leaving it in the store. I just didn’t like it enough.

Vine Shirred Tie Neck Mixed Media Shell 

at LOFT (S) // KUT From The Kloth skirt (6) // Naturalizer flats (8)

I always like these mixed media shells from LOFT. They layer nicely under jackets, or stand alone when you want them to. This pretty pink pattern looks great with denim.

VERDICT: Holding onto this one! It will be nice for church this spring. Also, these silver flats are very comfortable. I like how they have a tapered, slightly squared off toe.

KUT From The Kloth Paula Skirt with Release Hem 

at Evereve (6) // Gap Factory tee (M) // Vionic sandals (7.5) // Naturalizer flats (8)

Last year it seemed like all the denim skirts sold out as soon as they appeared in the stores, so I’m happy to see so many more good options this season. I love the released hem detail on this one, and the just-below-the-knee length, but I wish there wasn’t so much fading on the back.

VERDICT: I decided that fading is a deal breaker, but it’s a good option if that doesn’t bother you. It’s very comfortable and has a nice fit and feel.

Gap Factory Denim Midi Pencil Skirt

at Gap Factory (29) // Ribbed Crewneck T-Shirt (M) // Vionic sandals (7.5)

I like this denim skirt a lot too, and that it has a more even wash, almost an acid wash, which is trending again. The fabric is stiffer than the one above, but still stretchy and comfortable.

This is more of a classic denim pencil skirt with a modest front slit, but the just-below-the-knee length makes it look modern and slightly retro at the same time. The ones that hit the knee or just above look somewhat dated to me, but it’s really just a matter of personal preference. This one’s a keeper!

Linen-Blend Crewneck Sweater 

at Gap Factory (S) // PAIGE Claudine (29) // Sam Edelman slides (8) // Naturalizer flats (8)

This is a nice little transition sweater that pairs nicely with white denim this time of year. It’s lightweight and has a nice drape. I also like the contrasting cuff and collar.

Mid Rise Downtown Khakis 

at Gap Factory (29) // Ribbed Crewneck T-Shirt (M) // Sam Edelman sandals (8)

If you’re looking for a classic pair of khakis, these are nice, but I found them tight in the waist. I feel like they’ve got more of a curvy fit, and I like straighter fits. If you have a larger waist to hip ratio, these might work well for you.

VERDICT: I returned these; they don’t work for me, but I think some of you will like them.

Joe’s The 5 Mid Rise Cutoff Denim Shorts

at Nordstrom (29) // graphic tee (M) // Birks (39)

I’ve always been a fan of Joe’s jean shorts, but I guess I didn’t keep any because I can’t find them in my seasonal storage bin from last year.

I ordered these to try, and they’re just as good as usual, but I’m not sure I’m feeling that cuff style this year. What do you all think? If you like a longer short, and don’t mind the raw cuff, these are a solid choice.

VERDICT: I have a few more denim shorts on order, so I’m keeping the tags on for now.

KUT from the Kloth Amanda Boxy Jacket 

at Evereve (S) // at Nordstrom (S) // PAIGE Anessa (29) // FRAME tee (XS) // P448 sneakers (39)

This is one of my favorite jackets for wearing with blue jeans. I love the bright pink color for spring/summer. It’s stretchy and comfortable, and despite the name (boxy) it has a flattering silhouette through the waist. Plus, the cargo pockets and slightly longer length gives it an updated appeal. It runs true to size, or size down if in between.

VERDICT: Keeping! In fact, this might be my travel outfit next week. I’m headed to Nashville to meet Cyndi for a few days, and the weather will be perfect for this.

LOFT Swing Trench Jacket 

at LOFT (S) // GF denim skirt (29) // GF T-Shirt (M) // Vionic sandals (7.5)

I love the shorter trench coats that are trending this season, and this one from LOFT has a fun, swingy style with some more tailored details like the notched lapels and back kick pleat. I wish I’d taken the time to style it with jeans but I was in a rush to get through these photos that day.

VERDICT: I’m definitely going to hold onto this and try a few ways to style it.

Sanctuary Johnny Collar Top 

at Evereve (S) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // Steve Madden slingbacks (8)

Leopard and other animal prints are making a comeback, and I love the design of this blouse with the surplice style neck and drapey fabric. I just wish it wasn’t quite so long, but it front tucks easily.

The quality seems good for a polyester top, and I like the overall look. I especially like it with the black jeans and sandals for date nights, or you could wear it with trousers and pumps for the office, if that fits your dress code.

VERDICT: I’ll keep this one, I think. I don’t have many dressier tops for spring.

Nina Seamless V-Neck Tank

at Evereve (M/L) // FRAME Pixie Palazzo Jeans (29) // Sam Edelman sandals (8)

This top is a nice one for layering under jackets and cardigans. I like the shorter style and thick ribbed knit material. It isn’t exactly bra-friendly, though. It has adjustable cami-like straps in the back, so I would likely only wear it when I don’t intend to remove my jacket. It also comes in black.

Wit Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Flare Jeans

at Nordstrom (6) // Faherty waffle tee (M) // Marc Fisher flats (8)

Okay, I have three pairs of Wit & Wisdom jeans to wrap up this try-on haul! The first pair is not my favorite. I feel like the wash and stitching looks kind of cheap, and I don’t like those utility style pockets on the darker wash jeans.

For size reference, I ordered these in the 6 because that is the size I ended up with in my ecru Wit & Wisdom kick flares, but these are way too snug in the waist. All that to say, I think these run true to size.

Wit & Wisdom  ‘Ab’Solution Button Trim Flare Jeans

at Nordstrom (6) // Faherty waffle tee (M) // Vince Camuto Clarissa (8)

I like the fit of this pair a lot, although I think I also need the 8. I feel like they’re very flattering, and I don’t mind the wash as much on these. The button detail is on trend, and the diagonal line it creates is flattering.

I’m not keeping these because I have other flares I like better, but if you’re looking for a pair under $100, these are a solid option.

Wit & Wisdom  ‘Ab’Solution Colorblock Wide Leg Cargo Jeans

at Nordstrom (6) // Faherty waffle tee (M) // Kork-Ease clogs (8)

These are kind of fun, if you have more of a boho style. They’re definitely on trend, with the cargo pockets and color block detail, and they’re soft and comfortable to wear. They’re a bit much for my personal taste and style, but they’re worth a try if you like them!

And that, as they say, is a wrap!

Believe it or not, I have a whole rolling rack of new items in my room waiting for me to try on. This time of year, it’s never-ending, but I at least wanted to get these out to you today! I hope you enjoyed it, and maybe found something fun to add to your spring wardrobe.

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73 Responses

  1. Hi Jo-Lynne! Great outfits featured today – the navy blouse and the Gap denim skirt are what I’m looking for👍
    Hope you have a great trip – you any Cyndi are my two go-to fashionista’s😊
    Best,
    Dawn

  2. Jo-Lynne,
    Your new blog design looks great. I appreciate your content and your effort to continuously update and improve your blog. It’s clear that you have high standards.

  3. First of all – I LOVE going shopping with you! Thank you for explaining why things work or don’t work. And I appreciate also that you mention things we have to look out for when we try the same item – things like oversized shoulders. As for the black and white dress with the gold clip — the gold clip says “look at my mid-section!” You look oo-la-la in so many outfits but this one is good but not great. My eyes went first to the low neckline, and then to the big clip. I’m going to try the pencil skirt and Faherty sport Jersey tee – and oh, that pink one from loft tool. Thank you!

  4. Hi Jo-Lynne, suggest trying the Spanx Air Essentials dress with a denim/chambray shirt tied at the waist. It brings shape to the dress and looks so good with sneakers for a fun casual look! Thanks for all the info!

  5. Hey Jo-Lynne, I always look forward to your try on hauls as well as What I Wore Lately … it’s fun to see combinations of clothing/shoes. Last week in Florida I scored a pair of P448s at Nordstrom Rack so yay for that! I wanted to provide some feedback. I read your email/blog post 6/7 days from my laptop. I may not be remembering correctly but it seems that when I would click on a link it would open in a new window. Now, it opens in the same window and when I click on the back arrow to get back to your blog post I need to scroll up to find where I was currently reading. I hope this makes sense. Not that big of a deal but I preferred a new window when clicking on the links. I do like the new look of your website. I agree with the other reader, you and Cyndi are my go-to fashion ladies. In fact more times than not when I’m choosing an outfit I think to myself “what would Jo-Lynne or Cyndi put together” … enjoy your time next week!

  6. Ohhh….I like the opening of the new window feature too. I leave the ones open that I am interested in, close out the rest, and go bag and decide what to buy! 🙂 Love the new font too!

  7. That Donna Karan dress – I’ve looked at it online a few times, but I think that gold piece looks like it would stab me somewhere when I sit down.

  8. I too am really enjoying the new blog style and the larger pictures. Thanks for all the detailed work and I rely a lot on your shopping to help me make my purchases. I’m thinking of getting MID RISE DOWNTOWN KHAKIS. You said you are wearing the 29, however they are sized, 4,6,8. I’m guessing you have the 6 or 8, would you mind checking and letting me know? That helps me decide which size I need.

  9. The gold on the dress would drive me nuts too – I’d be trying to figure out if there was a way to “paint” it black, lol! The new layout is great – and I so appreciate confirmation that even in the same brand, sometimes their sizes don’t fit the same. Enjoy your trip!

  10. Love the updated site!!! The title font is interesting and more readable. I like that the comments show without having to click to join the conversation. The site looks great

    Yay leopard is back!

    I like the cascading ruffle shirt for being feminine but not juvenile or cute. I love the strawberry jacket!!!!!!!!!!!!

  11. Hi Jo-Lynne! You are my favorite fashion blogger and I use your fashion advice a lot! One question about todays post. In your Spring Fashion What’s In What’s Out you listed animal print as out and said look for prints other than leopard. I like the blouse you show in todays try on, and you state in todays post that the leopard and other animal prints are having a comeback. It’s just confusing to me, which is it. Not to be rude but when I’ve been in the stores and see animal print I was thinking to look for something different (and in my closet too).
    I like many of the pieces in todays post, especially the pink jacket. Is it pink or more of a coral?

    1. Yep. I know! It is literally something I’m seeing popping up again since I wrote that post. I still think some leopard prints look very dated but it’s hard to explain why. This one looks classy to me.

  12. I love your new blog style. I loved the old one too. It looks great! I cannot afford Evere, but your blog gives me ideas so, thank you!

  13. I like and appreciate how you say which pieces you keep or decide to return. Sometimes bloggers show an outfit and don’t say whether (or why) they keep or reject an item.

    Thanks! Your differing perspective help.

    1. Me too!! I especially appreciate when you specify it’s something related to your specific body type that may work for others, and if so what (like the dress that didn’t work because you’re short waisted but might on taller or long-waisted ladies). Very helpful in trying to figure out how it’d work for me.

  14. Love the Loft short trench. I thought about ordering it before but I don’t think I would get too wear out of it. I’m trying to be a wise shopper. I heard leopard print is back because of the “mob wife” trend. I love my leopard and cheetah but only in fall/winter. I agree with all your dislikes. None of the dresses appealed to me. I’m with you with something up my throat feeling like I’m choking. I like the olive pants but mine from Gap from last year are still good.

  15. This is the third time I’ve tried to leave a comment & the page keeps reloading & then my comment disappears before I can post. I don’t know if that can be fixed? I’ll try again to say what I originally typed but sending this before it does it again!

      1. I’m on my iPhone. I can try again to post & see what happens. The pop up ad on the bottom may be the issue? It keeps expanding & then putting a colored border around my screen…

  16. I am so grateful I found your blog – it’s a tremendous help as I update my wardrobe and keep my look current. Thank you!

  17. Hi Jo-Lynne! I love seeing the new stuff. Thanks for sharing the items that don’t work for you as well as the ones that do 🙂
    Not sure if this is a blog issue or if it is intentional = when I click on a link, it takes me away from your blog site to the retailer’s site. In the past, the link would open in a new window. I prefer the latter if that works for you and your business because sometimes I click on a link but I’m not finished reading your post. Thanks for all your content. After all these years, I feel like we’re friends. LOL!

  18. The black and white dress looks nice. My only question would be how comfortable is it with the clip when you sit down?

  19. Your new website looks really nice! Are we able to Pin your photos? I’ve looked for the little Pinterest button, but haven’t found it. Love those green pants!

    1. I don’t think that plugin was reinstalled. I can ask them. You can always download the Pinterest Save extension to your preferred browser. I have that so I can pin from any site.

  20. I’m loving the new website! With your previous one, when I clicked on a link, it opened a new tab … with the new one, when I click a link it doesn’t open a new tab so I ‘lose’ your website. Obviously, I can hit the back button to return to your site but I enjoyed the other feature so I could have several tabs open at the same time while perusing your post.

  21. Everything looks amazing in the new blog design, and I always love the content! One thing I’ve noticed though – I like when your links open to a new tab, and they don’t anymore. It’s helpful so I can refer back to your words and pictures, as well as open more than one item at a time. Just a suggestion! 🙂 I’m really looking forward to hearing about your & Cyndi’s trip. I miss the seasonal collaborations y’all used to do. Thank you for all you do to help me be more fashionable!

  22. I’ve actually had my eye on that Loft trench for awhile now so I’m glad to hear your review on it.

  23. Do you find the Kut Amanda jacket to be warmer than the Kara jackets of last year? I’m looking for a little less warm than my treasure and bond bomber that I picked up because of your suggestion! I love it!

  24. I didn’t realize Evereve had a sale this soon after launching their Spring items. I just ordered the Knit pink shacket and now it’s $13 cheaper. It’s suppose to be here Monday. It looks so soft and comfy. I love your new blog design. You put so much thought and detail in all you do and it makes it so nice for your readers. You and Cyndi both are my go to and I told her this AM I wish on your trip together you’d talk about doing a Summer or Fall series together like you use to. Those were fun. Have a great trip. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

  25. I always enjoy your try- on posts, and I really appreciate you sharing things with us that don’t work for you. I know that you are looking forward to being in Nashville for a few days next week & spending time with Cyndi.

  26. There is something about the look of the white trouser jeans with the blue Loft top that I think looks so good – I really love that outfit pairing! I give credit to anyone who can pull off those mid length denim skirts – on me they give major old-school frumpy teacher vibes!

  27. I’m only commenting on the black and white dress with the gold buckle/clip because you asked. It doesn’t look like it’s your style and that’s a whole lotta fabric in the front. I think you can do better.

  28. I’m glad the flare ankle jeans are still in style. I have them in white and a med blue and wear them all the time in the summer. (Until I can’t take the heat anymore and switch to shorts!

  29. I have the Gap Factory skirt and I LOVE it!! I like shopping there for both classics and trendier items like this. I also love those color block Wit & Wisdom jeans but they’re sold out 😩

  30. Great post! You’re right on point with your favorites in my book!
    Great new website! 😎 Congrats

  31. Hi Jo-Lynne,
    Thanks for your detailed post- I really appreciate the time you take explaining your thoughts on each item! I’m not sure if you shared already, but can you tell me what you think of the Sam Edelman raffia slides with the buckle. I love the look of them, but am not sure about the big buckle. Thanks!

  32. Hi Jo-Lynne!
    Let me just say, you are blessed with the ability to make clothes look so much better than they do on the models! Thank you for highlighting pieces I would have just scrolled on by on the websites!
    💕🤗

  33. What say you on the dress? No. The clip is a deal breaker. It bunches the fabric, as it is supposed to do, but then it is heavy enough to sag the whole waist awkwardly. And it is big enough to poke me beneath my, well, you know, when I sit down. Beautiful dress but needs work. It is made for trouble and not the kind of trouble that is any fun.

    BTW, your new website looks nice but it crashes so often on my iPad that it takes a big dose of persistence to see the great stuff you have.

  34. 4th attempt at leaving a comment. Keeps reloading and going back to the top. Is it a me issue?? I’m in iPhone. Love me a good long try on haul Jo-Lynne!

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