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Summer Fashion Try-On Haul: Dresses, Tops, Pants & More!

Happy Friday, friends! I have a new Try-On Haul for you today, but before we get started, I wanted to let you know the Frame washable silk tee that I have and love is fully stocked AND over 60% off at Nordstrom Rack! I take a small in this tee.

I also wore it last week with black jeans, which I think I like even better. It’s a beautiful, high quality top with classic styling plus some unique details. This is one I plan to have in my closet for years.

Okay, so now for the new styles I found this week… I’ve got some summer dresses and tops, as well as a few pairs of jeans and pants… really, a mish-mosh of things!

Summer Fashion Try-On Haul

SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small in tops, a 28 or 29 in jeans, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.

Caslon Gathered Shoulder Knit Top

top (S) // jeans (29) // sandals (8) // earrings // bracelet

I’ve already worn this top with shorts, and I included it in my June Favorites because I can see it becoming one of my go-to tops for casual wear.

It’s a lightweight knit with a bit of texture, and I like the gathered detail at the shoulders.

This top runs true to size with a generous fit, and it comes in some other colors as well. It’s made in the USA with imported fabric, and it’s a polyester/rayon blend, so it shouldn’t go in the dryer.

VERDICT: Kept it, wore it! I love a navy linen tee in the summer, and while it’s not linen, it has that textured effect that resembles linen.


Caslon Stripe Pleated Shoulder Top

top (S) // jeans (29) // sandals (8) // earrings // bracelet

This is the same top in a lavender stripe, and I like it a lot, but it’s definitely more see-through than the navy. I did a rear view so you can see how it fits from behind. I like that it doesn’t hang too long in the back.

This is how it looks without any tucking… clearly, it looks better tucked, as shown above.

This top is also made in the USA with imported fabric, and it’s a polyester/rayon blend. It runs true to size.

VERDICT: Returned it, not exactly sure why except I have so many tops and just don’t think I need it.


Sanctuary Everyday Linen Pant

tee (S) // pants (28) // sandals (8) // bracelet c/o

I thought it would be fun to have a linen pant to add to my rotation. I don’t look good in the super wide leg styles, but I had high hopes for this pair.

Unfortunately, I don’t care for this cut either. They almost have a bit of a taper, and then there’s that big patch pocket that seems to accentuate my hips.

They’re also quite see-through, but that issue would likely be resolved with my Wacoal Body Base Shorty.

Anyway, these might be cute on someone with slimmer hips, but they’re not for me.

VERDICT: Returning.


Paige Mayslie Straight Ankle Utility Pants

at Zappos (28) // at Paige.com (28) // in Sand // tee (S) // sandals (8)

I ordered these because someone asked about them in my Facebook Group, and I was curious because I like the Mayslie Jogger so much. I don’t know what it is, but I don’t love them.

The front patch pockets are a similar shape to the ones on the Sanctuary linen pants, but they’e smaller and don’t bother me as much. I also like the shape and size of the patch pockets on the rear, and the straight fit is flattering enough, I suppose.

VERDICT: All that said, I just don’t see myself reaching for these. They just have a bit of an outdoorsy vibe that I don’t care for, and I still enjoy my Mayslie Joggers, even though I’ve had them for 3 or 4 years. These went back.


KUT from the Kloth Ana High Rise Fab AB Ankle -Flare

jeans (6) // tee (S) // sandals (8) // earrings // bracelet c/o

I ordered these jeans to have a lighter wash pair of full-length flares in my closet. They’re a great price, at $69.99, and I’m comfortably wearing my usual size 6. They feel like they may stretch out, so I’d definitely recommend sizing down in these, if you tend to be in between sizes. (I’m between a 6 and 8.)

Here’s a rear view. The pockets are on the larger side, but they’re well-positioned, and I feel like they’re pretty flattering.

They have an 11″ front rise and a 33″ inseam with an 18″ leg opening. The fabrication is 91% cotton, 7% polyester, 2% elastane; and I really like the worn-in look to them.

VERDICT: Keeping! I’m hoping to get some wear out of these. They’re very long so I can really only wear them with these wedge sandals, but I think they have enough of a casual vibe to make this combination work. (I have the Sandstone Canvas.) Plus they’re a versatile color palette and should go with most of my tops.


Boden Twist Back Jersey Tank

tank (S) // jeans (6) // jeans (6) // sandals (8) // earrings // bracelet c/o

I’m still trying to find color to add to my closet, and I thought this top was really fun. Now that I can wear racerback bras, I feel like I have a lot more options!

Unfortunately, this is still a little low in front, and I don’t think I like the way it’s cut in the back either. It seems to make my back and shoulders look broader than they already are.

Here is how it looks untucked, which I think I actually like better. This time, I’m wearing my Good American Good Classic Bootcut Jeans. They have very similar measurements (33″ inseam; 19″ leg opening; 11″ front rise.)

They’re good too, more of an all-over even wash, and they definitely have a lot more structure and support, along with their trademark smoothing gap-proof high waist. The fabric is 9% cotton, 1% elastane, so it’s more of a typical denim.

VERDICT: I decided to return this top. It’s cute, but I don’t see myself wearing it. FYI, I’m wearing this Maidenform T-Back Bra.


Free People Aubrey Stripe High-Low Skirt

skirt (M) // tank (S) // sandals (7.5) // earrings // necklace // bracelet

Well, this one was a bust! I don’t know what is going on with the sizing, I’m in the medium, and it’s definitely too small. I could barely button it.

VERDICT: Returned! It’s cute in theory, and I might like it in the large, where I can set it down a bit lower on my hips. I haven’t reordered it yet, though.


LOFT Crinkle Ruffle Double V  Top

top (S) // jeans (29) // old sandals

I actually purchased this top in-store, and I was surprised that I liked it so much. I’m sure I wouldn’t have worn it before my surgery, and even now, I’m not sure I need more ruffles in that area, but the way it’s cut, it sort of works to downplay a larger chest. I also love how it’s cut in the back.

VERDICT: I still have this top, but I haven’t worn it yet, and I’m keeping the tags on. If I had a tropical vacation planned, I’d bring it along for sure, but I’m not sure I’m ever going to be going somewhere around here that I feel comfortable wearing it. It’s just a bit much for me and my classic style.


Caslon Sleeveless Maxi Dress

dress (S) // handbag // sandals // earrings // necklace c/o // bracelet c/o

I picked up this dress, thinking it might be cute for the 4th. It’s a little plain, but it is soft and comfortable, and fairly forgiving since it has the elastic waist. It doesn’t cling, but it’s not too voluminous either.

For an option, I added a denim jacket to add interest and structure, and I tried it with both flats and wedge sandals. I think it can go either way.

The blue denim is a bit heavy, so I also tried it with a white jean jacket. This one is the Paige Rowan, and it seems to have been discontinued, but there are plenty of other options out there.

I’m not sure I like this much better.

I feel like the dress looks like it’s meant to be worn alone, so I will probably do that and jazz it up with jewelry, as I did here.

VERDICT: Keeping! I’m taking it to the beach next week.


Caslon Sleeveless Smocked Maxi Dress

dress (S) // old sandals // earrings // bracelet

This dress is really cute and very much on trend, but it’s just a little too precious for me. I also don’t think it does much for my rear view. It’s not terrible, but not great either.

VERDICT: Returning.


Michael Stars Matilda Dress

dress (S) // sandals (8) // earrings // bracelet

I thought this might be more my vibe, and I do like it. I just don’t know if I’ll reach for it, and I need to find a strapless bra, I guess. I like the textured cotton fabric (it’s almost like a seersucker) and the self-tie belt that I can place where I want it. I rarely wear dresses with a belt because my waist is so high, but this sort of works.

VERDICT: Keeping for now, I need to order some strapless bras for my new size, and see if I reach for it before the return date.


Vince Camuto Button Front Sleeveless Midi Dress

dress (S) // sandals c/o (7.5) // earrings

Well, this was a disappointment. I really wanted to like it, but it’s so thin and see-through. Not lined at all. I guess I could wear a slip with it, but it seems odd not to have any lining. It’s also wayyyyy too small, as you can see. I didn’t bother ordering the next size up.


Faherty Isha Linen Swing Dress

dress (S) // sandals (8) // hoops

This dress is cute in theory, and I really 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. I would recommend this to someone with a straighter body type.

VERDICT: Returned.


Julia Jordan V-Neck Tie Sheath Dress

dress (8) // heels (8) // earrings // necklace // bracelet

If this dress didn’t have those obnoxious bows on the shoulders, it would be perfection. It’s my first time trying this brand, and I’m impressed. The quality is excellent, and I love the structure and styling. I will definitely try more Julia Jordan dresses and jumpsuits for special occasions in the future.

It’s true to size; I ordered the 6 and the 8, and I’m in the 8. That’s pretty typical for this type of dress, and what I usually wear in Eliza J.

VERDICT: Returning. I don’t need it, and those bows are a deal breaker.


Vince Camuto Ruffle Neck Sleeveless Georgette Blouse

blouse (S) // jeans (28) // sandals (7.5) // earrings // necklace // bracelet

This is the blouse I thought I didn’t like, and then when I posted pictures in my last try-on haul, I had second thoughts, so I ordered it again in this Dark Red.

Now I remember why I didn’t like it — side view. I always feel like the front tuck looks awkward from the side, but it’s worse with some tops than others, and I just don’t like it with this one. I think it’s because it’s so long. I mean, it’s only 25 1/2″ but it still looks long to me, or maybe there’s just too much material.

Because this WHBM lace-up top is long, and it doesn’t bother me so much. It fits closer to the body, and the fabric is a little thicker.

VERDICT: Returning the Vince Camuto ruffle blouse.


Halogen Ruched Mesh V-Neck Top

top (S) // jeans // sandals // earrings // necklace // bracelet

So, this is fun! This is the kind of top I wouldn’t have been comfortable wearing before my breast reduction. It’s still rather boobalicious, but I would wear it on a date with Paul.

I love the ruched detail through the waist, the bra-friendly straps, and the deep V in the back.

VERDICT: Keeping! As to sizing, the small is very snug on me. I’ve been deflating a bit this week, so I plan to try it again today or tomorrow. If it’s still really tight, I’ll order the medium to compare.


Maeve Cable Tank

tank c/o (S) // jeans c/o (29) // sandals c/o (8) // earrings // bracelet

This sweater and jeans were featured in Monday’s Summer Styles from Evereve, and they got a mixed response. A lot of you didn’t think the sweater was as flattering as I did, lol. I did acknowledge that it is too small and tight, but I thought it looked good enough to pass for the pictures. Here’s a quick reminder pic.

A few of you also pointed out that these jeans might look better with a flat sandal since they have such a casual vibe. I don’t mind mixing casual jeans and heels, but I thought it was worth a try, and I think I do like these better with flats.

In this case, these are only cuffed twice, for the original 28″ inseam, but they definitely look too long to me.

Unfortunately, when I did the extra cuff to shorten them a bit for the blog post, they lost the sleek, straight silhouette and looked more like boyfriend jeans. Here’s a side-by-side for comparison. Either way, I’m afraid I’m just not really a fan of these jeans.

VERDICT ON THE SWEATER: When the medium size sweater gets here, I’ll try it with different jeans. I’m actually curious to try it with white denim. Then I’ll let you know if it’s a keeper or not.


Addy Ikat Ruffle Chiffon Top

top c/o (S) // jeans (28) // sandals (7.5) // earrings // bracelet

I got a new mirror this week, and you may notice a slight difference in the rest of these pictures. I’ve known my other mirror was warped for a long time, and I would look different depending on where I stood in my room. I tried to be consistent, but that’s near impossible. All that to say, if you notice a difference, that’s what it is!

This top was also featured in my Summer Styles from Evereve on Monday, to mixed reviews, and I wanted to try it with a different bra and different jeans. Here’s a side-by-side, for comparison.

I definitely like these jeans with it better! These are my Mother Hustler in Au Revoir that I snagged at the Shopbop sale last spring. They’re an ankle length high rise flare (11″ Rise; 27 1/2″ Inseam; 16″ Leg Opening) in a really good stretch denim (81% cotton/11% lyocell/6% polyester/2% elastane) that is so comfy.

I appreciate that this outfit looks okay from the front, although the top still pulls a bit across my chest, but I really don’t care for the side view. It’s so boxy and filmy and there is too much fabric, so it adds a lot of fluff where I just don’t need it.

Someone else pointed out how small the sleeve opening is, and that is a good point. I noticed it when I tried it on again. There is elastic along with those ruffles around the neck and the arm opening, so that doesn’t help matters either. I just feel a lot better in more open-neck  tops with more structure. Case in point…


CeCe Smocked Shoulder Floral Print Blouse

top (S) // jeans (28) // sandals (8) // earrings // bracelet

I was drawn to this print, I love a black-based floral pattern, and I find the loose floral design is really pleasing to the eye — so much better than the smaller, tighter floral prints that are so popular right now.

This top has the tie neck that you can leave open, which is elongating and slenderizing, and I like the shape and size of the ruffle sleeves. It’s just enough to participate in the trend without overwhelming my shoulders and chest area.

I styled this top the way I might wear it for a dinner out, with black cropped flares and quilted slides.

VERDICT: Keeping! Super cute, and I can’t wait to wear it. It’s true to size.


French Connection Eso Zhara V-Neck Lace Dress

dress (10) // gold sandals (8) // white slides (8) // earrings // bracelet

I had to order this dress twice to get the right size. I first ordered the 6 and the 8, and both were way too tight. I went back and ordered the 10 and 12, and the 10 fits perfectly.

It’s too bad the skirt isn’t straighter, because otherwise I really like it. I’m just not much a fan of the A-line, especially at this length. It’s also a little leggy for my comfort level, and it’s pretty low-cut as well.

I decided to try it with flats, and I think this looks a lot better. I also removed my bra; sorry if that’s TMI!

I definitely prefer the look with less cleavage, but I am not about to go out and about without a bra, so I need to see if I can find something that works to look a little more like this. I ordered a bunch this week but haven’t had time to try them yet.

VERDICT: I’ll wait to decide on this one. Paul and I have dinner reservations for my birthday at a fancy French restaurant, and I could wear this, although I’d prefer to wear heels for that occasion, so we’ll see…


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25 Responses

  1. I agree on most of your views.. I actually think you look great in the shorter dresses 🙂
    And, WHY, do they put those huge pockets on pants like that … one of my biggest pet peeves!!! Hard for hippy girls to pull off.. have a great beach trip!

  2. Hi. Love the try on!
    So many cute options. Thank you for being honest and showing us the good and “not so flattering” 😊 I do have a request. How to wear cardigan sweaters theses days. Are long still in, I’m seeing short boxier ones now too. What about shrugs with dresses. For casual run around and dressy. I’m
    60 (don’t feel or look it ☺️) but I love my sweaters year round. I think you did a fight the frump
    last year and it was so good! Maybe it’s time for another one? I love when you show what doesn’t work and what does. Things we have in our closet. Thanks for listening!!! I look forward to your posts everyday and enjoy your content. Very helpful.

    1. Yeah, I feel they are looking quite dated, to be honest. I did just rescue one from my daughter’s donate stack though that was mine, and I loved it. It’s lightweight and I think I might find it useful, but more for travel and things, not really an outfit I’d be excited to wear out and about.

  3. Love a lot of this! Thanks for the heads up on the Frame tee…reordered! I LOVE the white dress! I think go braless or try those cutlet sticky thingies, maybe? Also, I really think it’ll make a difference if you iron/steam the skirt of the dress and take the fold out of the sides of it. It’ll look much less A-line, I believe will lie flat against your sides. I have to use this approach with the cropped flares as well, so I don’t look all dutchboy 😉 I always crack up when we’ve ordered the same things to try. I got the Kut bootcuts too, but I think I prefer the Fidelity. I’ve been a longtime fan of Faherty (Scott has a ton of it in his closet) and think that dress is really nice! I peep the tile 🙂

  4. I agree with your assessment on these clothes. I like the last white dress with the flats but I think it looks too short with the heels. It does look better without a bra for some reason. I had to laugh when you said you were deflating this week. I like how real you are in your post. Have a great trip to the beach. I’m sure you’ll have a great time away. I sure would hate to have to do all the returns you have to send back. But I think you mentioned you have an assistant to help you do that.

  5. Always love to see your try ons! It’s easy to tell the ones you like ! I agree the shorter dresses look good on you! Hope you make out well with your tooth especially before going away! Once a root canal is done you shouldn’t feel anything inthat tooth..
    Hope you have a fun beach vacation looking forward to seeing your pics!

  6. I just love this try on post! My favorite is the CeCe floral top and black ankle jeans. I’m definitely going to purchase the top. The pink dress is such a pretty color on you and you’re absolutely right about those bows🤦‍♀️…Enjoy your beach trip.

  7. So sorry about your frequent dental visits! Hope everything gets fixed for you. I have to get a crown next week too…‘tis the age! 🥴
    I like the last white dress on you a lot, and the red maxi too (super cute July 4th dress- casual, cool, wear with flip flops kinda thing). I was glad to see the Cece blouse on you cuz I’ve had it in “my cart” for about a week and now I think I might order it cuz it looks so cute on you.
    The Julia Jordan pink dress with the bows on the shoulders gave me deja-vu back to my college sorority days! I honestly think I had a dress exactly that! Bows and shoulder pads! LOL! So funny that styles are back to that.

    1. Nope, it is not fixed, and I went back today and he is baffled. Just what you want to hear from your endodontist! I have a non-steroid anti-inflammatory thing I’m taking and praying it settles down.

      Yes ,get that blouse. So cute!

  8. The pink dress (minus the aweful bows) looks beautiful on you. A good seamstress could probably turnthose bows into a regular shoulder pretty easily.

  9. Hi!

    I love your try-on posts! I ordered the black floral top-its so cute! And I love the white dress. I wonder if it would work with wedges!

  10. Great “Try On” session
    I love the black print blouse
    And that white dress looks A-Mazing on you.
    A definite keeper. I imagine you will wear it more than you think.

  11. Jo-Lynne,
    Just a question, do you think you could do a post on shoes?
    I’m having a hard time finding ones I like. I haven’t quite embraced the block heel, and I’m just not finding much out there. It seems every year I go from boots, to a period where I’m searching for something to put on my feet, until it’s warm enough to wear sandals and open toes.
    I’ve also had to move to lower heels 3″ or less. So wedges maybe?
    I’d appreciate an update on style.
    Thanks

  12. The white dress looks great on you! Somehow the lace makes it seem ladylike and more modest even though it shows some skin. I actually like the understated jewelry and hairstyle here (even though that was probably just for the multi-item try-on haul).

    Bummer about the ikat top because the print is gorgeous.

  13. for next Saturday’s Q&A (or a post this week if you want): right before the pandemic, you had that brow thing done–microblading?–and then didn’t get the follow-up touch up down until after the normal wait period. did you continue with it? I am considering it but it seems to be something that you have to keep doing and that can add up money-wise, let alone the time for the appointments and trying to fit them in during a period where I don’t have to be “seen”

  14. I just ordered the red dress! Fingers crossed it gets here before we leave for Florida. I hope y’all are enjoying your time on the beach and that your tooth has settled down enough for you to relax and enjoy. I know it’s said often, but I really appreciate all the time, work, and effort you put into this!

  15. I enjoy these posts! For the record I love the pink dress with the bows! I think it looks great on you!

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