Summer Styles from LOFT, Gap, Evereve & Nordstrom

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.

AGOLDE Parker Long Shorts in Dough

at Shopbop (29) // at Nordstrom // at Bloomies // Palm Tee (M) // Paul Green sneakers (8)

Details:

• 4″ inseam; 24″ leg opening; 11″ front rise
• Button fly
• 100% organic cotton

I ordered these shorts during the Shopbop sale. I’ve been wanting denim shorts with finished hems, and these caught my eye. I’ve worn the shorter version with the raw hems in the past, but this 4″ inseam is more my speed these days.

I usually size down in the Parker, but I ordered my current regular size, since I’m feeling puffy lately. They do fit in the waist, but they seem a little big elsewhere… especially in the leg opening. I didn’t realize they were 100% cotton, so that means they will likely stretch out.

VERDICT: I might hold onto these and order the size 28 to compare.

AGOLDE Parker Long Shorts in Twister

at Shopbop (29) // at Nordstrom // at Bloomies // Palm Tee (M) // Paul Green sneakers (8)

Details:

• 4 1/2″ inseam, 24″ leg opening; 11″ front rise; 15″ back rise (size 29)
• Button fly
• 100% organic cotton

These are the same shorts, but in a light wash blue denim, and I like them a lot, but I’m also concerned about them growing as I wear them. I ordered the 28 to compare.

Evereve Sierra Denim Vest

at Evereve (S) // MOTHER Weekender (29) // Paul Green sneakers (8)

Details:

• Length from Shoulder to Hem: 22″
• Material: 93% Cotton, 6% Elasterell-P, 1% Spandex Denim

These vests are everywhere right now, and the idea is to wear them alone, like this. I love the look, but I also recognize that it’s a big trend… bordering on a fad, so it will likely look dated in a few seasons.

I don’t care, though. I am here for it! It’s fun and flattering and easy to wear with my favorite denim.

Unfortunately, this is a little too small for me, and I didn’t order two sizes to compare, so I had to place another order and hope the medium fits. I also have this one on order.

VERDICT: I’m hoping the medium works! I’ll keep you posted.

Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Cargo Pull-On Pants

40% off at Gap Factory (S) Splendid Faye Tee (M) // Sam Edelman slides (8)

Details:

• Mid rise
• Easy through the hip and thigh
• Wide leg
• Inseam: 29″
• Smooth linen blend
• Regular, tall, and petite sizes.

Wide leg jeans with a drawstring waist usually don’t work for me, but this pair isn’t bad. I mean, they aren’t as traditionally flattering as a bootcut style, or a wide leg jean with a more structured waistband. But for a light and breezy casual summer pant, I don’t hate them.

The small is a tad snug through the bum, but I know I’ll be drowning in a medium, so I’m hoping they stretch a little with wear. I also plan to wear my Wacoal Body Base Shorty underneath them, to keep everything looking sleek and smooth.

VERDICT: I think I’m keeping these!

Mid Rise Classic Straight Jeans in Bright White

60% off at Gap Factory (29) // LOFT top (S) // Sam Edelman slides (8)

Details:

• Mid rise.
• Slim through the hip and thigh.
• Straight leg.
• Inseam: 30″ (Regular length)
• Stretch denim.
• Short, regular, or long lengths.

Now for some budget-friendly white denim… These are a classic full length, straight leg style in a crisp white denim. The fabric is plenty thick, not see-though at all.

I couldn’t size down in the waist, but I do think they look a little big through the legs. I also prefer a straight ankle style to the full length version, but the full length styles are trending.

VERDICT: I don’t love these on me, but they’re a good option if this is the style you’re looking for. The price is great, too! I mean, you can’t beat quality white jeans for $28! They fit true to size, or you could try a size down, if in between.

Mid Rise Kick Fit Jeans in New Off White

30% off at Gap Factory (29) // LOFT top (S) // Dolce Vita slides (7.5)

Details:

• Mid rise.
• Slim through the hip and thigh.
• Flared leg.
• Hits at the ankle.
• Inseam: 25″ (Regular length)
• Low-stretch denim.
• Short, regular, or long lengths.

This is a kick crop style, in a soft off-white that pretty much reads as white. I don’t think ecru when I see these. I really like the fit and the silhouette, and the stretch denim feels substantial (not see-through).

The rear pockets are a little large, but the pocket placement is good. I don’t really mind when my white jeans have bigger pockets; I feel like it offers more coverage that way.

VERDICT: If I didn’t already have white kick flares that I love, I would definitely keep these. I highly recommend trying them, if you like the look.

High Rise Wide-Leg Utility Crop Jeans in Vintage White

30% off at Gap Factory (29) // Splendid tee (M) // Sam Edelman slides (8)

Details:

• High waisted.
• Slim through the hip.
• Relaxed through the thigh.
• Wide, cropped leg.
• Inseam: 27″ (Regular length)
• Low-stretch denim.
• Short, regular, or long lengths.

And this is a wide leg crop style, with utility pockets and a double button closure at the waist. I really like these. They fit close through the hips, which helps the wide leg silhouette not be so overpowering, and they’re the perfect crop length.

VERDICT: Keeping!

Ikat Palm Ruffle Shell

extra 40% off at LOFT (S) // MOTHER Weekender (29) // Paul Green sneakers (8)

Details:

• 23 long
• 100% Rayon

This one is better, especially when front tucked, although with the 23″ length, it doesn’t look look terrible left out either. It’s a little boxy, though. Woven fabrics tend to obscure my curves, but sometimes I prefer a blouse to a knit like a t-shirt or sweater.

I’m not sure about the print, although I love the colors, and I’m glad it’s not a floral. I can’t put my finger on what bugs me about it. I feel like it’s not really my style anymore, but it was once.

Also, the ruffle detail around the neck isn’t really my thing, but it’s not terribly froo-froo, as far as ruffles go. I might like it better under a jacket, so it isn’t so much print, and the ruffle isn’t so obvious.

VERDICT: I’m clearly on the fence with this one. Sometimes I just want a cheerful summer print to throw on with white or blue denim to go out to dinner or church, and this fits the bill. I’ll probably hold onto it for a few weeks and see if I reach for it before the return deadline.

Striped Cotton Blend Modern Pocket Shirt

Extra 40% off at LOFT (S) // MOTHER Weekender (29) // Dolce Vita slides (7.5)

Details:

• 22″ Long
• 55% Cotton 45% Modal

This one has more of a modern look to it. I love the way it combines a classic button-up styling with a shorter, boxy silhouette.

They placed the pocket with the contrast stripes, and the shirttail hem are nice details, as well. The cotton/modal fabric has a crisp, yet soft feel to it. Very fun!

Again, this is a rather trendy look, but I think there are enough classic elements that it will be relevant for a few seasons.

VERDICT: Definitely keeping this one. It’s super cute, and different than anything else I have, plus it’s a great price.

Ming Wang Abstract Floral Knit Dress

at Nordstrom // Paul Green sneakers

size XS // size S

Finally, I ordered this dress in the XS after looking at photos of myself in the size small. I think this fit is cute too, and it can go either way, but I prefer the looser fit of the small. I feel like it’s more elegant, and with the perimenopausal fluff, I prefer less body-con styles.

VERDICT: I’m going to return the XS and keep the size small.

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