Transition Styles from LOFT

I ran into LOFT earlier this week to see what’s new for fall, and I found some nice pieces. They’re also doing a sale this weekend, and you can save 30% off full-price styles or 50% off + 20% off sale styles. In both cases, prices are as marked.

Twist Cutout Back Midi Dress

at LOFT (S) // similar sandals // necklace // earrings // bracelet

Not that I need more summer dresses at this point, but this bright pink number caught my eye, and it’s a great price. Ribbed dresses are on trend right now, but they can be hard to pull off, and I definitely did not wear the right undergarments.

Even so, I brought this home with me because it’s comfortable, and I love the color and the back detail. The fabric is 93% Rayon, 7% Spandex, so it’s lightweight and has a nice feel to it.

The cut-out in the back is a fun, trendy detail, but it’s still bra-friendly and not too revealing. You’ll have to look at the website for that; the rear-view photo I took in the dressing room is not something I want living on the Internet for all eternity.

VERDICT: I brought this one home with me; I still need to try it on with appropriate undergarments and make sure it looks okay, but I think it’s a keeper. For size reference, I have the small, so I’d say it’s TTS (true to size) or size down if in between.

Ribbed Midi Polo Dress

at LOFT (M) // similar sandals // necklace // earrings // bracelet

I also pleasantly surprised by this stretchy ribbed dress. This fabric is slightly thicker than the pink one, and because of that and the polo style collar and elbow-length sleeves, it’s more of a transitional piece. I can see wearing this well into fall, if it stays warm, and I could even pop a denim jacket on top if I need a layer.

The skirt on this one has more of an A-line shape, which I was surprised I ended up liking so much, but it has a nice drape, so it doesn’t make my lower two-thirds look bigger than it is, the way many A-line styles do.

This Tamale Red is right on trend, and I think it’s a fun way to add some much-needed color to my closet, but it also comes in Black.

VERDICT: I kept this one too! I think it will be fun for church and coffee dates as we transition from summer to fall. In this case, I grabbed the medium off the rack, and I like the fit of it so I didn’t try the small to compare. I guess it runs pretty true to size, or you may want to try a size up if in between.

Five Pocket Skinny Pants in Sateen

at LOFT (8) // ribbed mock neck shell (M) // earrings // bracelet

Well, this is a silhouette I haven’t seen in a while! They say skinnies are already coming back around, so I had to try this mid-rise style when I saw them displayed on a table in the middle of the store.

I actually don’t think LOFT ever stopped carrying skinnies, so this style may not be new to their lineup, but the colors were definitely chosen with fall 2023 trends in mind. I thought the brown could be a nice neutral to have.

If you’re a skinny jean fan, these are a nice option, I suppose, but I cannot bring myself to go back to this look quite yet. I also don’t like the way they bunch around the knees, but that could be due to the fabric. It’s 70% Cotton, 27%Rayon, 3% Spandex, so they aren’t actually denim. In fact, they’re listed as pants.

VERDICT: I left these at the store. I’m not feeling it!

Peacock Shirred Flutter Sleeve Top

at LOFT (S) // Sateen pants (29) // similar sandals // earrings // bracelet

This top has a pretty color palette, and while birds are usually a deal breaker for me, I did end up bringing it home. It’s always nice to have a few darker prints in my late summer/early fall wardrobe for church and casual date nights.

I like it better with the flare leg jeans (below) because they help balance out the volume in the top. With these brown skinnies, I feel like I look top heavy, although I do like the color combo.

Unpicked Hem High Rise Slim Flare Jeans

at LOFT (29) // printed top (S) // similar sandals // earrings // bracelet

These high rise flares have a nice silhouette, and the unpicked hem is a fun detail. It gives them a more casual vibe without excessive distressing. I think the wash looks really good, too, and y’all know how picky I am about denim washes! It’s rare to find one I like in the under-$100 price range. Well done, LOFT!

Judging by the look on my face, I guess I wasn’t so sure about something in the photo above, but I feel like this top looks better untucked than front tucked, as shown below. These jeans have a very high rise, so tucking draws unwanted attention to my ever-expanding mid-section.

I still like these jeans, though. I would just need to wear them with tops I can leave untucked.

FYI, am standing on my tippy-toes so the hem falls nicely. I would need to wear these with heels, or they do offer petite sizes.

As far as sizing goes, I typically am a 6 or 28 at LOFT jeans, even as I’ve moved up to 8 or 29 in most other denim brands. I grabbed the 29 out of habit, but I think they were a little big on me. I’d say these are true to size for LOFT, or size down if you’re comparing to premium denim brands.

VERDICT: I did not purchase these because I have those MOTHER Weekenders that I love, but these are a nice option for a lower price point.

Striped Sweater Shell

at LOFT (S) // PAIGE jeans (29) // similar sandals

I wish these pictures weren’t blurry, but you probably can get the gist. Sweater vests are still going strong this fall, and I love them, so yay!

Unfortunately, this one misses the mark. I think it’s the way the contrast of the white stripes against the navy banded waist makes it look shorter than it is, which throws off the proportions of the whole outfit. I really like the way it’s designed around the arm openings, though.

VERDICT: I left this one at the store. The fit is true to size.

Ribbed Sweater Tank

at LOFT (M) // PAIGE jeans (29) // similar sandals // necklace // earrings // bracelet

It’s ironic that I went to LOFT wearing my new burgundy Gap Factory sweater tank because this one is so similar. I honed right in on it when I noticed it on a mannequin with the matching cardigan.

I wish it came in other colors because I don’t really need another burgundy sweater tank, but I would buy a different color. If I hadn’t already worn the Gap Factory one, I would get that in the olive. Oh, well…

The material on the LOFT version looks and feels higher quality than the Gap Factory one, which isn’t to say the Gap Factory one isn’t nice, but since I had them side by side, it was noticeable. I think I prefer the v-neckline on the Gap Factory version, though.

Both seem to run small, or maybe it’s just that ribbed knits fit close to the body even when sizing up, but I went with the medium in both to have a little more wiggle room.

Ribbed V-Neck Cardigan

at LOFT (M) // sweater tank // PAIGE jeans (29) // similar sandals // necklace // earrings

This is the matching cardigan that I mentioned, and I like the v-neck styling and the cropped length. Also, the button loops (rather than buttonholes) are a nice detail.

I think this would be cute with a pair of printed pants, or the matching ribbed midi sweater skirt for a chic monochromatic look. In fact, that’s how it was displayed on the mannequin. I’m not sure it does much for these jeans.

VERDICT: I actually purchased both sweaters because I want to play around with them, but I’m not sure I’ll keep them since I have the Gap Factory one. Because of the ribbed knit, I grabbed the medium in both of these, and I like the fit. That said, I think they’re pretty true to size. I just like a little extra room in ribbed knits these days.

Transition Styles from Evereve

Okay, moving on to Evereve! You all know, I love how they curate their selection and style their clothing. It’s very much a boutique experience, even online. I sure do wish they would open a store in the Philly area!!! Here are some of the items I’ve ordered recently.

Michael Stars Solona Midi Dress

at Evereve (M) // booties (8) // earrings

Let’s start with another ribbed midi dress… I really do like this trend going into fall; the trick is to find one that works for me, as they tend to highlight all those pesky lumps and bumps we women tend to accumulate as we age.

This one is such a gorgeous color, and it’s a high quality knit that has a nice fit and feel.

I realized after I took these pictures that the knot is supposed to be tied off to one side. Duh! Unfortunately, it’s also situated much lower on the dress than where my actual waist is located, so I don’t think it’s achieving the intended effect. I do like how it covers up the fluff in my midsection, though, lol!

VERDICT: Unfortunately, I do believe this one has to go back. It’s a shame; it really has potential. If it appeals to you, it’s worth a try. I’m wearing the medium because, again, ribbed knits tend to fit snug and aren’t very forgiving. I think it runs pretty true to size.

Vince Camuto Frasper Booties

at Evereve (8 but need 7.5) // at Nordstrom // at Zappos // PAIGE Anessa (29)

I don’t know if these are just a one-off or if this style is coming back around, but I love these open-toe booties! I was a huge fan of these when they were having a moment back in the day because they make such a great transition shoe for wearing with jeans and dresses.

I really like the shape of this heel and the smooth taupe nubuck. They have a comfortable padded footbed and a walkable 3″ heel. They do run big, however, so I’ll need to return these and order the 7.5.

Davina Cable Vest

at Evereve (S) // PAIGE Anessa (29) // booties (8) // earrings // bracelet

I loved this sweater the second I saw it on the model, and I love it even more now that I’ve tried it. I think the chunky cable knit is so fun, and it has a good structure to it so that it doesn’t cling to the body but it’s also not too boxy either.

The contrasting tortoiseshell buttons are a nice detail, and of course you know I’m a sucker for a black sweater at any time of year. This one will be perfect for the summer to fall transition.

I ordered both the medium and small to try, but the medium was too big around the arms, so I’m wearing small. It doesn’t gape around the buttons, so I think this is the right size; but it’s noticeably shorter, so if you want more length, maybe size up.

VERDICT: Keeping this one, for sure! I’ve already worn it.

Sam Edelman Terra Heels

at Evereve (8) // at Zappos (8) // cable vest (S) // PAIGE Anessa (29) // earrings

These shoes are another big trend for fall; they’re clearly getting inspiration from the iconic Chanel version, but I like this camel and black patent combo better than the more ubiquitous beige and black leather.

They fit comfortably, but they do run a little small. I can just barely fit in the size 8, so you may want to size up, if in between.

Sleeveless Ribbed Tank

at Evereve (M) // PAIGE Anessa (29) // booties (8) // earrings // bracelet

This sleeveless sweater was a disappointment. I was hoping it would be a nice neutral to have in my “arsenal” but it’s too long to leave untucked, and that slit side detail seems tired to me. It’s a shame because it’s a nice quality knit, and a really pretty color.

VERDICT: Sadly, this is going back. I guess I could try tucking it in, but I don’t have any extra room under my waistbands these days. That said, I’ll try it before I send it back, just in case that changes my mind.

LNA Luca Striped Sweater

at Evereve (S) // MOTHER Tomcat (29) // similar mules // necklace // earrings

This sweater is another item I had high hopes for, but it’s falling short for me so far. I feel like it needs a different pant, for sure. I like how they pair it with those olive barrel trousers on the website, but maybe a light wash denim would work. This medium wash isn’t cutting it, for some reason.

I tried the front tuck, as shown on the Evereve website, but that definitely doesn’t do much for me. It’s short enough that it doesn’t really need to be tucked, anyway.

VERDICT: It’s a nice quality sweater, and I like the idea of it, so I’m going to play around with it some more before deciding.

Stella Floral Top

at Evereve (S) // MOTHER Hustler (29) // Vince Camuto booties (8) // necklace // earrings // bracelet

You all know how I love a floral grounded on a dark background, especially at this time of year, and I think this one is so pretty. It’s made of a super lightweight cotton/rayon woven fabric, and it has a modest v-neck with a feminine shirred neckline and three-quarter sleeves.

I tried it first with these inky blue/black jeans from the #NSale and the taupe peep-toe booties, but the proportions seem off.

This is what I do when I’m trying to decide if a silhouette is working for me… I stand with my legs straight and take a photo front-on. It’s not the most flattering angle, but it’s the best way to see the actual proportions of an outfit.

I definitely look top-heavy, and the high contrast created by the dark jeans with the light shoes makes my legs look like they end at the hem of the jeans.

So then I tried a front-tuck to make my legs appear longer, but this doesn’t excite me either.

Woven fabrics are hard because they tend to create more volume, and goodness knows the last thing I need around my middle is more volume!

The solution when a dark cropped pant is making your legs look short and stumpy is to add shoes in a similar shade of color to visually elongate the line of the leg, so I changed into black jeans with black Vince Hela booties from the #NSale.

The MOTHER jeans would probably work too, but the wash isn’t quite black; it’s more of a inky midnight blue. I figured since the background of the shirt and the booties are both black, I might as well keep it all in the family, so I brought out my old favorite PAIGE Claudine raw hem ankle flares in the faded black Slater wash (which just so happen to be 20% off today at Bloomies!)

This denim/shoe works much better with the blouse. While the jeans are still ankle-length, wearing them with the black booties makes my legs look longer and the whole look more cohesive.

Now it doesn’t bother me that the blouse is a little longer than ideal because matching the jeans and the shoes extends the line of the leg and creates a more pleasing vertical balance overall.

I might still appear somewhat top heavy, but the volume of the flare helps balance out the volume of the blouse, and I really like this look!

VERDICT: I do believe I’ll keep this blouse, but first I want to try it with a few more outfits. I like how it looks with white jeans on the Evereve website. I wonder what it would look like with my PAIGE Leenah trouser jeans. (They’re also on sale at Bloomies, BTW!)

Vince Hela Booties

at Nordstrom (8) // Evereve top (S) // PAIGE Claudine (29)

Here’s a close-up of those booties. They’re from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, so they were a much better price when I purchased them. They run slightly big, but also narrow, so keep that in mind, if ordering.

VERDICT: The leather is quite lovely, and I love the sleek almond shape toe and 2″ cylindrical block heel. These are definitely keepers!

Daydreamer Fleetwood Mac Tee

at Evereve (S) // MOTHER Tomcat (29) // P448 John Sneakers // earrings

Okay, last piece! I love a graphic tee, and I’m a fan of Fleetwood Mac. (Yes, it’s a requirement to actually LIKE the music of the band you are representing on your clothing!)

The colors of this tee are really pretty, and the reverse seams are a fun detail.

I think this is the right size; it fits properly in the shoulders and all, but it’s so short and boxy. I tried a front tuck, as it is styled on the model, and well… I mean. I kind of like it. I think.

Here it is with white shorts and sandals, for another option.

Since it’s 100% cotton (and will likely shrink, even if I don’t put it in the dryer) and the model is wearing a size small (and she is clearly smaller than I am, although quite a bit taller), I’m wondering if I should give the medium a try.

VERDICT: I’m undecided on this one. I might try a medium the next time I place an Evereve order. For now, I think it’s one of those “if in doubt, do without” situations.

And that’s a wrap! I’m always interested to hear your thoughts, and of course, if you’ve tried any of these, let us know how you like them!