Happy Friday, friends! I’ve got a new Try-On Haul for you today. I’ve been saving up clothes to try on for a couple of weeks, and I finally mustered up the energy on Tuesday to tackle the pile. (I was burned out after the #NSale!)
These are mostly transitional tops since I have so many jeans in my closet and on my rolling rack, but I’m also sharing information on the jeans and shoes I’m wearing for those who missed those reviews.
In case you’re wondering, the rolling rack is where I keep clothes I’m not sure about or that I intend to use only for blogging purposes. Also, you can CLICK HERE for more recent Try-On Hauls.
Transitional Try-On Haul
SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ with an hourglass or X body type. I usually wear a small in tops, a 28 or 29 in jeans (usually a 29 these days), and a size 8 shoe.
I’ve been asked a few times if my body type changed after my breast reduction surgery. If I use the bust measurement to determine body type, then I’m now a pear, but if I use my shoulders, my body type did not change.
I’ve been doing some research since I don’t feel like the pear body type rules make sense for me, and I’ve found several resources that use the shoulders as the determining factor on top rather than the bust. This makes so much more sense to me because I feel like I’m always fighting against my wide shoulders when trying tops and dresses, so I’m going with that. I mention it here because it’s quite relevant to this try-on haul, where I’m featuring a bunch of tops.
Okay, let’s get started!
Ann Taylor Floral Mixed Media Ruffle Button Shell
top (S) // jeans (29) // sandals (8)
This top is a nice, weighty material — not as filmy and thin as most blouses — and it has a pretty floral pattern that will transition easily to fall despite the light background. The ruffle sleeves are on trend without being too voluminous, and they actually work okay for me despite my broad shoulders. (Typically I steer clear of tops with extra volume in the shoulder area.)
Because this top buttons all the way down from neck to hem, it’s a little awkward to front tuck, as the front pooches out at the waist. I would prefer if it didn’t button all the way down, but I like the way that opens up the neck area.
Unfortunately, it’s a little too long for me to leave untucked, but if you’re taller, it might be okay on you. Here’s a side-by-side view to make comparing easier.
At first glance, you might think, that outfit on the left looks okay. And it does, I mean, I could certainly wear it that way and the fashion police aren’t going to pull me over and give me a ticket.
But do you see how the bottom of the blouse creates a horizontal line right across the widest part of my hips? That makes my hips look even wider, and it also draws attention to that area. That is not the area I want attention drawn to, in case you were wondering.
Now look at the picture on the right. The front tuck does two things: It creates a more pleasing vertical balance (see this post on the Rule of Thirds) and it also helps define the waist. Unfortunately, it also makes the blouse pooch out in my belly area — another area of my body I do not want to draw attention to.
So yeah, this blouse is going back. But if you like it, it’s a nice quality top, and it runs true to size.
Mother Raw Hem Flare
I keep getting requests to style flares with flats, so I swapped out my platform sandals for pointy toe flats to show you how I might wear this outfit with flats.
These jeans have a 32″ inseam with a 21″ leg opening and a 10″ front rise, which makes them a full-length flare. But this is the issue with full-length flares; you have to commit to a certain heel height.
To make this outfit work, I would need to cut the jeans to a shorter length, which is easy enough to do, but then I might not like how they look with the platform sandals.
Since these jeans are perfect with my platform sandals and other booties in my closet, I am going to leave them intact and wear these pointy toe flats with ankle-length jeans.
Speaking of which, here’s how those flats would look with cropped flares…
Evereve Arlo Smocked Top
top (S) // jeans (29) // flats (8) // sandals
This top is made of a lightweight crinkle rayon fabric, and it has a smocked yoke with a flattering split neckline. The thick straps keep it bra-friendly, and it has a relaxed fit that is slightly longer in the back.
I styled it up here with brown platform sandals and a coordinating belt, and I added jewelry from my collection with Victoria Emerson that is coming out in a few weeks.
I gave it a front tuck, but since it’s 23″ long in the front, I can leave it out if I want a more relaxed vibe. This top is going to get a lot of airtime in my wardrobe this fall!
Evereve Ayla Printed Banded Shell
top (S) // jeans (29) // sandals
Here’s another option, if you like these “moody florals” as I like to call them. This top has the banded waist, and the fabric is your typical woven polyester.
The floral print is grounded on a navy background rather than black, and the v-neck is a little bit deeper — probably not as easy to wear for women with larger chest sizes.
I like this one a lot, and I hung it in my closet, but I left the tags on. If I don’t wear it after a week or so, I’ll probably return it. I like it, but I have a feeling I’ll reach for the Arlo smocked top instead since they basically serve the same purpose in my wardrobe… although one is black and one is navy, so maybe not!
Citizens of Humanity Isola Cropped Bootcut Jeans
at Anthropologie // at Evereve // at Nordstrom
These jeans are a cropped bootcut style; they have a 27″ inseam with a 17″ leg opening and a 11 1/4″ front rise. I highly recommend getting to know these denim measurements and what works best for you. It makes shopping for jeans online so much easier.
While these have a higher rise than is ideal for me (I prefer the 10″ front rise on the Mother flares above), I love everything else about them so much, I’m willing to make that concession.
The fabric is super soft and stretchy, but they hold their shape. They also have a button fly, and they come in a light wash version as well as white. I have the size 29, so you may want to size up if in between.
Evereve Josie Ribbed Tank
top (S) // jeans (29) // sandals (8)
This ribbed top is a good one. I love the way they designed it with the gussets under the arms. And even though it’s a stretchy, ribbed fabric, it doesn’t cling to every lump and bump.
They describe it as having a relaxed fit on the Evereve website, so I don’t think they intend it to have as much of a body-con fit as most stretchy ribbed tops.
It’s 22 3/8″ long, so that’s pretty short, but not cropped. This will make a nice layering piece as we get farther into fall, but it can be worn now as-is with pants or jeans.
I love this rust color, but it also comes in cream, and it runs true to size. I think I’m keeping this one!
Frame Le High Raw Hem Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
These jeans have a 28″ inseam with a 14″ leg opening and a 10 1/2″ front rise, so they’re basically a slim straight ankle-length jean. This style is quite versatile; you can see how they work equally well with heels or flats…
Evereve Suri Asymmetric Tank
top (M) // jeans (29) // flats (8)
This top, unlike the one above, is not forgiving at all. I’m wearing the medium, and it’s still very clingy… and not in a good way. I like the asymmetrical neckline and the pretty plum color, but otherwise, it’s a no bueno for me. Straight to the return pile it goes!
Evereve Pucker Plaid Top
top (S) // jeans (28) // boots (8.5)
This is another top I’m not crazy about. It’s just too covered-up with the high neck and long sleeves. I do like the smocked cuffs and the plaid print in saturated fall colors, but I can’t get excited about the fit. It’s not terrible, it’s just not me.
I do like it paired with the black jeans and black booties, though. If I was going to keep it it, this is how I would style it.
Ann Taylor Spotted Petal Tee
top (S) // jeans (28) // boots (8.5)
Okay, we’re back to Ann Taylor with this one! Like the one at the top of the post, it’s is a bit heavier than your typical woven polyester fabric — more of an elevated tee than a blouse.
I like the weight of it, and the print is really pretty, but it’s rather snug across the chest, and it fits kind of funny through the waist. I love the tulip sleeves, though, and the modest scoop neck.
It’s a bit heavy with the boots, so I decided to see how I like it with a slingback sandal. This could work.
Here it is with the Vince Crop Leggings, and this time I’m showing it untucked. It’s just a little too long, which throws off my vertical balance, and it also creates a line right across the widest part of my hips.
I like the shorter length of these pants better with these shoes, though, and it all works when I give the top a front tuck.
The only thing holding me back is, the tulip sleeves add volume where I don’t need it, but maybe I don’t care… I kind of like this outfit.
I should try it with my WHBM bootcut pants, as the width of the bootcut pant should offset the wider shoulders of the top for more balance.
Halogen V-Neck Sweater
sweater (S) // jeans (29) // boots (8)
Now I’m back in my comfort zone with a fitted sweater, flares, and ankle boots. This sweater is one I couldn’t have worn before my surgery, and it’s still rather boobalicious, but I like the ribbed stitching details in the knit.
This is the pink tulle color, but it comes in a few other pretty shades of pink/purple as well as neutrals like black and white. It’s true to size, and you may also notice, the sleeves are suuuper long. I don’t mind, but I have long arms.
As an aside, I like the length of these flares with these low-heeled boots. They aren’t grazing the floor, but they’re definitely fitting like a full-length jean, not an ankle jean.
Both lengths are in style, but I feel like this really flatters my shape. Here’s a better view.
But about that sweater…
Free People Brookside
sweater (S) // jeans (28) // boots (8)
I ordered this sweater after seeing sooooo many “influencers” talking about it. Now, mind you… I know me, and I know Free People, and I know we are not compatible.
But after seeing so many girls raving about how cute and comfy and soft and cozy it is, I decided to see what all the fuss is about.
Well! This, my friends, is why I typically stay in my lane. Even with a front tuck, I look ridiculous. It’s just too much material, and way too trendy for my modern classic style.
Oh, well. It never hurts to try!
Bobi Washed Thermal Henley
top (S) // jeans (28) // clogs (8)
For a trendy vibe, I much prefer this henley-style thermal, although it has its drawbacks too. For one, those drop shoulders.
That horizontal seam sits right beside my chest, which is not where I care to draw attention. But because it fits so snug to the shoulders, it doesn’t make me look broader there, and the open neckline is flattering, so I think I can overlook that.
It’s also quite short, which I don’t always mind with the top fits closer to the body, but because it has such a loose fit, it hangs awkwardly around one of the widest parts of my body… and that is never a good idea.
I think I can do better for a thermal henley style top, however, can we just take a moment to acknowledge the fit of these jeans…
I don’t think I’m gong to miss my skinny jeans. Just sayin’!
Old Navy Slouchy Layering Sweater Vest
sweater (S) // jeans (28) // clogs (8)
I love the sweater vest trend this fall, but the two I’ve purchased are pretty spendy, so I ordered this one from Old Navy to have a lower priced alternative to show you.
The website description calls it slouchy, but I would not describe it that way. I’m wearing my usual small, and it fits, but it looks kind of bulky.
Also, it’s a rather thick knit, but it’s soft, so I don’t hate it. I would just want to size up to get a more slouchy fit.
Banana Republic Dolman Sweater
sweater (S) // jeans (28) // clogs (8)
Now this one, I love. This difference in quality is evident from the moment I opened the packaging. As you may know, Old Navy and Banana Republic are owned by the same parent company, but Banana Republic is a more elevated brand.
The knit fabric is a viscose/polyester blend, so it’s sleek and soft, and I love a dolman sleeve to soften my broad shoulders.
It has a wide, banded waist, but it’s not tight. They call this color Iced Latte Beige, but I call it a cool camel.
I like it with the dark wash flares and cognac clogs in the pictures above, but I also wanted to see it with the Sam Edelman Agnes Western Boots in the Sesame Suede. These look good too!
And here they are with the AG Farrah Bootcut Jeans. These jeans have a 32″ inseam with a 19″ leg opening and a 11 1/2″ front rise.
To remind you, the Mother Raw Hem Flares have a 32″ inseam with a 21″ leg opening and a 10″ front rise… so they’re the same length, but these AG Farrahs have a high rise as opposed to a mid-rise and the extra 2″ in the leg opening makes them more of a flare than a bootcut. They also have a lighter wash with more distressing.
Here’s a side-by-side, for anyone debating the two.
The dolman sweater runs true to size, and it also comes in ivory and black, although the black must have sold out.
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Flare Jean in Delavan Wash
jeans (29; need a 28) // sweater (S) // clogs (8)
And these jeans are the last item I have to show you. They’re from Madewell, so the price point is lower than the AG, Mother, and Frame pairs I showed above. They’re also more of a traditional rigid denim, which is definitely trending right now.
These jeans have a 32″inseam with a 22″ leg opening and an 11″ rise, so they’re definitely a full-length high rise flare. I’m wearing the 29, and they’re very roomy, so they must run big because most jeans are fitting me well in the 29 these days… ahem, menopause.
I think they’re meant to have a more relaxed fit, since that is trending right now and Madewell is usually on top of the newest trends, but these are still too big.
All that said, the rear view isn’t as bad as I had feared. I’d like to see how the size 28 fits, so I’ll order a pair and report back.
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You look great in the flares! I love the boobalicious comment .. lol
These are all great transition tops to wear casual or to work. Thanks!
Thanks for all your time and hard work, love all of the what’s trending post. This post was really helpful as well, especially the tutorial on why to tuck for the illusion of a smaller waist line.
Great post, Jo-Lynne. The new jean trends are killing my budget as I only dipped my toes in the water last year and ended up with some duds. (I bought a couple of pairs of straight-leg jeans that were not premium denim and disliked them from the start. I should know myself better by now. 4 pairs of perfect jeans are so much better than 8 pairs of meh.) I, too, am loving the new shapes of denim, and my 60-year-old body is thanking me for the grace they provide. I liked the silhouette of skinny jeans, but I love how the looser jeans aren’t so clingy. I now have a new pair of longer bootcut, a shorter pair of bootcut, and a straight pair. I think I want a cropped pair as well, now. I love the look with my go-to Chelsea boots. I already ordered the rust-colored Evereve top and wish the BR top was still available in black as I look awful in camel and don’t want white. I like the short sleeve sweater trend because it stays warm in Delaware so late into the fall but I’m having a hard time finding one that’s just right. I like the look of the moody florals but am looking for a knit as I dislike the feel of polyester. I’ve tried quite a few knit vests and am finding that the bulky fabric doesn’t work with these broad shoulders. I like the look on others but I may end up sitting out on the knit vest trend.
Try-on hauls are my FAVORITE! Thanks for all the effort, the multi-angle photos, and the in-depth analysis… it’s what keep me coming back to your blog 🙂 Funny, I’ve had that FP Brookside sweater for a couple of years (two colors, actually,) but my style leans more casual than yours. FP is a persnickety brand, tho’, and I’ve found that fit varies from color to color in the same item, and the Brookside is no different. Not suggesting you give it another go, but for anyone interested, I do suggest trying multiple colors and sizes. I’m ordering the Evereve Josie ribbed tank– hope it looks as good on me as it does on you!!!
Oh gosh, I’m off to make multiple purchases. The side by sides are so helpful & I get tired just imagining all the trying on and picture taking so thank you for all the effort!
LOL! It does get exhausting. I have to gear up for it. 🙂
I love every one of these looks on you. I thought the outfit with the Evereve Pucker Plaid top looked especially gorgeous on you, but I get that the high neckline might not be your vibe. I really thought I had enough denim in my closet to “last me a lifetime”, but am now thinking I have to add another pair of boot cut (I have one pair now).
If I were you I’d keep the Ann Taylor tulip sleeve top. It looks nice. I also love the evereve smocked top.
You did a great job on this post. Such great photos showing different angles. You look good in the jeans you styled. I recently received 3 different jeans in 2 sizes each and maybe have one that might work. They were the premium denim on the NSALE but one leg was crooked, so I took them back and they reordered me another and still adjusted the price to the sale one. I’m kind of in-between sizes, so not sure if I’ll keep or not. Its been a battle to find the right rise, leg opening and length. I think if I had a little more height it would be easier. I’m 5’3″ about 120lbs. I don’t know how you don’t have trouble with the slouchy crotch area when you go higher than 10″ rise. The higher ones just don’t work for me and so many are. So needless to say, I’m very frustrated trying to find the right jeans and the shoes you style here are too high for everyday wear. I love the open weave clog, but they are 4″. All the booties new this season are high too. I don’t care for the pointed toe flats with the bootcut or flares and like you said then you have to have different length pants with different shoes. I was recently in a Banana Republic and they would be good for someone looking for workwear. Actually it was an outlet one, but with the same quality items. The whole store was neutrals though and I was a little surprise since more color is back in. I like the Camel top on you. Keeper for sure. Oh one last thing. How do you keep the darker jeans from fading on your suede booties? Now that the leg length of jeans is longer its going to be more of a problem. I’ve ruined many of mine with blue dye on them when I didn’t have the right length skinny jean or roll them enough. I LOVE suede boots/shoes especially for Fall, but living in the NW you only get a small window before the rains come and then the problem of dying the suede from the jeans. Do you put yours away once the rains come? I’m anxious to see what shoes you will wear once Winter comes. Could you do a Sorel boot post sometime. Two of my kids now live in Central Oregon that gets a lot of snow in the Winter, so I’m going to need a cute pair when heading their way. Thanks for all you do to keep us updated.
I don’t put my suede boots away, but I wear them less in inclement weather. I actually try to buy weatherproof suede, like Blondo or Aquatalia. I was wondering if the dye from the jeans would transfer to the boots… I hope not, maybe b/c of the raw hem it won’t?
I’ve been looking into waterproof ones like Blondo, but still would have the dye issue. Yes, even if the hem is raw it will dye the suede. My darker jeans were raw hem. : I have a pair I still love the style and heel height and can’t wear them anymore because the top of the boot is dyed. Good luck.
You shared some great tops with us, as well as jeans. I have the ON sweater vest, and mine does fit slouchy. I really like the style of the top from Banana Republic, especially the banded bottom. Like you, Free People and I don’t have a good relationship. I hope that you have a great day!
“Free People and I don’t have a good relationship” haha!
I love that floral Ann Taylor blouse, especially for early fall! I agree the length and buttons are an issue, but it’s almost too cute to return! Did you consider having the length shortened? It’d be an easy fix for a good seamstress. I’m short waisted and do this a good bit with tops that are too long. I loved that plaid top too, do you think the high neckline could be offset by a necklace? Btw I can’t wait for your Victoria Emerson collab!
Yes, that’s a good point. If I really needed it and If I loved the ruffle sleeve, it could easily be shortened.
I wouldn’t put a necklace with the plaid top, it already has too much going on up by the neck for me. I would feel claustrophobic, haha! Plus, I just look better with an open neckline, or if it has a high neck like that, sleeveless works best.
I totally agree with you on the plaid, high neck blouse. I bought one very similar a couple years ago that was navy plaid and the same style neck and sleeves. Its from LOFT. I thought I was going to love it but when I wore it, I just didn’t feel right with the high neck for some reason. I never grab it and need to just get rid of it.
Love so many of the tops in this post from Evereve. I also am designated a “pear” in the one class that you took that I think is very comprehensive and worthwhile but agree with you that using the shoulders is a much better indicator of balance. Whenever I wear anything with volume at top I feel like a football player with pads but when I wear more form fitting clothes I seem to shrink a size!