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Try-On Haul: LOFT, Chico’s, Gap, Nordstrom, Madewell & J.Crew

Happy Friday, friends! Cheers to the weekend!🥂It’s time for another try-on haul!

This week I have some tops, pants, dresses, and a couple of pairs of shoes as well. I ordered from LOFT, Gap, Nordstrom, Madewell, J.Crew, and even Chico’s!

For anyone just tuning in, I’m 5’5″. I wear a 6 or 8 (28 or 29) in pants and jeans, a small in most tops, and an 8 in dresses.

Product links are underneath the pictures of each item. TTS = True To Size.

Try-Ons: LOFT

As usual, LOFT is running a sale this weekend… 40% off your purchase, plus 50% off full-price tops and sweaters! They have a lot of nice transition pieces for late winter/early spring.

I’m always looking for a good base layer for under jackets and cardigans, and this black mixed media shell is great for that! It’s not too low in the front or under the arms, and it’s regular bra-friendly.

It’s kind of long and swingy, so I gave it a front-tuck. You can wear it either way, depending on your preference.

LOFT V-Neck Mixed Media Shell (size S) // This is a versatile closet staple at a good price. It also comes in a solid blue, and it’s currently 50% off with code LOFTIMIST! This top runs TTS; I’m in the small.

also wearing: Madewell jeans (TTS) with Stuart Weitzman sandals (Black Dress Nappa on sale!)

This is the same top as above, but in a print. You can see here how nicely it fits around the arms…

If you’re a regular to these posts, you know that deep armholes are a pet peeve of mine.

I like a floral grounded on black, but I’m usually not a huge fan of the tight, small scale florals. This one is pretty cute, though.

You can always add a denim jacket or blazer on top to break up the print. Add a necklace and maybe a belt, and it’s an outfit!

LOFT Vine V-Neck Mixed Media Shell (size S) // This is a cute top for spring, and it could be paired with so many different colors. It has all the same qualities of the black one above, but in a fun print. It also comes in a solid blue, and it’s currently 50% off with code LOFTIMIST!

also wearing: Madewell jeans (TTS) with Stuart Weitzman sandals (Black Dress Nappa on sale!)

This top also has a modest v-neckline, but it’s more casual than the two above. It also has long sleeves, so it’s more of a transitional piece.

The material is soft and and drapes nicely, and it feels good against the skin. The fabric is 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex.

I like the seaming details on the sides, and I don’t even mind the drop shoulders because they fit pretty close to the arms and don’t add any visual bulk.

It’s longer in the back than the front, which is not my favorite look, but I know a lot of women like that. It definitely covers the bum, if you’re looking for that.

I like this top with the white jeans, but the sandals are a little dressy with it. I’ll probably wear sneakers or loafers, and it will also be cute with blue jeans.

LOFT V-Neck Dolman Tee (size S) // This is a nice casual top for transition season, and it’s a beautiful shade of pink. It also comes in a really pretty blue, and it’s currently marked down to $19.99 + 40% off with code LOFTIMIST! It runs TTS; I’m in the small.

also wearing: Madewell jeans (TTS) with Stuart Weitzman sandals (Black Dress Nappa on sale!)

I did switch to jeans and loafers for this top. I love this henley style tee! It’s flattering and comfortable.

This top is cut straight all the way around, and it hits mid-hip (25 1/2″ long.) The fabric is 66% Rayon, 31% Polyester, 3% Spandex.

It has traditional on-shoulder seams, and the arms are cut nicely — they’re not tight, but they have a slim fit for a flattering silhouette.

It fits close to the body without clinging, and you can wear it untucked or front-tucked, depending on your preference.

Here you can see it front-tucked with sneakers…

And I ordered the ivory too…

I like the coral best, but this is a nice neutral, and it would also layer nicely under cardigans.

LOFT Henley Tee (size S) // This casual top is a step up from a plain tee but just as versatile and easy to throw on with jeans this spring, or even shorts for a cool evening on the beach in the summer. It’s true to size, and currently 50% off with code LOFTIMIST!

also wearing: Rag & Bone jeans (TTS) with Everlane loafers // Veja sneakers // Treasure & Bond sandals

Yoiks! Who needs self tanner!?!

This tee is whimsical and fun. It’s cute enough to wear alone, and would also look great under a denim jacket with colored pants or jeans… I should have thrown my denim jacket on with this look, but I didn’t think about it at the time.

It’s 100% cotton, so all natural fibers, but it’s boxy and quite thin. I still like it, although I do wonder how well it will wash. Sometimes LOFT tops don’t wash well for me, but I’m going to keep it and hope for the best. I’ll wash it with delicate and hang to dry.

LOFT Beach Bird Tee (size S) // This is a fun little graphic tee for spring and summer that you can layer under a jacket or wear on its own. It would look great with jeans, jean shorts, or any color pants or shorts as well. It’s true to size; I’m in the small.

also wearing: LOFT skinny utility pants and Madewell sneakers

Here’s a close-up of the pants; they’re from LOFT as well. I love the utility style pockets, and the color is really pretty for spring.

The frayed hem looks kind of cheesy to me; I’d be tempted to cut them off and leave a raw hem, but that’s a personal preference.

I also think I’d like them better if they were a little shorter. They have a 27 1/2″ inseam, and I’d like to see them closer to 26″. (FYI, they also come in petite with a 25 1/2″ inseam.)

Here’s the rear view, and I think they look really good from behind. The pockets are sized nicely and well-placed.

I get a lot of questions for more about what to look for in rear pocket placement. I like my rear pockets to sit pretty much perfectly square on my “cheeks.” I don’t like it when they’re too big or too far apart or too low or too high…

It’s really very subjective. You just need to take pictures and compare them and see what looks best to your eye. Just whatever you do, don’t ignore the rear view. Pocket placement really can make or break a pair of pants.

LOFT Skinny Utility Pants (size 6) // This is a great pair of casual pants for spring! I like the styling and the color, and I think they’re flattering, but I would cut off that hem.

I’d say they run true to size; I’m usually a 6 in LOFT pants, but with my recent weight loss, I probably need to size down to the 4. These fit nicely, but they’re a bit roomy, and I can pretty much guarantee that they’ll stretch out as you wear them.

They also come in blue and tan, and they’re 40% off with code LOFTIMIST.

also wearing: Madewell Sidewalk Low-Top Sneakers

Madewell Sidewalk Low-Top Sneakers in Spotted Calf Hair and Suede (size 8h) // I’ll slip these Madewell sneakers in here since I’m wearing them with this look.

These are very comfortable, and I love the spotted calf hair and contrasting blush stripe. They’re really fun for something different, and I think they’ll look great with black jeans.

They run TTS or a bit small; I’m usually an 8 or 8 1/2 in sneakers. 8h = 8 1/2 in Madewell sizing.

They’re currently 15% off for Madewell Insiders (20% off for Stars and Icons.) It’s free to join Madewell Insiders, and in addition to perks like this, you get free shipping and returns on all orders.

I also ordered these white cropped jeans, and I like this chewed hem better than the frayed one on the utility pants. The workmanship still isn’t comparable to the premium brands, but for this price, they’re cute and fun.

The jeans themselves are fairly thick. I’m in the size 28, and I while they’re a little loose, I’d be nervous to size down because I don’t like my white jeans to be too snug since they’re not very forgiving.

The fabric is 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex, and they have a 10 1/4″ rise with 26 1/2″ inseam — a length I really like for spring and summer. (FYI, the petite has a 10″ rise with 24″ inseam.)

If you don’t already, I encourage you to learn and know your preferred inseam. It makes shopping for pants and jeans online SO much easier!

LOFT Chewed Hem Slim Pocket Skinny Jeans in White (size 28) // Overall, I really like the fit of these. They’re thick enough to be modest, although you can see the seams and pockets through them. I’d say they run TTS for LOFT; size down if in between, and they’re also 40% off with code LOFTIMIST.

also wearing: J.Crew Crewneck Pullover in Vintage Cotton Terry with Madewell Sidewalk Low-Top Sneakers

Try-Ons: Nordstrom

I have a bridal shower coming up in a few weeks, and a wedding later this spring, so I ordered a few dresses to try.

I actually had this dress in a different print last year, but I returned it because I didn’t know where I’d wear it.

I think I liked that one better. I’m not crazy about the flower placement on this one.

The one thing to be aware of is this dress has several high slits. It might be worth having them sewn together, if you’re concerned about modesty.

It’s a faux wrap, and you can just pull it on over your head. I also appreciate that it is sewn together so it doesn’t gape in front.

French Connection Floral V-Neck Maxi Dress (size 8) // This is a pretty dress if you have an occasion for it. Maybe a different dress would have different flower placement… It runs TTS, and it’s currently 40% off!

also wearing: Stuart Weitzman sandals (Bambina Dress Nappa on sale!)

This dress is the same brand, but I’m much more comfortable in this silhouette.

It’s also a faux wrap, but it isn’t sewn together like the one above I’d like to have a snap put on it, but it still stays put pretty well.

I like this floral pattern a lot — the large scale seems more modern than smaller scale florals

This dress skims the body without clinging, but true confessions, I’m also wearing my new SKIMS sculpting shorts. I like them a lot under dresses.

It works with these shoes, but they will probably be too cold for March in Massachusetts.

I need to try it on with my taupe suede knee-high boots. Since it has long sleeves, I think that combo could work.

French Connection Raquel Floral Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress (size 8) // This is a great dress for work wear or church, and since it has long sleeves, you can wear it 3 seasons of the year. It’s flattering, and the quality seems decent. It runs TTS, or size up if in between. The 8 fits me perfectly. It’s also 35% off!

also wearing: Stuart Weitzman sandals (Bambina Dress Nappa on sale!)

How fun are these snake print espadrilles!?! Unfortunately, they’re already low inventory. They do come in solid beige, black, and yellow though.

I had a similar pair (in cognac) by the same brand last year, and I think every fashion blogger in the blogosphere had them too. I actually like the design of these a little better.

They’re very walkable and have a padded footbed, but they’re not made with the softest leather.

I’ll need to wear them longer to tell if they will give me blisters or not, but I did keep them.

Treasure & Bond Penelope Espadrille Sandals (size 7.5; more colors here) // These sandals are very much on trend for spring and summer. They’re fairly comfortable, but may need some breaking in.

Fit-wise, the ones I had last year were a little big on me in my usual size 8, so this year I ordered 7.5. These fit perfectly, and sometimes I do have to size down in sandals, so I’d still say they’re TTS.

also wearing: Rag & Bone Shredded-Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans (TTS and 25% off!)

This sweater caught my eye because of the cheerful color palette. It’s cozy enough for this chilly transition season but the colors make me happy.

Incidentally, I think it would look great layered over the ivory LOFT henley tee above.

Caslon Open Front Pocket Cardigan (size S) // This is a great sweater for transition season, and it also comes in solid black. It’s soft and stretchy and comfortable, but it runs VERY large, even for Caslon. I’d like to try it in the XS, so definitely size down if ordering.

also wearing: BR tee (runs small) with Agolde jeans (TTS) and Everlane loafers (size up half)

Try-Ons: Gap, Chico’s, J.Crew & Sperry

Here are a few more random pieces that came in this week.

This Gap hoodie is super soft and comfortable, but it’s very thin. The kangaroo pocket is visible, and it also sticks out kind of funny.

GapFit Breathe Pullover Hoodie (size S) // I wanted to like this, but it’s too thin and clingy for my comfort level, so I sent it back.

also wearing: Madewell jeans (TTS) with Veja sneakers

I’ve never shopped much at Chico’s, but for some reason I landed on their site and noticed this top. (I also ordered a necklace and earrings, which I like a lot.)

This sweater is fresh and fun for spring, but it runs verrrry big. I’m in the 0, which is a small in Chico’s sizing, and it’s still pretty big on me.

I like the double-V neckline a lot, and even though it has dropped sleeves, they don’t seem to add a lot of visual weight.

The cuffs are long and slimming, which is nice.

This sweater is a little longer than I prefer, at 27 1/2″, but because of the banded waist, you can place it where you want it.

It’s not particularly soft, but it seems to be well made. The fabric is cotton, polyester and linen.

Chico’s Spacedye Double V-Neck Pullover Sweater (size 0) // This is a great little casual top for spring! The shade of blue is trending, but it also comes in a pretty sand color if you prefer a neutral. Make sure to size down.

also wearing: Madewell jeans with Tory Burch Minnie flats

This stripe tee is from J.Crew, and it’s a great little spring closet basic. It has 3/4-length sleeves and a boat neck.

It has a split hem, and it’s cut straight all the way around.

The length is 24″, which is right in my favorite range. It’s short enough to leave untucked, but it can be front-tucked for a more modern look.

J.Crew Striped Boatneck T-shirt (size S) // This tee is a great closet basic, and the fit and quality is on point. It’s 100% cotton and made with some sustainable materials, and it runs true to size. Unfortunately, it’s not part of their current promo, so you may want to wait for a sale.

also wearing: AG Farrah skinnies with Everlane loafers

This pullover is also from J.Crew. At first glance, it looks pretty basic, but the subtle variations in texture give it a comforting worn-in look, and it’s garment-dyed for a nice depth of color.

Like the tee above, it’s part of their Re-Imagined line, which means it contains a sustainable material, like organic cotton, recycled polyester, or with certifications like Fair Trade.

It’s a great weight — not to thick, not too thin — and it’s comfortable but not especially soft.

I like this olive color a lot, but it also comes in a bunch of other colors, and some are on sale.

My only complaint is the length — at 22″, it’s more of a cropped look on me. I’d like it better if it were 23″ or 24″ long.

J.Crew Crewneck Pullover in Vintage Cotton Terry (size S) // If you like the cropped styling, this is a nice casual pullover for spring. (I’d even throw it on with shorts on a mild summer night.)

also wearing: LOFT Chewed Hem Slim Pocket Skinny Jeans in White with Madewell Sidewalk Low-Top Sneakers

Finally, a pair of rain boots! I have a pair of tall Hunters, but I thought it might be nice to have a lower shaft rain boot, and these are the duck boot style that’s a classic but also kind of trendy at the moment.

I was drawn to these lighter colors, which are fun for a change, and look more spring-like. These are the Ivory, although they look to be more of a blush in the online pictures.

These are very comfortable and soft inside, and they have some nice support in the footbed. They’re waterproof with a micro-fleece lining and cushioned insole for warmth and comfort.

They actually feel more like snow boots to me, but if you live in an area with wet, chilly spring weather, they’re perfect. Rubber rain boots can feel so cold inside, and I don’t always wear socks.

Sperry Saltwater Rain Boots (size 8.5) // If you live in a climate with cool, rainy springs, these are a nice addition to a casual wardrobe. I like the style better than traditional short rain boots, and they can double as snow boots if you need a pair of those too.

also wearing: J.Crew Striped Boatneck T-shirt with AG Farrah skinnies 

And that’s a wrap! I hope you found some fun pieces to add to your spring wardrobe, or if you’re not shopping right now, maybe some inspiration to shop your closet.

I’ve been trying to be better about putting full outfits together when I do these try-on hauls, so you can get some outfit inspiration along with my fun fashion finds.

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20 Responses

  1. I love these posts, Jolynne!  Sometimes you add a “verdict…” at the end (it maybe in a different type of post?).  I really like that!  It tells me a lot about what you really thought about the piece.  Your discernment on whether to keep something or not is very helpful because you share so much of your thoughts on quality.  When you mention your keeping an item I know the quality is there!  Thanks!!  Krista

    1. Yeah, I waffle back and forth on including that. I share my thoughts on quality as I discuss each product, and whether or not I keep it depends on so many factors. I try on tons of clothes, and I can’t possibly keep them all. Just because I return something doesn’t mean I don’t like it or recommend it. And even if I don’t like the fit, that doesn’t mean it won’t fit someone else perfectly. So yeah, there’s a lot of info about each item already, and adding the verdict after each one just seemed kind of redundant. 🙂

      1. Hah! I was reading the post and also thinking, “where’s the verdict?” because I also liked reading your “final thoughts”. But we can flex with it! #changeisgood Happy Friday!

  2. I have these boots in black and grey and I love them! This is my third winter with them and they don’t show any wear. I wear them for rain and cold weather and always get compliments. The footbed has lots of support and is super comfortable! 

  3. The pink LOFT dolman sleeve top with the drop back proves to be such an elongating and slimming look. Thanks for sharing.

  4. What’s the best way to figure out our preferred inseam? I’m also a little bit at a loss about inseams because there’s full length and ankle length… and probably somewhere in between, too. Any guidance for me? Also, does height directly relate to inseam, or can it vary based on if you’re high or low-waisted?

    1. I was thinking the same thing about inseams. I’m not sure what inseam is best for me. This may be silly but I don’t think it says it on the jeans? It may on the price tag but maybe I need to pay better attention and save time during try ons as to which I’d like and ones that won’t work. Always love the try on posts! 

      1. It won’t say on the jeans, but it usually does on the website. Some women carry a tape measure when shopping, but I can usually judge by holding them up, and of course, trying them on. I do most of my shopping online, so I always look at the measurements of jeans before ordering b/c the way they fit the model is often not the way they will fit me. Same with length of tops. The images can be deceiving, but once you know your favorite length (usually it’s a range), you can make better purchasing decisions and minimize returns.

        1. Thank you! I do see the inseam info when shopping online but was wondering when shopping in store. I need to pay better attention to this important info. I honestly never gave it much thought! 

    2. It depends on so many factors, and not all pants in your closet will be the same inseam, but I can usually hone in on a length within a range of an inch or so that works well with most of my outfits. It depends on your top and shoes, as well as your own height and body proportions. I know it sounds like a copout, but it really is trial and error. Most websites list the inseam length, so when you have a pair you like, you can use those to compare.

  5. Thanks Jo-Lynne! Some great options to consider. Can’t wait to hear about and see the cabinet finishing. I know Cyndi is getting ready to do that also. Something my mother is considering so appreciate hearing more.

  6. You tried on some really cute and pretty things for Spring.  I actually really liked the long floral faux wrap dress on you.  The style was very flattering.  Well dang on the countertops not being installed yesterday.  Are y’all still able to cook, etc., in the kitchen during this phase?  Have fun tonight!

  7. Thanks for putting all the work into this! Quick question – you mentioned the SKIMS. Do you like those better than Spanx? Have a great weekend!

  8. Great try on… love the white frayed jeans with the calf hair sneakers and the jeans with the stripe shirt. I wish the loft would offer the same deals to us Canadians, it would make on line shopping so much more attractive… oh well 🤷‍♀️

  9. I have been looking at that style boot for the last year. My daughter had a pair and love the look. I just didn’t know color I want. So many variations. I do love your neutral one. Just concerned for the light ivory in my rainy Northwest. Sooo cute on your. Boy, you put a lot of work into this post. Great finds. 

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