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Try On Haul: Mostly Denim, Sweaters, and A Few Cute Holiday Tops!

Good morning! Today is my usual Try On Haul day, and I have a lot of pictures saved up!

I also really want to get my Black Friday Sale Guide out to you because sales are starting early, so rather than posting ALL my try-ons, I’ve pulled out my favorites and the ones that are still well stocked, and hopefully I can get my Black Friday post up after that.

I will also call out the sales on the items I’m trying on, so that will give you a preview of some of the great deals out there right now.

I’m hoping to spend some time with my family today, so we’ll see how it all goes. These try-on hauls always take longer than I expect. I would say I’ll try to keep my descriptions brief today, but we all know that never happens! 😂

SIZING NOTES:I’m 5’5″ and 135 pounds, with an hourglass shape. Unless I say otherwise, I’m wearing a 6/28 in pants/jeans, a small in tops, a 6 in dresses/jumpsuits, and size 8 shoe.

J.Crew Try-Ons

J.Crew is currently doing up to 60% off gift guide ideas, plus an extra 20% off your purchase with code SHOPSALE.

J.Crew Turtleneck sweater in leopard supersoft yarn $128.00 $69.50 (45% Off) + 20% off with SHOPSALE

This sweater is that super soft, stretchy knit, but it’s thick and feels good quality. (Sometimes that type of knit feels really cheap to me.)

The fabric is polyamide/merino wool/alpaca/elastane, so beware if you are sensitive to wool.

I really like the leopard print. Again, some leopard prints look chinzy, but they did a great job with this one, and the shade of the camel color. I also appreciate the generous arm length and the way the turtleneck is soft and not at all constricting.

It definitely has a slightly oversized fit, but it has on-shoulder seams, so it doesn’t add a lot of visual weight to the shoulder/chest area. It’s really good for a relaxed, cozy sweater that looks a little nicer than your typical solid pullover. It runs true to size; I have the small.

VERDICT: Keeping!

also wearing: Good American Good Legs Cropped Skinnies with AGL flats

Turtleneck sweater in multistriped supersoft yarn $118.00 $69.50 (41% Off) + 20% off with SHOPSALE

This is pretty much the same sweater as the one above, but in a stripe.

I think these colors are so cheerful and fun, but I think I like the way the leopard looks better, given the oversized/generous fit.

VERDICT: returning.; I prefer the leopard and I don’t need both.

Also, my AG Farrah skinnies are $50 off and TTS, and these Vince Camuto booties are 50% off, but size up half.

J.Crew Mockneck sweater in supersoft yarn $89.50 $39.50 (55% Off) + 20% off with SHOPSALE

I’ve shared this one before, but I wanted to call it out because it’s also included in this sale.

I kept this evergreen color, and I really love it, especially going into holiday season. It looks Christmassy without being too literal. When everyone else is wearing red, I think it’s fun to wear green!

It comes in TONS of colors, though, and the fit is TTS.

J.Crew Alpaca-blend crewneck sweater $89.50 $49.50 (44% Off) + 20% off with SHOPSALE

I thought this sweater would be nice for layering under vests because of its close fit, and I was also thinking it might work well with the straight crop jeans that I’ve been playing around with.

I also really like the subtle details like extra thick ribbed collar/cuffs/hem, and I was drawn to the gorgeous color choices, so much so that I ordered this wisteria as well as the fuchsia.

It’s definitely soft and comfortable, but it’s just a tad short and snug through the body — and not in a good way. Even with high rise jeans, I feel like it throws off my proportions and looks skimpy. It’s 22″ long in the body, for anyone who pays attention to such matters.

Here it is with a straight cropped style of denim. I definitely like it a little better with these than with the skinnies above… I dunno, it still looks uncomfortably short to me. I think I’d feel like pulling it down all day long.

The color and quality of knit is beautiful, but I think it would be more flattering on someone who is petite with a smaller chest.

VERDICT: returning. I am trying too hard to like it. I really love this color, though. I hope they offer it in a different style.

J.Crew Factory Try-Ons

J.Crew Factory is doing 50-75% off everything, plus Very Merry Deals all week long. 

J.Crew Factory Vintage straight jean with cut hem in asphalt wash $22.50 (71% off)

These jeans are sooo soft and comfortable right out of the box. I was really surprised because this style usually comes in that stiffer traditional denim. I didn’t want to take these off.

I also think they’re fairly flattering for the straight crop silhouette. As you all know, it’s not my favorite, but I don’t mind these.

I did feel them starting to stretch out, even in the short time I had them on, so while they are true to size, and fit perfectly in the size 28, I do wonder if I should size down.

Of course, I had to try them with some different shoes and boots. With my P448s

With the Marc Fisher Chelsea boots

And the Vince Henderson boots…. These are on sale again, you guys!

VERDICT: I’m probably going to keep these because the price is so ridiculously good, and they are comfortable as all get out. I’ll let you know if they bag out with wear…

also wearing: Vince wool & cashmere sweater (40% off; size S)

J.Crew Factory Cotton Fair Isle crewneck sweater $39.50 (50% off)

I absolutely love this sweater, and for the price, you really can’t beat it. The quality feels nice — not quite as nice as the “real” J.Crew sweaters above, but close enough.

This print is so cute, and the acorn brown color is perfect for Thanksgiving!

It just has a really easy, comfortable fit, if that makes sense. It fits close to the body without clinging anywhere, the sleeve and body lengths are both very nice — just long enough to be comfortable, but not so long as to look oversized of schlumpy. Perfection!

I’m wearing the small, and it fits perfectly, so I’d say it’s TTS.

VERDICT: Keeping!

also wearing: AG Farrah skinnies ($50 off; TTS) with Vince Camuto booties (50% off; size up half)

Amazon Fashion Try-Ons

Amazon is already running their Black Friday Deals. I doubt any of the items I ordered are included, but if you’re doing your holiday shopping, it’s a good time to check out their current promotions.

Jouica Lightweight V Neck Batwing Sleeve Knit Top $27.99

This sweater comes in tons of colors and patterns, and this is the Wine Red. (The color is more true on the website, everything looks brighter on my iPhone camera, for some reason.)

It’s a nice, soft knit with a relaxed fit, and a little longer than some, which I know a lot of you like. I like the seaming detail down the front, and it has a flattering v-neckline.

The fabric is viscose/poly/nylon so it’s nice for those who can’t wear wool, or if you live in a warmer climate and don’t need heavy sweaters this time of year.

I feel like this sweater is a good value for the price point, and it ships free with Prime. It’s TTS; I’m wearing the small.

I also ordered this sweater in the Khaki Leopard. Again, it has an easy, relaxed fit and it feels soft against the skin. I don’t hate it, but the quality is obviously not on par with the Ann Taylor and J.Crew sweaters in this post.

Still, for the price, it’s a decent value, and it ships free with Prime. Again, it’s true to size, and I’m in the small.

Daily Ritual 100% Cotton Boxy Crewneck Pullover Sweater $29

I ordered this sweater after a few ladies in our FB Group mentioned how much they love it. It’s nice that it’s 100% cotton, but I don’t love the swingy fit on me personally.

This color is really pretty, though, and I like the extra wide ribbing at the collar/cuffs/hem.

I would say, if you want a relaxed cotton sweater at a really good price point, this one is worth a try. It ships free with Prime, and I’m wearing the small.

VERDICT: returning; I have others I like better.

Saodimallsu Turtleneck Oversized Sweater $35.88

I ordered this after a blogger friend recommended it so highly. I wanted to see how I liked it, and if I could recommend it to you all. This is the Khaki — and I thought it was going to be a pretty camel color, but it’s a lot more yellow in person than what is shown on the website.

If you like the oversized/slouchy look, I think this is cute. I like the popcorn knit (I’m not even sure if that’s a thing… I just made it up) with the chunky rolled/ribbed mockneck, cuffs, and hem.

It’s definitely longer than I like, but I know some of you like that, and it can be front-tucked.

The quality is meh, in my opinion. I can’t find the fabric content listed on the website, and it came with no tags or anything. It’s not itchy or super thin or anything, but it doesn’t impress me either.

VERDICT: returning; the quality just isn’t there for me.

Daily Ritual Supersoft Terry Long-Sleeve Hooded Pullover $28

This top is more along the lines of the quality I’ve come to expect from Daily Ritual. It is verrrrry soft on the inside, but on the thinner side, so nice for mild weather.

I really like the design, the way it’s fitted through the body, the curved hemline, long enough to cover the assets… it’s definitely made for leggings.

It runs TTS, or you could size up for a more relaxed fit; and it ships free with Prime.

VERDICT: keeping! Very cute and comfy, nice for stay-at-home days.

also wearing: P448 sneakers and Lululemon leggings

Nordstrom Try-Ons

Nordstrom just started their Cyber Deals, where you can save up to 50% off store-wide. Also, Nordy Club members can earn up to $60 in extra Bonus Notes, depending on the size of your order.

SO MUCH is on sale, I can’t even begin to call it all out, but I do want to draw your attention to the Halogen cashmere — specifically, the v-neck sweater I have in oatmeal and black, as well as the turtleneck and the crewneck versions. They’re all good, and a great value for the price point at 40% off!

Okay, as for my try-ons…

Madewell Donegal Jason Ex-Boyfriend Pullover $78.00 $54.60 (30% off)

I’ve worn this before, but I wanted to give it a full review. It’s a longer fit, with a more slouchy silhouette, thus the “ex-boyfriend” thing, but I like the soft, stretchy knit and the low v-neck. It’s just easy and comfortable.

The color is a little deeper of a rust-burgundy than shown here; the color on the website is accurate. It’s really nice for fall and pairs well with black and blue denim.

It runs TTS; I’m wearing a small.

VERDICT: Keeping! I will probably wear this for Thanksgiving.

CECE Festive Ditsy Ruffle Trim V-Neck Blouse $69

This is not on sale, and it is low inventory, so I’m just giving it a quick mention, but it’s cute, and this brand has a lot of nice, festive tops at decent prices.

VERDICT: probably returning… don’t think I’ll need it. I like it tho!

Michael Stars Elena Boxy Mixed Media Top $98

There is something I really love about this top, and I can’t quite pinpoint it because it is so simple. But I think that’s exactly it. And the fabric is just luxe enough to look fancy without being extra.

(Pardon the dirty mirror!)

It has a satin front and a jersey back, so it’s comfortable to wear all day. It’s the perfect top for entertaining, when you may get overheated… you know how that goes!

The boatneck is perfect — so flattering, but not at all revealing, and the way the sleeves hang… I just love it.

VERDICT: Keeping!

also wearing: Kut from the Kloth Donna black skinnies with Marc Fisher pumps (15% off), Victoria Emerson bracelet, and Pandora necklace and earrings

Kut from the Kloth Carina Faux Suede Drape Moto Jacket $98

This jacket came from Trunk Club, and I thought I’d show it to you in case you’re looking for a lower priced alternative to the BlankNYC suede moto I wear so much. This is the Brandy color.

It has a nice fit and feel, and it seems like good quality. Because it’s the faux suede, it has stretch to it, which is nice. (The fabric is 95% polyester, 5% spandex faux suede.)

It runs true to size; I’m wearing the small.

VERDICT: I returned it; I didn’t love the color on me, but it does come in a few other options, if you like the style but not the color.

also wearing: Boden turtleneck with Mother Looker crop skinnies and Marc Fisher boots (ON SALE!)

Side Note: I cannot believe these booties aren’t sold out yet. I love them, and they’re 50% off! (I kept the Cloud Suede, but I had the Natural Suede at one point, and they’re really good too.)

Reformation Cashmere Blend Sweater $148

Reformation is a sustainable brand that is gaining popularity, and this pullover caught my eye when I was shopping in Nordstrom a few weeks ago.

It’s another one of those tops that is so simple, it almost seems too plain and basic, but there’s just something about the fabrication and the cut…  I couldn’t resist bringing it home with me.

I sized up to a medium for a little more length and a slouchy fit, but maybe I should have stuck with the small. I dunno, though, sometimes it’s nice to throw on something a wee bit oversized.

I will say, this fabric is thinner than some, but again, sometimes that’s nice. You don’t always want a super chunky sweater.

If you live in a warmer climate, this might be a good option for the colder days.

It also layers easily under jackets. I wore it under my AllSaints leather jacket for our family photo shoot.

I’m wearing the grey, but it comes in camel as well as a few stripe patterns. I tried on this pretty Serenade Stripe in the store…

VERDICT: Kept the grey. I like the stripe, but I know I’ll get more wear out of the grey.

also wearing: rag & bone Dre slim boyfriend jeans (size down; 25% off — see more below)

Straight Leg Jeans Try-Ons

Okay, so… back to the straight ankle jeans experimentation. I really don’t have time to deep dive into this today, and really, I should probably just save them all for a dedicated post. But it’s the holidays, and I’m swamped and don’t know when I’d get to that. So! Real quick…

You will notice these are all black/grey. That’s because I find myself gravitating to that denim wash SO much right now, and I was hoping to find a straighter style that I like as much as my skinnies.

rag & bone Dre slim boyfriend jeans in Night Ride $225.00 $168.75 (25% off)

Since I like my rag & bone Dres from the #NSale, I thought I might like the grey for fall/winter. These have the following measurements: 27″ inseam; 13″ leg opening; 9 1/2″ front rise; and I’m wearing the size 27.

You definitely need to size down in these.

They’re very comfortable, I will say that for sure. And the length seems to work with the Marc Fisher Chelsea boots, although they do get caught on them sometimes as I move around. I think I just need to get over that.

I swear, I thought I had more pictures of these… I’m sure I did. Oh, well! I can’t find them now.

VERDICT: Undecided. I think they work, I need to play with them more. I’m just not sure I like that lower rise, especially with the straight crop look.

Madewell Slim Demi-Boot Jeans in Barnsbury Wash $128 + 30% off for Madewell Icons

I fell for these after seeing a (much taller) fashion blogger style them and look amazing in them. When will I learn…

They are very stiff and rigid, which I realize is supposed to be “part of the charm” but I don’t feel like I would grab them as much as, say, the J.Crew Factory ones above that are sooo soft and comfy and already feel worn in. The rag & bone Dre are also a lot more comfortable than these.

The measurements are 27″ cropped inseam, 10 3/4″ high rise, fitted through hip and thigh, 14 1/2″ kick out leg opening. So they are similar in inseam length and leg opening to the others in this section.

I mean, in pictures, they aren’t bad. They do get caught on the back of the Marc Fisher booties, though…

And here they are with the Vince Henderson… not bad!

Again, I thought I had more picture with other sweaters/shoes, but I don’t see them now.

VERDICT: Returned, if I’m going to wear these a lot, they need to be more comfortable.

MOTHER The Tomcat Cropped Ankle Jeans $288

The price on these is ridiculous, I know, but I saw some chatter about the Tomcat style, so I ordered a couple of pairs for experimentation purposes.

While I still don’t love this silhouette on me personally, I feel like these work better with the Vince Henderson boots than anything else I’ve tried. Take a look…

I tried them first with the Leith ribbed dolman. I think the shorter length of this top works well with this style of jean.

I also threw them on with the Sanctuary camo sweater.

Then I wanted to see how they would look with a puffer vest/turtleneck combo… yeah, I dunno. I mean, it works, I guess. It’s all just a bit too masculine or rugged or something.

Also, I’m confused about the measurements. These are supposedly 27″ inseam, 10.75″ rise, 12.5″ leg opening… but the rag & bone Dre (above) look a lot shorter, and also list a 27″ inseam. Also, these same jeans at Anthro list a 14″ leg opening, so I dunno… they do seem a tad slimmer than the Madewell, which I like.

I actually bought these twice, from two different retailers, not realizing they were the same jeans. D’oh! So I have some other pictures from a different day.

I kind of like them with the pink Vince

So far these are the only jeans that don’t catch on these boots or make them look really weird around the ankle area.

I also tried them with my slimmer Aquatalia booties, for the sake of comparison…

They actually kind of work with a cuff too… these booties have a very tall, slim shaft.

VERDICT: I still have these, so I’ll play around with them some more. Not sure I’m keeping… at least not unless they go on sale. But at least it gives me some measurements to work from.

A Few More Random Try-Ons

Banana Republic Relaxed Chunky Turtleneck Sweater $98 +50% off and add’l 10% off with EXTRA10

Banana Republic is doing 50% off everything + 10% off with EXTRA10.

This turtleneck is exactly what it says it is — chunky and relaxed. It’s cozy and cute — not exactly what I’d call figure flattering, but sometimes that’s not the point.

It’s 55% cotton, 23% recycled polyester, 22% polyester — so no wool content, if that’s what you need. For a chunky, cozy sweater, that’s kind of hard to find. I’d say this runs TTS; I’m in the small.

Ann Taylor Fair Isle Sweater $109 (50% off + free ship for cardholders)

Ann Taylor is doing 50% off plus free shipping for cardmembers, and 50% off select styles for everyone else with code SOFESTIVE.

This sweater caught my eye because I thought it looked so festive and fun for the holidays, and it’s a slightly classier take on your average fair isle sweater.

The colors are black and gold, in case you can’t tell… a lot of times people tell me blacks look blue in my pictures.

I will have to say, I wasn’t as thrilled with this sweater as I’d hoped to be. It fits kind of small all over, and it’s also quite short. I guess I should have realized that, as the length is listed as 22 1/2″ on the website.

Anyway, I would want to size up if I were to keep it. Otherwise, it’s a beautiful knit and really nice quality.

VERDICT: returning; I don’t love it on me.

also wearing: Kut from the Kloth Donna skinnies and Everlane loafer mules

And I think that’s a wrap! Whew! And I’m even done by 10am. SCORE!

I always have a time that’s my end goal when I start one of these posts, but they usually take twice as long as I plan for.

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30 Responses

  1. Love the J Crew Fair Isle sweater….. Drats….. My size sold out. Its a cute spin on traditional Fair Isle sweaters with the acorn color. Thanks for doing these try on sessions – my fav. Have a great weekend!

  2. Once again, thank you for doing a try-on haul. You do a great job picking and supporting and giving your recommendations!

  3. I own the  J Crew Factory Vintage Asphalt jeans and I’d recommend sizing down one size because they do stretch out a bit.  They are so comfortable though, that I wore them for a 7 hour drive without regret. I also have the Vintage Inky Blue jeans and they have basically the same fit. I’m 5’4” and the length on these come right to my ankle bone (perfect for me) but may be too short if you’re a couple inches taller.

  4. I think the Mother Tomcat straight leg jeans are the most flattering. They seem to create a long, lean silhouette & look good with everything you tried them with. BUT $288 yikes!

  5. I always look forward to your Try-On Hauls! Even if there is nothing that I am inspired to buy, I really like looking at how you put together outfits to help with creating my own outfits. I was just wondering about the Vince Camuto Gradina booties that you are wearing in some of these photos and a lot of your other posts as well. I love the look of them, but a lot of the reviews on the Nordstrom site say they are uncomfortable as they rub on the ankle. Do you find them to be comfortable, and did you get your usual size or go up a half size? (I usually find Vince Camuto booties to run a little small and often go up a half size).

    1. I did size up half in the booties. They’re stiff, but I don’t find them uncomfortable. But I haven’t walked miles in them either. 🙂 I definitely think the Marc Fisher booties are more comfortable, but they’re a different look, and harder to pair with skinnies b/c of the higher shaft.

  6. Thanks for the try-on haul, Jo-Lynne. I love the $288 jeans on you. I’m even tempted to order them, but am ever-so-slowly losing weight on IF still and am in between sizes, so I will resist. It looks like Nordy’s has a ton of things on sale, I just haven’t had time to look through it all.

  7. I have also tried so hard to make cropped straight jeans work, and I just can’t.  I’m 5’5″ and I believe that 27 inch inseam is too long for cropped and too short for ankle and so the length just ends up in no man’s land!

  8. Once again I read this while out deer hunting.  I’m tired just thinking about everything you tried on.  That should count as part of your daily exercise.  I like so much of what you tried on.  The one thing about straight jeans that my brain has a hard time ignoring is that they hang underneath my thick bum.  It has been a beautiful day here, even with the clouds.  It was perfect weather for me to mow the yard so I could mulch all of the leaves.  I hope you have had a great day!

  9. Have to agree with Donna, you look great in the Kut suede jacket. It’s a fresh color combo for you. I own the “popcorn” sweater & 100% agree with you on quality. Funny, I also refer to it as “popcorn.” Mine is orange which is really a dusty pumpkin. It was perfect for several campfire nights and passing out trick or treats. The color limits it’s season, so price met function. It washed/dried surprisingly well. Looks big on you tiny lady. I got a S, I’m 5’6”, 150# still fits loose.  To anyone pondering the DR hooded tunic. I have 4 in diff colors, including the stripe. All now in their 3rd year. I wear them over my workout gear – all the time. Still look good as new.

  10. I remembered what you said about getting credit for anything I buy on a site if your link was what I used, even if I buy more than for what the link was. I needed to buy some pillowcases at Nordstrom and wanted to also get one of the V-neck cashmere sweaters, so used your link to the sweater, and added the silk pillowcases. And a couple more of items from the Nordstrom’s cyber sale. I truly appreciate your WORK, and will keep using your affiliate links. (just had to also grab one of the those V-neck tops from Amazon. I am realizing that I am underprepared for winter on the east coast after 15 years in SoCal!)

  11. Hi 
    I love your try on posts and appreciate all the styling ideas. 
    Do you have a previous post that gives tips for wearing booties with different length pants/jeans?
    I never know if I should cuff, how much skin should be exposed, wear a taller shaft boot??
    You get the idea!
    Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!

  12. Hi Jo-Lynn, love your blog – alas, am unsubscribing bc I wear small petite and find myself spending far too much time trying to find what you post in my size. Will continue to see what you post on Pinterest.

  13. What a great try on session Jo-Lynne. I like the first animal print sweater and the green sweater you had on in the beginning. The striped sweater looks too big on you.
    Also the I agree with you about the deep amethyst blouse. Very pretty and I like the understated element of it as you can wear a statement piece of jewelry.
    I can’t believe you finished trying all that on by 10:00. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your day!! 

    1. Oh, my, I didn’t try them on that day. 🙂 🙂 I had the pictures already taken from over the past couple of weeks, but writing the post and uploading the pix does take quite a while.

  14. I’m not a fan of how the Mother the Tomcat cropped ankle jeans look uncuffed. The length makes them look more like a slim bootcut over the shaft of any of those boots you’ve tried them on with. Maybe it’s just the camera angle, or maybe they’re better for someone taller, but they don’t come off as a cropped ankle pant. They need to fall higher on the shaft of the boot, or even show a little skin between the boot and the hem of the jeans. Cuffed does make them  look better though.

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