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Try-On Haul: Tees, Shorts, Pants & Dresses

Happy Monday, friends! I’ve got a new try-on haul for you today. It’s mostly tops and shorts because they were the easiest to wrangle on and off over The Boot, but I also have two pairs of pants that I’m excited to share with you, and a couple of dresses as well. I actually ditched the boot for a few of these pictures, and I’m standing very gingerly in a pair of shoes.

Wearable Spring Styles for Women Over 40

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.

Madewell Relaxed V-Neck T-Shirt

at Nordstrom (S) // at Madewell (S) // KUT from the Kloth shorts (6) // Birkenstocks (39)

Details:

  • 21 1/2″ length (size small)
  • V-neck
  • Cap sleeves
  • 55% linen, 45% polyester

This is an easy striped tee to throw on with white or blue jeans and jean shorts this spring/summer. I like the boxy relaxed fit, modest v-neck, and shorter length that you can front tuck or leave out. It’s a breezy linen/polyester blend, and it runs true to size. I’m wearing the small.

VERDICT: Keeping! I already wore it once.


Splendid Faye V-Neck T-Shirt

at Nordstrom (M) // at Splendid (M) // KUT from the Kloth shorts (6) // Paul Green sneakers (8)

Details:

  • 23 1/2″ length (size medium)
  • V-neck
  • Short sleeves
  • 60% cotton, 40% rayon

Splendid does a really nice quality t-shirt, and I like this one for a more fitted style. It’s on the thinner side, but not quite see-through, and the length is pretty perfect. You can wear it fully tucked, front tucked, or untucked. It also works really well as a layering piece, as shown here.

VERDICT: Keeping; I wore it home from Florida last month.


Joe’s Jeans The Jessie Frayed High Waist Relaxed Denim Shorts

at Nordstrom (29) // at Bloomingdale’s (29) // Splendid t-shirt (M) // Paul Green sneakers (8)

Details:

  • 4″ inseam; 24 1/2″ leg opening; 11″ front rise; 15″ back rise
  • 99% cotton, 1% elastane

I’m always looking for good denim shorts, and Joe’s usually has good ones. I liked the Ozzie for the past few years, but I like how this Jessie style plays into the more relaxed styles that are trending. I’m just not thrilled with that frayed hem. I prefer a more natural raw cut hem, if I’m going to wear cut-off jean shorts.

VERDICT: I love my AG jean shorts with the raw hem, so I didn’t keep the Joe’s, but if you’re looking for a pair, you might want to give them a try.


Cropped Linen-Blend Shirt

at Gap Factory (S) // Splendid t-shirt (M) // Joe’s Jeans shorts (29) // Paul Green sneakers (8)

Details:

  • Straight, cropped fit.
  • Hits just above the hip.
  • 55% Flax (Linen), 45% Cotton

This cropped button-up top is made of a breezy linen/cotton blend, and I really like the shorter length. It’s perfect for layering over a tank or tee, as shown here. I’m not usually a fan of collared shirts, but this one has a fairly relaxed collar, and I didn’t find it too cumbersome.

VERDICT: I’ll hold onto this one for a bit to see if I reach for it. I don’t often wear a button-up like this, but it’s a nice way to add some variety to my wardrobe. I think I might also like it with the lavender linen pants below.


LOFT The Modern Wedge Tee

at LOFT (S) // Joe’s Jeans shorts (29) // Paul Green sneakers (8)

Details:

  • 25″ length (size medium)
  • Round neck
  • Cap sleeves
  • 60% Cotton 40% Modal

I like this for a more elevated t-shirt. It has a similar silhouette to the Madewell stripe tee, but with a round neck rather than a v-neck and a slightly longer length. The fabric is a smooth cotton/modal blend, and it has a nice drape when front tucked. (I would not wear a shirt this long untucked.)

VERDICT: Keeping! I love a white tee, and this adds some variety to my collection.


High Rise Dad Short

at Abercrombie (29) // Splendid t-shirt (S) // Paul Green sneakers (8)

Details:

  • 5″ inseam
  • 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane

These shorts run small; the 29 is pretty snug. They’re supposed to have a relaxed fit, but I think the size 30 would swallow me. Otherwise, I like the 5″ inseam and how they’re cut a little longer in the back. I just don’t think this is a particularly flattering style on my body. I like my shorts a little more fitted.

VERDICT: Returning, but worth a try if you like a more relaxed fit.


KUT From The Kloth Jane High Waist Denim Shorts

at Nordstrom (8) // Splendid t-shirt (S) // Paul Green sneakers (8)

Details:

  • 3 1/2″ inseam; 24 1/2″ leg opening; 10 1/2″ front rise; 14 1/2″ back rise (size 8)
  • Zip fly with button closure
  • Front patch pockets; back patch pockets
  • 97% cotton, 3% spandex

Now, these I love! They’re nice and stretchy, which can be hard to find in white denim, and they have a clean hem and trendy utility style pockets. For size reference, I usually wear a 6 in KUT from the Kloth shorts and pants, but I sized up to the 8 in these.

VERDICT: Keeping! I need a nice pair of white jean shorts, and I love these.


KUT From The Kloth Meg Fab Ab Raw Hem High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Jeans

at Nordstrom (6) // at Zappos (6) // at Evereve (6) // Splendid t-shirt (S) // Dolce Vita slides (8)

Details:

  • 27 1/2″ inseam; 23″ leg opening; 10 3/4″ front rise; 14 1/2″ back rise (size 8)
  • Zip fly with button closure
  • Five-pocket style
  • 98% cotton, 2% spandex

These raw hem wide leg jeans are that KUT from the Kloth Meg style that I like so much because it’s cut a little closer through the hips and thighs than most wide leg pants, which works well for me. (See me in the olive chino version HERE.)

I’m aware that wide leg pants are not the most flattering silhouette on my body type, but I do like the look, so I’ve worked hard to find a style that I can wear and feel good in. I’m happy they offer so many variations on this style!

I love how they did this vibrant strawberry color in a subtly faded denim with a raw hem. They’re so eye catching and summery and fun. This is how to do colored denim in a modern way. I can see topping it off with a denim jacket, or maybe that Gap Factory linen blend button-up shirt. For size reference, the size 6 fits me just fine in these.

VERDICT: Keeping! I can’t wait to be out of The Boot so I can wear them with sandals or white sneakers. I think I like the length, but I also might consider trimming them a half inch or so, to look more like they’re pictured online.


KUT From The Kloth Meg High Waist Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants

at Nordstrom (6/8) // Splendid t-shirt (M) // Dolce Vita slides (8) // Paul Green sneakers (8)

size 6 // size 8

Details:

  • 30 1/2″ inseam; 23″ leg opening; 12″ front rise; 14″ back rise (size 8)
  • 50% linen, 48% rayon, 2% spandex

I love the look of breezy linen wide leg pants, but they’re usually designed with an elasticized waistband, which does not flatter me at all. I need structure through the midsection, so I love how these have a flat waistband that buttons and zips.

They are that same Meg style as the strawberry denim ones above, but these are designed to be full length, which works well for the linen fabric. For size reference, I tried them in both the 6 and the 8, and the 6 is a little too snug through the hips and bum, whereas the 8 gives me a more relaxed look that lends itself well to the breezy linen fabric.

VERDICT: Keeping the size 8! After I wash them, if they don’t shrink, I plan to shorten them just a smidge so they don’t buckle on top of my shoes, but still have that floor grazing look.


Ming Wang Abstract Floral Knit Dress

at Nordstrom (S) // Tory Burch slides (8) // Jenny Bird earrings

Details:

  • Jewel neck
  • Cap sleeves
  • 52% rayon, 48% polyester

This dress has such a nice and easy fit and feel. The bold print is a little outside of my comfort zone, but the navy and white gives it a classic appeal, and I like the graphic floral design. It’s pricey, but the quality is nice.

I have a black one from this same brand that I’ve enjoyed wearing on several occasions. I am wondering if I should try the XS, though. I thought it fit well when I tried it on, but looking at this picture, I wonder if it looks a little big.


Mila Mae Abstract Floral Maxi Dress

at Nordstrom (M) // Celine slides

Details:

  • 53 1/2″ length
  • Lined
  • 100% polyester
  • Hand wash, line dry

I thought the brushstroked floral pattern on this silky slip dress was so pretty, I couldn’t resist ordering it even though I really have nowhere to wear it. The gold almost looks metallic. It’s so shiny and pretty for summer events, and a great price, too! It just slips on over the head and has enough stretch to slide over the body, and it’s so flattering. The medium fits me perfectly, so I’d say it’s TTS or size up if in between.

VERDICT: I’m going to hold onto it with tags on, and see if I have the occasion to wear it.


Frank & Eileen Lauren Polo Dress

at Frank & Eileen c/o (M) // at Nordstrom (M) // Celine slides

Details:

  • 39″ length (size Medium)
  • Spread collar
  • Short sleeves
  • Chest patch pocket
  • 100% cotton
  • Made in the USA

Finally, this dress is also a bit spendy for a casual look, but you can’t beat Frank & Eileen when it comes to fit and construction, and the quality of materials. Plus their products are all made in the USA.

The Heritage Jersey is a t-shirt like material, so this is perfect for casual events, errands, etc. this spring and summer. I love how it gives a nice shape without being clingy at all. For size reference, this is the medium, and I wouldn’t want it any smaller, so definitely size up if in between.

VERDICT: Definitely keeping, I hope to have this dress in my closet for many years.

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26 Responses

  1. Hi there! I ordered the ming Wang dress and had such high hopes for it. I’m straight and I don’t have any hips so it just had no shape. Now that I’m looking at it, I’m wondering if I should’ve ordered the small? You’re right it’s a nice fabric for sure!

  2. Such a fun collection of pretty pieces! Any wide leg options for us shorter girls that might come in petite styles?

  3. Thanks so much for the details section on each piece! I especially appreciate the material composition and inseam on pants/shorts.

  4. Believe it or not, but the Walmart brand Scoop has a nice wide-legged linen trouser with a 30.5 inseam. Several colors.

  5. I’m looking for a dressy dress that could be worn for a wedding or graduation. I’m 5’0 and weigh 105 lbs. I’m usually in a 2 Petite. So many of the dresses in Petite sizing or either too frumpy looking or too juvenile. I live in south Louisiana where we have mild spring weather and hot summers! I do prefer my arms covered to a degree (doesn’t have to be long, though). Any help appreciated!!
    Thanks,
    Kathy

  6. You sure shared some nice things! I like the navy & white dress on you. Is your ankle still a bit discolored, like I think it is? I’m so glad that you’re starting the transition out of the boot!

    1. Yeah, a little bit. Plus, it always is misshapen from the pressure of the boot. I tried to photoshop it so it isn’t as gross looking, lol! Can’t hide the swelling tho.

  7. Hi…I love the look of wide leg pants as shown in the Kut. I have the same body type as you, I think. A little short waisted and hourglass. Why are they not flattering when I try them on? Thanks, Michele

  8. Too funny! I just received the Loft tee while reading your post!😂 How’s that for timing? The fabric of the Wedge tee does indeed drape nicely…right over my chubby midsection! I order them every year.

    Great post & thank you for the details.

  9. I’m glad you’re out of the boot. Your leg doesn’t look bad or too skinny. I remember when I got out of a cast my leg was so skinny I wore pants till the muscles built up. I like my wide legs to be fitted in the hips too. Loft and JCcrew factory carry petite sizes and they work for me. Some wide legs are way too wide and those can look clowny on a petite body. Love the pink jeans and lavender pants.

  10. You look like you’ve lost weight and I thought you’d be telling us you’ve gained from all the resting your ankle and no excercise. I can be down fighting migraines a week at a time and I can’t wait to get back out to my walking. I get claustrophobic if that makes sense. Will you get to start walking anytime soon? I like this try on haul. I like the wide leg pant/jean styles on you. I just can’t get them to work on my short frame. I feel frumpy. I prefer crop straight. Enjoy your weather.

    1. I have most certainly not lost weight, unfortunately, but I don’t think I gained. I am feeling very mushy, tho. I cannot wait to get back to lifting weights. I could have been doing upper body work, but I wasn’t able to drive to my trainer, and I’m hopeless at doing anything on my own.

  11. If you had to pick between the Splendid white tee and ATM slub white tee shirt, which do you like better? Which one is more see through and which do you prefer the fit? I believe you said you sized up in a medium in each too. We tend to where similar sizes so I use you as a point of reference.

    1. It’s hard to pick one, they are so different. I think the ATM tee is more versatile. It’s not as tight so I’m more likely to wear it as a stand alone top. Both are somewhat sheer, I don’t feel like I need something (other than a bra) underneath, but some women might feel differently.

  12. Thanks for featuring the Meg by Kut. I much prefer a more fitted wide leg and love the olive! Those purple linen pants are so cute on you too! They will be easy to dress down for a casual look or dress up for a summer date night. I’m sure you’ll get lots of wear out of them!

  13. I bought the F&E Lauren dress in the same color last year, and it’s my favorite casual dress. It’s great quality and easy to care for, and I’ll also have it for years to come. I like to wear it with white sneakers too.

  14. Jolynn, I love the Splendid rose colored top you’re wearing with denim blue and white shorts. On Northstroms site the closest one I see to that color is called Lotus but yours looks like a richer rose color. Can you tell me if that’s the right one?
    I’m so glad you are doing better from your injury.
    Thanks,
    Nancy

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