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Winter Fashion Try On Haul: LOFT, Madewell, Zappos, Nordstrom & More

Hi friends! Happy Saturday! I’ve got another new try-on haul for you this week. I’ve rounded up a bunch of winter and holiday styles from LOFT, Madewell, Zappos, Nordstrom, and more!

SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ with an hourglass shape, and I usually take a 6/28 in pants/jeans, a small in tops, and size 8 shoe. I tried to remember to note the size I’m wearing in the links above the pictures.

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LOFT Try-Ons

I ordered some dresses and holiday tops from LOFT during their Black Friday sale. Sadly, I forgot to photograph my favorite, but it’s on my Instagram Story, saved to the Try-Ons highlight, if you want to check it out. Also, LOFT is doing a mystery sale this weekend, with savings up to 50% off!

LOFT Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweater Dress

dress (S) // tights (B) // booties (8)

This dress is soft and cozy, and the fit is generous, but I feel like the print is overwhelming on me. I’m sharing it anyway because it might work for someone else. You could probably size down, if in between. The small feels good to me.

VERDICT: Returning; this one isn’t for me.


LOFT Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater and Shimmer Tweed Pocket Skirt

sweater (S) // skirt (sold out) // micro-fishnet tights (B) // tights (B) // boots (old) // booties (8)

Now, this is definitely a different look for me! At least, these days it is. I used to wear this type of outfit ALL the time. I’m talking, back in my college days. I loved a short pencil skirt skirt and tights with a fitted top back then.

I was drawn to this skirt when I saw it in the store, but I left it there because I didn’t think I’d have the opportunity to wear it. Then I decided to go ahead and order it to try. This ribbed turtleneck is very soft and comfortable.

You can see it here tucked and untucked. I pretty much never tuck a top, but in this case, it seems to work. The skirt is short enough to offset the tucked-in top and still keep my proportions in check.

I’m also wearing micro-fishnet tights in these pictures. I’m not sure about the look, especially with the length of the skirt.

Here it is with the opaque tights and booties. My daughter said it looks like I’m wearing a unitard with a skirt on top, haha! I think I might like it better with tall boots and opaque tights. Maybe I’ll give that a try before I decided to keep or return.

VERDICT: I like both pieces, but I’m not sure I have a place to wear the skirt, and I don’t really need the top without the skirt. I guess I could wear this out to dinner or to the Nutcracker at the end of the month.

Also, a note about the tall black leather boots in this post. They’re a few years old, but I recently got these suede ones. I didn’t wear them with these outfits because I had just sprayed them with suede protector, and they were outside drying, but I’ll be styling them with a few looks this week. They’re gorgeous boots, nice quality, and currently on sale at Zappos! I got the 8.5 because the 8 was sold out, and they fit fine. So they’re true to size, or size up if in between.


LOFT Sequin Flutter Sleeve Top

top (S) // jeans (28) // boots (old; consider these)

This top is so fun for holiday parties. You can wear it with jeans as I did here, but I would probably pair it with black pants or jeans to dress it up some.

It has flutter sleeves, a v-neck, and a high/low hemline. The fit is easy, and I appreciate that it isn’t clingy, and there’s nothing to futz with. It runs true to size; I’m in the small.

VERDICT: Holding onto this one. I hope to get a chance to wear it!


LOFT Velvet Puff Sleeve Top

top (S) // jeans (28) // boots (old; consider these)

I always love velvet at the holidays, and this top does look good with blue jeans, I think. But maybe with pumps instead of the boots? I was in a hurry and didn’t want to change pants and shoes with each top.

I will say, this top is a little snug around the arms and chest. It looks okay once I got it on, but I wasn’t sure I was going to get it over my shoulders. I also noticed that the sleeves don’t really stay put as you move around. It’s really cute though! Maybe it wouldn’t look too bad if the sleeves ride up some, they would just look a little puffy, I guess.

Here it is with a front tuck. It doesn’t really need it though.

VERDICT: Holding onto this one as well, but keeping tags on for now.


Zappos Try-Ons

1. State Cross-Back Crew Neck Sweater

sweater (S) // jeans (28) // boots (old; consider these)

This sweater is really fun because of the unexpected back detail. I also like the blouson sleeves for added interest, and it’s nice that the neckline is modest in the front. The knit is soft enough; it’s not exceptional quality, but it doesn’t feel cheap and itchy either. This sweater also comes in black.

VERDICT: I actually kept the black and wore it out to dinner last night. Alison took some pictures of that outfit; I’ll be posting them next week sometime.


BB Dakota by Steve Madden Little Wing Dress

dress // tights (B) // booties

Another sweater dress, this one from Zappos. I like the detail on the shoulders in theory, but I don’t think it does much for me. If you have narrow shoulders, it would look better. I also don’t care for the length of the sleeves; they look and feel short to me. As you probably know, that’s a major pet peeve of mine. It’s generally a sign that the designer was cutting corners.

VERDICT: Returning. This isn’t something I would reach for, and it’s not really my color either. But it’s soft and feels comfortable on. If you’re petite, you might like it.


Tentree Highline Turtleneck Dress

dress (S) // tights (B) // booties

Now this one, I like. For one thing, the knit is thicker and softer, and I love the generous sleeve length. I also like the raglan sleeves and the relaxed turtleneck with ribbed trim. This dress doesn’t have a lot of shape to it, but I don’t feel like it is un-flattering either. It’s pretty plain, but cozy, and I like it.

VERDICT: Keeping. I can see wearing this to church or out to dinner this winter.


A Few More Random Try-Ons

I just have one piece from Madewell this time, but it’s a good one! I’ve also got a few pieces from Nordstrom and Backcountry.

Madewell Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweater

sweater // jeans // boots (old; consider these)


I ordered this sweater on a whim, when I saw it on the Madewell website. I love the colors, and it looked cozy and warm. I first threw it on with the same skinny jeans and boots.

Then I decided to try it with lighter wash jeans and tan boots. I like this color palette much better, and the shorter length of the sweater works well with the cropped jeans. I also like how the flared leg offsets the volume of the top.

These boots came from Evereve, and they’re really comfortable and right on trend with the lace-up styling and lug sole.

I like them, but they’re kind of rugged for my personal style. I’m learning that I feel like this every time I try to wear lace-up boots. Evidently I like them on everyone else but not on me.

So then I switched to these square toe boots with a tall, narrow shaft and Western-inspired styling. This feels much more me, although I’m not sure the style of the boots and sweater are the best pairing. The sweater has that cozy, slightly preppy après-ski vibe, which isn’t quite right with the Western style boots.

But I do really like the denim and boot pairing…


Vince Camuto Ackella Bootie

jeans // booties

I ordered these boots because I was hoping the shaft was tall enough and slim enough to fit under straight crop and crop flare jeans, and it works!

I really like the color and style of these, and these also come in black. The goring isn’t that exposed elastic like typical Chelsea boots, but they still have the convenient pull-on design. The stacked heels create a pleasing contrast. These boots are true to size; I ordered my usual 8M.

VERDICT: Keeping!


Prana Milani V-Neck Sweater

sweater (S) // jeans (28) // boots (old; consider these)

This sweater was an accidental purchase. I have it in the grey from a post I did with Backcountry a few weeks ago, and I think it hopped into my cart when I was checking the price or something. Anywho! It came, and I like the color and the style so I thought I’d try it on.

VERDICT: Returning, as I really don’t need it, and it’s too lightweight for our Pennsylvania winters. But it’s a nice option for those who live in warmer climates.


Treasure & Bond Cozy V-Neck Hooded Sweatshirt

hoodie (S) // jeans (28) // boots (old; consider these)

This is also too lightweight for winter here, but I wish I’d had it for fall. It’s suuuper soft and comfy. I like the combo of the hood and the v-neckline. That’s hard to find. I also love the color and the shorter style.

This easy top is also on sale in the tan cumin and green park, and this is the red syrah. The color looks more accurate on the website than in my pictures. It also comes in a nice beige oatmeal heather, a really pretty shade of salmon, and a versatile charcoal grey, but those are full price.

VERDICT: Keeping, I think. I love this color, and I don’t have much of it. I’ll wear it on milder days this winter and also this spring and next fall. I managed to snag it when it was 40% off over Black Friday weekend, but it’s currently 20% off and selling fast.


Vince Deep V-Neck Sweater

sweater (S) // jeans (28) // sneakers (39)

Finally, I threw this Vince “sweater” into my cart because it looked promising. I love that neckline and the length of the sleeves, and it’s really nice quality, but it’s more of an elevated tee than a sweater. I’m not really sure why they call it a sweater. It’s nice, but I don’t think I’ll reach for it.

VERDICT: Returning! I don’t think I’ll get enough wear out of it to warrant the price tag.

And that’s it for today. If you have any retailers you’d like to see featured in upcoming try-on hauls, feel free to let me know!

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30 Responses

  1. Love the plaid short skirt outfit, reminds me of outfits I wore in the “ole days”. Looks good the way you’re styled it but I would love to see this outfit with “over the knee boots”. I’ve never had any boots that tall, not practical for me now; but I love the look of them with certain outfits. Also love the green top with jeans and tall black boots, really looks nice on you.

    1. You know what? They would be PERFECT with this. I have a pair of Stuart Weitzmans that I loved — very high heels though. Would definitely need the right place to wear them. But could work great with those fishnet tights b/c you’d only see a bit of leg, and it would help break up all the black. I’m definitely going to try that!

      1. Yes! I’m still all about that look with the trim turtleneck sweater, skirt and boots; reminds me of the “mod” look I used to try and go for back in the late 60’s. Oops! telling my age! Still love it though. My grandmother was a seemstress and could whip up the cutest short wool skirts for me with the interesting textures and plaids with just under a yard of material. Boy, I thought I was made and finished!
        Have a great weekend!

        1. Yessss! I was going to say the same thing about that, too (lol!): that the turtleneck-with-miniskirt/tights-look looks like something right from around 1966! I’m not of the 60s generation (born in ’74), but I can remember we tried to revive a style like that while I was in high school in the early 1990s: opting for a bodysuit instead of the turtleneck and, always, with Mary Janes for shoes!

  2. Love this try-on session, especially that Madewell sweater! I just purchased a pair of light taupe lace-up boots with a soft lug sole from Earth Origins that are so comfy and look great with my cropped flairs or straight leg jeans. And I’m very happy to bring back my knee high boots, so classic! Thanks for all the great ideas. Oh, I would also like to see a post on more holiday tops (not heavy sweaters) to wear with basic black pants or holiday bottoms. I think you mentioned you had something like that in the works! Have a great weekend!!

    1. Where did you get your boots? I am looking for that exact boot because last year I bought a black pair of Earth Origins lace up boots and they were so comfy and I love them but would like a lighter color in addition to these! Thank you!

  3. I love everything! The sequin top is in my cart, so festive but I’m not sure if I have any place to wear it yet.

  4. My favourite of this try-on post is the Madewell Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweater with the lighter wash jeans and lace-up boots. That outfit looks awesome! Have a great weekend, Jo-Lynne!

    1. I totally agree. The lighter wash crop jeans with the laced up boots and the Madewell Fair Isle Turtleneck is my favorite. I think you look perfect in that outfit. And I am not one for the Chelsea boots.

  5. I love that you’ve brought back the “verdict” piece! I always enjoyed knowing what you actually put into your closet and why.
    I also REALLY love the shirt and turtelneck outfit, it’s totally me and even the fishnets. I’ve got both black and nude and (when I actually wear tights) I grab for them. A little feisty and spicy yet….classic as well.

  6. I love most of these pieces! I’m allergic to wool, however, so I would love to see alternatives to the gorgeous Madewell sweater in this post and the Vince cashmere sweaters that contain no wool or cashmere. Thanks, Jo-Lynne..I feel like I finally found a blogger who most closely represents my style (or the style I’d like to have 😂).

  7. Jo-Lynne, do you think the square toe boots will stick around long or be “out” In a year or two? I saw some I really like (and find pointed toe usually very uncomfortable), but I don’t want to spend the money if they’re not at least somewhat a classic.

  8. I’ve got a bit of a fashion emergency. I need an outfit for a dressy-casual Christmas party next weekend. It’s at someone’s home, but will be indoor/outdoor. Our weather is just now getting colder and at night dips down into the low 50s. Plus this house overlooks the ocean so it might be foggy combined with the cold air. I’m sure they’ll have heaters all around but I don’t want to be cold, but I don’t want to wear a heavy jacket all night either. I’d like to wear a short dress with tights or black shear pantyhose and heeled booties. Any recommendations? I’d need to be able to have it shipped pretty quickly. Let me know! 😘

      1. It’s really cute! On the LOFT website it looks a little orange-red which is not the best shade of red on me. Send me a picture of you in the dress! Thank you!!
        I’m looking at Macy’s online right now too.

          1. I ordered two different ones from LOFT using your link and one from Macy’s. Hopefully they all arrive mid week so I can have choices! Thank you for your feedback!! 💕

  9. The grey sweater dress is my January/February office work outfit to-a-tee (they can REALLY get uncomfortably hot unless it’s the middle of Winter!). I’m 5′ 7″ and, also, have to mind whether a top or dress I may like will (otherwise) look ridiculously short and wind-up going back (uggghh!). So: I just pair higher calf boots with the tights and, any self-consciousness about “showing too much skin” (with regards to one’s age or it’s just the wrong time of year, ha!) is not an issue (for me). I LOVE the way microweave or herringbone fishnets can accessorize a hum-drum outfit to rock a “high-end European-ish vibe”. I don’t know why, but: opaque black tights tend-to make my calves look heavier than they are. I think as long as the fishnet ISN’T some “wild” spider web or diamond pattern (with an obvious “trashy lingerie” connection), they’re cute and so much more breathable on your feet.

  10. I like the plaid skirt on you with the opaque tights and tall boots. That is a cute look for those of us going back into the office in January. Thanks for this post!

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