A Chico’s Try-On For Early Fall
I headed into Chico’s last week to try on a specific jacket and found lots of other great pieces. This isn’t a large try-on, but it has some treasures. For reference, I’m 5’4″, about 134 pounds, with broad shoulders and fairly straight hips. My wide shoulders mean I often wear one size larger on top than the bottom.
If you’re not familiar with Chico’s sizing, they use their own sizing system, which can take a minute to decipher. As a general guide, 000 = 0/XS, 00 = 0–2/XS, 0 = 4–6/S, 1 = 8–10/M, 2 = 12–14/L, 3 = 16–18/XL, and 4 = 20–22/XXL. Some styles are also offered in half sizes. Many pieces come in petite, and some pants come in tall inseams. I’ll include the Chico’s size I’m wearing with each piece so you have a better idea of the fit.
These barrel jeans have a very gentle curve, so they’re an easy way to try the trend, which is still going strong this fall. The high waist helps balance the shape, and the regular 26.5-inch inseam is perfect for me. They’re also available in tall, but not petite.
Barrel jeans work better with a shorter or more fitted top so you can still see some of the shape of your torso. So I styled them with this contour tank, which comes in several colors. It’s mostly cotton with plenty of spandex, so it keeps its shape without feeling too body-conscious. The double-layer fabric also helps smooth things out and smooths over any lumps and bumps.
I topped it with this 3/4 sleeve no-iron white shirt, which also comes in several colors. Chico’s makes one of the best no-iron fabrics, so I own 2 of these in white. They have enough stretch to be very comfortable without losing their shape. I was thrilled to find this long-sleeve version online. Unfortunately, it wasn’t available in my store. I often tie my button-downs at the waist for a little more definition, but I also like the casual look of wearing them long and open.
This animal-print shirt has a cool-toned, low-contrast pattern that could be very versatile in a wardrobe. It doesn’t have the in-your-face feel of the black-and-orange cheetah prints we see so often. The no-iron fabric feels crisp but not stiff, with just enough stretch to keep it comfortable.
I styled it with these Chico’s Trouser Jeans. The dark wash is a nice change for fall, and the trouser shape gives them a more polished look. The petite length wasn’t available in the store, so I had to fold up the hems on these regulars. They have slash pockets, just like trousers, which I think elevates the whole look. You could style these with a blazer and nice shoes for a casual dinner out.
Here’s the same animal-print shirt styled with taupe and olive. Keeping the pants and jacket in related earthy tones creates a longer, calmer line, while the print adds interest without taking over.
This sweater blazer is one of the most popular colors I’m seeing for fall. They call it Mossy Grove. I call it olive. I love the contrast of the warm-toned jacket with the cooler tones in the shirt and pants. Pushing up the blazer sleeves or letting the shirt cuffs show would also help break up the layers.
The pants are the popular Juliet Knit Pants in Urban Taupe. I was thrilled to find a petite pair in the store because, as we know, petite sizes are usually relegated to online shopping.
They’re an easy-to-wear pull-on style with a smooth elastic waistband. Thank goodness the days of obvious elastic gathered across the front appear to be behind us. On this pair, the elastic isn’t visible from the back either. The smooth front and flat waistband help tops and sweaters skim over them rather than catching at the waist.
MORE LIGHTWEIGHT FALL JACKETS:
Let’s start with this fabulous Ponte Knit Blazer. I’d spotted it online and couldn’t wait to try it on. The knit is stretchy and smooth, and it fits beautifully through the body with some nice shaping at the waist. Then there’s the lining, which is just plain fun. The fabric is soft enough to roll the cuffs and show it off, so of course I did.
I was going to bring it home, but my daughter asked, “How many black blazers do you own?” Fair question. It stayed at the store.
These Juliet ankle pants have a flat front seam, which gives them a longer, slimmer look and adds a bit of structure. The waistband is similar to the Juliet pants above and, IMHO, one of Chico’s smartest design details.
The tank is a customer favorite season after season, and perfect for layering. It comes in tons of colors every season, and this one is Soft Latte. I like how the lighter neutral softens all the black and makes the outfit feel less formal.
I think this Band Jacket is fabulous. It’s not a great color on me, but if it were, I’d happily add it to my blazer collection because the style is so distinctive. The toffee color looks great with brown, black, red, blue, or green, so it’s more versatile than it may seem at first. The braided trim and gold buttons give it a bit of a band-jacket feel that some may see as campy, but I see as fun.
These straight-leg So Slimming jeans are clearly too long and too large for me, but I wanted you to see the pretty color. It’s called Eucalyptus, and it’s a terrific neutral for fall. It would work beautifully with other earthy shades, but also with navy, burgundy, or winter white. These come in tall, but not petite.
I paired them with this Touch of Cool striped tee in a toffee tan and white stripe. Repeating the jacket’s toffee shade in the tee makes the combination feel pulled together, while the white lightens everything up near the face. The Eucalyptus jeans work as a softer alternative to blue denim and keep the outfit from becoming a column of brown…although I do love a nice column of color.
Have you seen the new Chico’s collection? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this Band Jacket. Would you wear it?