Chico’s Early Fall 2025 Try-On: Fit, Fabric, and Honest Favorites
Last week I tried Chico’s early fall pieces in two different stores, and the experiences couldn’t have been more different. In the first, a salesperson swooped in, convinced she knew exactly what I’d love, and promptly filled my room with things I’d never wear. At the second, the associate barely glanced up from her paper before pointing me to a dressing room.
Between the two, I’ll take the hands-off approach any day. I’d rather browse than be talked into something unflattering, ill-fitting, or simply not my style. Too often, women are steered by salespeople who are projecting their own taste instead of respecting yours. That’s why I share these try-ons—to show you what’s new without pretending everything works. I won’t photograph myself looking frumpy, tartish, or downright unstylish…at least not on purpose.
I think its so important to realize this – whether it is the salesperson you encounter, your best friend, or even what is first up on the website. You really have to use your intuition, and not be talked into something because it happens to be “in style,” “on trend,” or what works for someone else. Because unless they are a trained professional, its unlikely they know what is right for you. So, trust your gut, and have fun out there.
Now, let’s get to the clothes… I’ve broken this post into two parts– you’ll see the second half tomorrow.
I’m not sure if this midi denim skirt is meant to channel the western look that’s trending for fall, but it could certainly be styled that way. It’s a light, flowy denim made from Tencel that moves with you and doesn’t have the usual stiffness of cotton denim skirts. It’s quite long, which I like and it would go over boots nicely this fall/winter.
I tucked this black Henley shirt into the skirt to show the shape, but obviously, you could leave it untucked. If you do a tuck or a half tuck, I would add a belt because the belt loops will show and look weird. The shirt is a knit cotton/modal blend and also comes in spruce…which I’m loving for fall.
I would style this skirt with a simple knit black turtleneck, black knee-high suede boots, and big silver earrings.
I shared this outfit in this fall color trend post, but would like to add some fit, color, and sizing notes here. This suede moto jacket is in the trending mushroom color and is just lovely. I know it looks more like a tobacco color, but that is because of the lighting. It’s softly distressed and made from faux suede, not cowhide. I wish brands would make that clear in their titles, as it can be confusing. And since it’s polyester, it can be machine-washed. The snaps and zipper are bronze-ish, so they blend into the fabric well.
Underneath, I am wearing the microfiber tank they carry every season in colors to coordinate with the rest of their collection. I always size up in these, or they look shrink-wrapped on my body…not a great look at 69, (which I’m turning very soon). The Juliet straight leg ankle pants are a pull-on style in regular with a 27″ inseam.
The petite has a 25″ inseam, and the tall is 30″. If it were a toss-up between Juliet vs Brigitte pants, I would have a hard time choosing because they both look slimming and have a smoothing waistband. This tank and pant are both in darkest spruce.
This jacket would pair nicely with a sweater dress, which would compliment the faux suede with the extra texture.
This No-Iron Stretch Sateen shirt is also labeled a mushroom color, but it’s not as gray as the color Pantene talks about for fall. The fabric is described as sateen, but I didn’t notice much sheen, just a smooth no-iron finish. The shirt-tail hem looks nice tucked or untucked. I often leave them untucket. This shirt comes in 4 other colors and has full-length sleeves, which I am very happy to see.
The pull-on jeggings are in a color called Rocky Mountain, and they also come in black or Rose Smoke. These legs aren’t as skintight as some jeggings, which is a nice change. They have plenty of stretch, which makes them comfy.
Many of these pieces are already marked down, so I assume even newer pieces are on their way.
Last not but not least, I’m sharing an outfit I wore today — a day of working, hanging around the house, and running some errands. This black summer dress has been on a regular rotation for me this summer- its easy to wear, the shape adds some interest, and its microfiber so it doesn’t wrinkle. I’ve worn it all summer sometimes dressed down with a flat sandal, and sometimes dressed up–for dinner out.
What kind of sales person approach do you prefer– someone pushy or more uninterested? Do you like to shop on your own, or do you like assistance? Let me know in the comments, and see you tomorrow for Part 2.
I usually prefer to be left alone but once I needed a dress for an awards dinner and went to a small boutique where the owner was just amazing at finding the thing that was right for me – it was not something I would have looked at twice on the hanger, but on me it was another story – she knew her stuff, but then, she was the owner, buyer, stylist, etc. all in one, not someone hired to get a warm body for a time slot. Some salespeople are great, some not so great, but I think a warm welcome followed by backing off while being available for help and knowing the inventory is appreciated! I also remind myself that they are just trying to make a living and probably not working as a hobby, whatever their perceived faults may be, and they may just not be in the right job for them.
Hi, Jennifer: Your commentary woke up some long-ago memories of my sales training at Franklin Simon in New York. We were trained to spot the customers who needed help and those that didn’t through body language. It was a lovely place to work where I learned the fine art of customer service. We were paid a baseline hourly wage plus commission on high end items such as furs. We had an in-house tailor that did expert work at very reasonable cost. And then the clothing! High quality fabrics and construction, much of which you don’t see at all today. Ah, it was another place and time, but the bottom line was that the customer was always right – and we knew who to approach and who to leave alone.
Those were the days!
I think it’s nice to have a salesperson who checks in while I’m doing a try-on in case I need a different size or want to ask a question, but I definitely prefer do my being left alone to do my browsing and gathering items to try on. I also hate when they sort of shadow me, following me like they’re worried I might mess up the displays or stuff something in my purse. That doesn’t happen often, but I actually walked out of a store one time without even trying on the items I’d collected because I felt like I was being stalked.
I love Chicos. The Chicos in Asheville was in an area that was devastated by the flooding caused by hurricane Helene last September. All the stores in that strip mall closed after the storm and haven’t reopened yet. I really miss being able to try on the items that interest me, but currently I just have to take a chance on ordering online.
I like to be noticed when I come into the store, and for a sales person to ask if I am looking for anything in particular, and to offer to provide help if I need it. Ordinarily I like to be left alone, but a recent exception was my very first trip into a J Jill for a summer dress, and even though the sales ladies were more involved than I would have liked, I ended up with a fabulous long dress with appropriate crop sweater to cover my upper arms, and a size that worked much better than I would have chosen for myself! So I learned that sometimes it’s better to accept the help—-independent as I think I might like to be!
I prefer on my own with some gentle feedback. When I was shopping for a mother of the groom dress in the spring, a very young pushy saleswoman talked me in to taking 3 dresses home. I thought they were too tight and not my style but she worked me down. When I took them to my seamstress to be altered, she brought me back to reality and sent me back out to look some more. I went out on my own and found my dream dress at Nordstrom. Thank goodness my seamstress ( who is a friend) was honest with me!
My Chico’s in the Denver metro area is the same! They need to do a lot more training!
Agreed
Chicos is the only women’s store in our area so I’ve been going there for a long time. I remember when there were were. no mirrors in the changing rooms and the idea was you’d come out to a group mirror and the clerks would sell you jewelry and scarfs. Glad those days are over. We have a very friendly staff but they don’t push clothes on you.
I hate that Aritzia has no mirrors in the changing rooms.
Didn’t know that. My daughters love Aritzia. My worst experience at Chico’s was the time when there were 8 women sitting in the changing area watching someone try on dresses. I had had to make my way through the crowd to see myself in a mirror. I sent corporate a complaint…
More customers need to send corporate offices feedback on their shopping experiences
I admit that at my age I sometimes feel invisible so I’m always startled when a sales person is “overly helpful”. I had a wonderful sales person at Chico’s who knew me well and was great at gently steering me toward pieces that I loved but would never have tried on my own. I miss her! Generally, I’m quite focused and prefer to do my own thing.
I’m in the “say hello, bring me different sizes” group but…we no longer have many stores. Jcrew? Gone. Talbots? Gone. Ann Taylor? Gone. You get the idea ☹️
Now, I have to drive about 2 hours which I rarely do.
So…..I’m an online gal! Miss the shopping experience, particularly small unique boutiques. Gone, too.
A good salesperson knows her inventory very well and can identify what will flatter each particular customer according to her individual taste. But they will also suggest you try on things you might not on your own – because she knows what is looking fabulous on. There are a lot of “hanger dogs” , as I say, that don’t look good until they’re on a body. I am that salesperson and I can’t tell you how many times a day someone says “thanks for suggesting that – I love it but would never have tried it on”!
This is a great topic, so it’s not surprising that there are many comments.
Mine in particular involve Chico’s because I love to shop there. Sales peoples personalities come into play in their work, I think, and how they were trained.
I laugh to myself every time I go into my favorite Chico’s; someone is always steaming clothes! Even when the store gets crowded they don’t take that person off the steam machine! I just think it’s funny; poor customer service, but funny!
If I saw someone doing a crossword puzzle while people were shopping, that would irk me…if I needed or wanted help.
Anyway, I prefer in between the two extremes. I usually want help when I’m in the dressing room. I like them to frequently check on me to see if I need other sizes, rather than having to get dressed and go back out. Sometimes they check, sometimes they don’t; even after saying they would! Frustrating! While they check on me, if they make a few suggestions and bring some things back for me to try on, I don’t mind that, but to be totally ignored, no, I don’t like that either.
Years — and I mean more than 25 — ago, I went into a Chico’s for the first time. I was absolutely hounded by a sales person who followed me around the store. She would not leave me alone. I simply walked out, but it left such a bad taste in my mouth for Chico’s that it wasn’t until a store opened up nearby many years later that I ventured back to the brand. I loathe a pushy sales person — it’s an automatic turn-off and a true detriment to what could be a great shopping experience.
Hi Jennifer,
I much prefer to be left alone when shopping as I know what I like and can tell by the color and texture of the fabric whether it is going to be something I am interested in. I was told by a friend who works in a clothing store touching a garment is a dead giveaway you are interested and the salesperson often comes up fast, ready to help you choose a size. I really like that Chico’s shirt thanks for trying things on! Have a lovely day x
You too Francesca!
I like tencel and rayon because they make garments drape so nicely.
Living rurally has its perks. I do all of my shopping online. I’ve learned what is my style, size and color palette. No one bothers me and the try on is fun in my own room when my packages arrive. I agree that the no iron shirt and jeggings looks great on you.
Say hello and let me go!!!! If I need extended help, I will ask.
I have health issues that make it difficult to walk or stand comfortably. In the last couple of years, I’ve taken to picking up several things I like and are typically my style. Pay for everything, bring the items home and try them on when I’m feeling as if I can. Sometimes I keep everything, but, if not, I return them. Get a credit on my account or grab a different size and make it an even exchange. I’m much older, and shopping is more of a necessity than a fun outing now. But, I still want a few new things every now and then.
I really like the pine green pants on you. Such a pretty color. I find that if I don’t look “wealthy” when I walk into a clothing store I am ignored. I find the more well dressed “wealthy looking” people get more attention. Even when I go into a deli if I am not the right ethnicity I am ignored.
So true!
I usually like to be left alone when shopping, but just had the opposite experience at Athletica. I was unfamiliar with workout clothes, and the salesperson was perfect. She educated me on their products and suggested items suitable for me – not body hugging. Couldn’t be happier.
That’s awesome. I like to compliment salespeople who give me helpful service.
My preference is to pretty much be left alone. As long as I am greeted, I know where to find a salesperson when I’m ready. My Talbots store seems to hit just the right mix of “helping.” The big department stores…sometimes good luck finding someone except to checkout.
Agreed!!
I like to be greeted upon arrival, and asked if I need any help. That’s just good salesperson/store etiquette, customer service! Then take their cue from that.
Please check on me when I’m in the dressing room. My pet peeve is to need a different size, and to have to get redressed to find it! I still love an in person shopping experience!
The Chico near me, asks if I need a dressing room , and checks to see if I need another size. They pretty much let people look around on their own, but are there if you need help. I don’t see any pressure from sales people in my area. I guess it deepens on the city you live in. Maybe business is slow, and they may be pressured to sell. So many stores are going online now.
Online saves store a lot of money so that’s the wave of the future.
I like Chico’s, but our store always seems to have at least one sales person that would sell you a potato sack as a dress and try to convince you how good you look…I always learn to avoid that person (the way too pushy person) and sometimes it means not to linger in the store unfortunately. It happened just yesterday……bummer.
On another note, brown seems to be “the fall color” and I have a few things that I like but its not my best color……can you do a post on how to deal with that brown sweater or jacket to make it more appealing 🙂 🙂 Thanks
I’d add a flattering blouse underneath and pop the collar over sweater or jacket lapel. You could also add a flattering colored scarf at your neck.
As an older woman, I appreciate being greeted by a salesperson instead of being ignored. I am very fortunate to have Talbots, Chico’s and J.Jill in the same shopping area near me. The women who work there are ready to help when I need it. They will check on me when I am in a dressing room to see if I need any help.
I do like to be greeted when entering a store, especially a small one. That said, I do not like to have unsolicited garments foisted on me. For one thing, I don’t like a crowded dressing room. They may look at me as a generic old lady, but the fact is I am an artist who knows my best colors and a former model and fashion consultant who knows my best silhouettes and styles. A check in to see if I need another size is appreciated ( and rare these days) but apart from that, leave me to my own devices!
My ideal sales person will greet me at the door and start a fitting room for me once I have several pieces to try on. Then, I love when they check in on me to see if I need a different size. I hate having to get dressed and grab my purse to leave the fitting room just to get another size!
Agreed!
My standard reply is “thank you, but I’m just browsing”.
That’s mine too
Good Morning Jennifer. I love your thoughts about sales personnel personalities and motives. I share the same: browse and then seek out help for questions. I think my most common question is “what are people wearing with this?”. My Chicos used to be very bad about loading me up with as much they could fit in the dressing room. Plus, if you tried something on they had brought, would tag team me with swooning compliments (even if I looked ridiculous). The exclamations of “Connie come over and look how cute she looks” was laughable but most of all annoying, insulting, and off-putting. Thankfully I have a couple of sales associates at Nordstrom that will flat out tell me if it’s wrong. Those ladies are priceless.
The nicest retail store I have visited recently is Loft. It was clean and organized. The sales rep asked if I needed help then left me alone to browse. She took all the garments I had in my arms to a fitting room. When I was ready to begin trying on my selections I entered the spacious dressing room and there were all my tops folded neatly on the bench and the items on hangers were of course hanging on the rack. I was so impressed. She came back later and asked if I needed different sizes on anything. She was so incredibly helpful. It was a terrific experience.
That’s perfect
I definitely like to be left alone when I shop – although once I am in a dressing room, I appreciate the help of a salesperson. Frequently I need to try on different sizes and It is helpful to find someone to locate those sizes. You look great in all shades of brown!
I much prefer the hands off approach – a nice greeting when entering and helpful answers to questions is great too.
I like a balance between the two salespeople you mentioned and have experienced it best at Chico’s as well as a local shop in my area. I prefer the salespeople to meet, greet and be available in the wings for questions and to get my dressing room ready with my choices. After the initial choices some will likely need a different color or size. To me one of the luxurious values of shopping in these stores is that I’ve always had salespeople available to save me the hassle of leaving the dressing room to switch out for the changes I need to make confident choices. I don’t encourage a lot of chitter chatter but I’m always friendly and polite because I might be the only customer that walks through the door that day without a chip on their shoulder or a bad attitude to pass around. I like the feeling of being honestly welcomed by salespeople rather than survived through. It almost always pays off in outstanding service.
I do appreciate a quick check on sizing while in the dressing room too.
I prefer the non-pushy sales staff for sure, I prefer to take my time and not be steered into a purchase I may not have made otherwise. I have experienced both of these sales staff in my local Chico’s as well, but it’s not just isolated to that particular store.
I’m with you…give me an uninterested salesperson over one who “helps” with styles not for me. It’s really a waste of time for both of us. I appreciate your honesty. I recently found your blog and find it refreshing. Thank you.
Welcome Bonnie!
p.s…. I’d also rather shop alone, primarily for the reasons you mention, being swayed by friends or sales people’s opinions. Been there, done that and bought things that have never been worn🙁
I prefer to shop on my own. I prefer a salesperson that is uninterested.
I’m a sales associate in a high end home furnishing store. In my opinion a good salesperson greets you, makes you aware of promos & what’s new. Once you put a look together, honest feedback on fit, color and if there is an alternative choice or option. A good salesperson can take their cue from looking at choices made. A great salesperson often can find options you might have overlooked. Never pushy, but available for input when asked!
I agree with everything you said!
Question- what’s your opinion about wearing hose? Yes or no.
🙋♀️…uninterested camp here .
I want to be noticed and greeted.
Ask me if there is anything in particular you can help me with. Mention the special sales and that you are there to help so don’t hesitate to ask. Then leave me alone.
Exactly. I have shopped for clothing longer than most store associates have been alive. But I do expect them to be available to answer questions, not intent on completing crossword puzzles.
lol, exactly!
I like a friendly greeting when I first enter a store, a few moments to see what’s for sale, and then their asking if I need help.
Other than that, I know my body and style well enough to shop on my own.
The leave me alone sales person! I had a very pushy lady in jjill a few months ago. I almost walked out. I was saved when another customer came in and she shifted her attention to them. If I need assistance, I’ll ask. I love that denim skirt.
I went to Chicos yesterday, specifically to find chocolate brown jeans I had seen online. The saleswoman initially was great as she knew exactly where in the store the different styles of brown jeans were and pulled my size for me. When I asked if a couple other things that caught my eye were available in petite she checked on that (they aren’t, annoying to this 5’2” woman!). But once I was in the fitting room I was ignored even though the store was very quiet. I always appreciate if they check in to ask if another size is available at least. Do it was overall an ok visit.
A salesperson who observes what you already picked, then add some clothing that compliments
More importantly, helps you with sizing and asks you you feelings
Yes!
In the late 80’s, there was a store in Washington DC called Alcott and Andrews. It was the most fabulous shopping experience. Once you picked out a basic outfit (in my case suits for work) the sales lady places you in a fitting room and then proceeded to find items that would work with that look to extend your wear (I guess similar to today’s capsule wardrobe). Everything worked beautifully together and you could really wear pieces of the same suit for a week without anyone noticing!
I love today’s Chico looks. Stylish but not frumpy. I am 67 years old and absolutely hate a salesperson who thinks they know my style. I’m short 5’2”, slightly curvy, and the opposite of most models; i know what looks good on me and what makes me look shorter or frumpy (think Modern Prarie esthetics) I’d rather pick a few things and try them on in peace. If I feel like I’m getting clothes pushed on me I’ll most likely walk out empty handed. Sounds crabby I know but I feel I’ve earned the right to shop peacefully 😊
Doesn’t sound crabby to me!
I prefer to shop on my own for a while when I enter a store. Then, if I have questions, I will ask for help. Getting the “lay of the land” first makes me feel more relaxed, but knowing a salesperson is available for assistance is reassuring- just as long as I don’t feel as though I’m being watched as if I were a shoplifter! Sometimes a suggestion to try on something completely out of what I would normally gravitate to surprisingly turns out to be my new favorite!
Good morning Jennifer, I just received my order from Chicos, 3 no iron sateen shirt. I have several from last year. I like them for the fit and color choices plus, I get tired of a pullover top.
I find you get a great neckline with the shirt and can dress it up or down
Have a great day
I strongly prefer to shop for myself rather than have others select items for me. For example, at one time, while working in Chicago, I frequently shopped at a major department store. Since I commuted by train, they would send my purchases to my home. However, one of the sales associates decided some items would be “perfect” for me and decided to ship them to my home as well. As a result, I was quite upset since I then had to return the items via train. This sales associate received no more commissions from my purchases! Riding the train with hundreds of commuters during rush hour while carrying packages does not endear you to the other passengers. This experience reinforced for me the importance of making my own selections—a lesson I won’t soon forget.
Ah yes, the overly helpful sales person- not my cup of tea! I like someone who is helpful, checks back in to see if i need a different size- tells me about sales etc
but normally I like to shop on my own.
Maybe she gets a commission for sales?!
I am on team “let me browse, please” in stores.
I prefer to be ignored while shopping. I’ll find you if I need something, but I’m an adult who knows what she wants.
I confess my attire for shopping is very low key. It discourages sales people from getting pushy but also attracts store security, just kidding. I am 5’3” 125 lbs with no real waist but long arms and legs (30” inseam). Salespeople try to push me into petites and unflattering styles. I prefer to look on my own and have sales help with locating items not in stock.
Your posts speak to me since I share a similar body type and coloring. I’m transitioning into retirement and a less structured wardrobe. Your posts help me see how previous pieces can be used in different ways and how to make changes without breaking the bank. Thank you.
I like sales people who let me browse on my own, but as I select items to try on will take them to a fitting room for me. I like them to check with me occasionally to see if I need a different size, and sometimes if I like a particular piece, I’ll ask them to suggest something to go with it. Since department stores are typically understaffed, I prefer shopping in smaller stores like Talbots, Chicos, Eileen Fisher, and our local J Jill store is the best.
I usually prefer to shop on my own, but I’ll ask for help if I need it.
Love the brown sateen shirt with the jeggings. Too bad there are no short ones.
Your experience has certainly resonated with me. I prefer to shop by myself and there is lovely boutique I buy a lot of clothes from. The sales women are very helpful and personable, and I trust their judgement. Another shop I used to frequent, I boycotted due to their lacklustre service, but have it another go the other week and nothing has changed. My biggest gripe however (and I am still a bit miffed) was a skirt and top I bought from a designer where I live. It is all very chi chi. You attend a fashion parade and then try on what you fancy, then place an order. The clothes arrive a few months later. Well, I went and collected my outfit (well over $1,000 for a shirt and skirt). The skirt needed taking up and thought the designer/owner might have had some input, particularly as she was standing near me looking at her phone. The girl trying to help me was out of her depth, but not once did the designer/owner offer her opinion on the skirt length, the same skirt she laboriously designed etc and considering it was not an inexpensive skirt, felt the follow up service very lacking. I took my outfit, but did not attend the recent parade, because I know there is definitely a two tier level of service. Sorry to go on so long. This whinge has been cathartic as I can’t complain to anyone where I live as, ‘everyone knows everyone’
That’s bizarre. You would think she would want you to have the best experience!
At the Chico’s near me, the sales associates are overbearing. I don’t enjoy shopping there. At the JJill I go to, they are terrific. Helpful but not pushy or overbearing. It really matters how the associate treats customers.
I always shop alone and don’t ask for help unless it’s a bra fitting. I do trust my own eye and feelings but I do appreciate if a suggestion is made that I agree with, such as a color that could be flattering.
I remember in the 80s when commissioned sales people would grab you and argue over who saw me first. Follow you around and generally pester you.
Bless them. I started my sales career in department store cosmetics and some could be ruthless, so I get it.