April Dressing Room Diary at Talbots
Happy Tuesday ladies. Talbots has tons of new things to see and a great sale going on for one more day, so here’s my April dressing room diary at Talbots. I did lots of mixing and matching today to show options for how you could style things. Let me know in the comments if this is helpful.
If youāre new here, welcome. A dressing room diary is when I go into a local store for a try-on session so you can see whatās new and how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I am 5ā4ā³ and weigh around 138 lbs with broad shoulders and straight hips. I have a long torso and arms so I often buy one size larger on top.
I try on clothes in colors and shapes that may or may not flatter me so you can see whatās in the stores and get some styling ideas. I tell you what sizes I am wearing to help you understand how things run.
Most Talbots garments come in misses, petite, plus, and petite plus. As always, you can click the red text for more info and to shop the item at no additional cost to you.
I was thrilled to see this 100% cotton shirtdress has a 100% cotton lining. Too many manufacturers put polyester linings in cotton garments which defeats the purpose of a cool breathable fabric. This dress also comes in this print, this print, and this print. I’m wearing a misses 6. The petite would be a better length for me but the waist would be too high on my long torso. It’s much easier to hem a dress than try to move a fitted waistline.
Talbots has gone all-in for this fun lemon print this spring and I couldn’t wait to try it on. This canvas A-line skirt is a cotton/spandex blend with a side zipper. I am wearing a misses 4,Ā so it runs true to size. The petite measures 1″ shorter.
This sleeveless blouse comes in three colors in Talbots’ full range of sizes. I’m wearing a misses 4 which I can barely button closed so I went home with the 8.Ā The cotton sweater picks up part of the print in the skirt. It’s available in 6 gorgeous colors. I’m wearing a petite medium.
Here’s the same print in their Perfect 10 1/2″ shorts. They’re a cotton/spandex blend with a zip and hook front closure. I am wearing a misses in 4. The split neck tee comes in 6 colors XS-3X. The white is lovely and opaque.
This hot pink is bright and fun! I’m wearing the slim ankle jeans in misses 4 which are too long for me but they also come in petite, plus, and plus petite. This jean comes in 4 colors here, blue toile print here, dark wash denim here, and mid-wash denim here. It has a high-rise and classic slim leg.
The patterned sleeveless blouse is 100% lightweight cotton in a mix of cheery colors. I’m wearing a petite medium. The long cardigan comes in bright papaya and this hot pink. This is a petite small. The misses version is a full 2 1/2″ longer. I also styled these tops with the everyday relaxed jeans in Orion blue. I’m wearing a 6 petite with the cuffs unfolded.
This white denim pencil skirt runs long. I am wearing misses 4 and ended up ordering the 6 petite. It’s a very flattering skirt that you could dress up or down this spring/summer. I’m wearing it with a casual striped tee on the left in a small petite which is snug so it runs true to size. On the right, I styled the skirt with a fun split neck polka dot tee that came home with me. I am wearing a petite medium.
Same everyday jeans as above, this time with a striped, bateau neck tee with the lemon motif. I’m wearing a misses small. Do you prefer it untucked or tucked? Maybe with this fun belt?
This toile denim jacket coordinates with so many things. I own several of their denim jackets and love the fit. This is a misses small which is just 1/2″ longer than the petite version. I usually size up to a medium to keep it loose and roomy.
Here’s the denim pencil skirt styled 2 ways. On the left is a fringe Chambray jacket that has a subtle Chanel vibe. It only comes in misses and I am wearing a 6. Its boxy shape and crew neckline are not my most flattering but it will look great on a woman with some curves. The sleeves are bracelet length.
These Perfect shorts come in 8 colors. I’m wearing navy in misses 4. The linen popover shirt comes in this blue stripe or an aqua version. I am wearing a misses in small which is a bit snug across the chest so it runs true to size.
One inch may not seem like a lot, but when you’re petite it makes a huge difference. The shorts on the left are the Perfect shorts in petite which have a 9 1/2″ inseam.Ā The Perfect shorts on the right are in misses with a 10 1/2″ inseam.
Last year we talked about dressing up a pair of shorts with a linen blazer. These two looks are decidedly more casual but also stepped up a notch from a simple tee shirt. Would you wear a blazer or jacket with shorts?
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Yes, love the mixing and matching you did here. Every time you do a Talbot’s dressing room try-on I love everything! I particularly appreciate that you do tucked and untucked with some of the tops. My body is nothing like yours, which means, I never tuck in anything, so I like seeing what untucked looks like. Thank you! Great spring finds!
Jennifer, I will echo what others have said…your hair is great today! Very flattering. Thank you for the Talbots DRD. I have discovered that I need to shop in-store rather than online. I return so many items, it’s embarrassing. Fortunately, my local store usually well-stocked.
I love Talbots clothing, So easy to coordinate outfits with their beautiful colors, The fit is great I’m a petite. 65 years old and I don’t think the clothes are old or too young just perfect. I have things from years ago still look great, the quality is good too.
I agree. The perfect classic for all ages.
Your hair is looking great lately. Are you doing anything new?
I cut it a bit shorter and, of course, I’m not coloring it.
You look great in all the outfits. I especially like the lemon skirt with the blue sweater and the pink outfits. Good picks
Your hair is a stand out today! Very nice!
As always you look great in nearly every piece you wear. Love the lemon print shorts and skirt and toile jacket with shorts. Cute and summery.
Iām in a sweater and jeans today – so chilly! Cannot wait for true spring to be here!
Oh gosh, so many great picks today, Jennifer. You look great in everything, especially the fun lemon shorts and lemon skirt! And, that belted shirt dress is another winner on you!
In my (very humble) opinion your shirts look better tucked in. I have a long torso and shorter legs and feel the tucked in shirts give me a better proportion. What do you think?
I appreciate your showing us so many looks and variations. Thank you.
I always look better with tops tucked or half-tucked because it makes my legs look longer which improves the ratio of long torso to short legs. It’s probably the same for you
Thanks for these dressing room diariesā¦the visuals are very educational! Iām also 5ā4ā but with a short torso and long legs, so by looking at the proportions on you I can easily figure out what to do on ME.
Sometimes it might also be useful to see what an outfit looks like from the backā¦I NEVER buy anything without looking at the rear viewš.
AHA! Good suggestion, thanks Judi
Loving your hair color and style. You taught us tucked is better š. I now tuck or half tuck everything thanks to you. What a difference correct proportions make in a pleasing outfit.
Yay!! Happy Tuesday, Suzi
Lucky you, Jennifer, with such great legs! I donāt wear shorts for a reason ā¦or slim skirtsā¦chubby kneesā¦since I was much younger when thatās just what I got!
Longer soft skirts keep me cool and discreet in warm weather.
You certainly know your body and the size explanations are very helpful.
The pink/coral floral shell was my favouriteā¦definitely my colours .
Talbots does colours wellā¦too bad thereās such a hefty cost for shipping.
There are a few Talbots in Canada, but I’m sad they don’t ship within the country.
There are many Talbots stores in Canada. If you live in a town, order from the closest city. Shipping is about $12 within Canada.
Thank you, Janet! I did not know that.
Great post today. I loved the format of two looks per outfit. Talbots has wonderful classic pieces. The lemon prints are sure a fun wardrobe addition.
Youāre hair looks wonderful today!! Whatever you did, continue doing it!š
Love reading your blog. I get ideas and many times I do order things off of your suggestions. Not too sure about lemons on me.
I only wear shorts in extremely warm weather, or at the beach and always jeans shorts with a tee.
I love the pink/red prints of the shirt and dress – very appealing! I actually like all the prints of the shirtdress. Time to break out the colors for spring!
Jennifer you are a clique lady. DRD was so inspiring.
Thank you. Love the lemon š prints. So bright and beautiful.
Happy Tuesday, Lin š
While you didnāt mention your hair in this post, I have to tell you that the hairstyle is very becoming, that your hair appears to be thicker with this cut.
She went a bit shorter this time and I think that makes it seem thicker too
Thank you for trying all these things on for us. You really do know what looks best on yourself! Love all their spring collection. I wish we had more ways to wear all the beautiful classic styles. People here are more the Jean and crew T-shirt people. We are Northern California horse and cattle people.
You look great in pink! All the outfits look great on you.
Thank you
Lemon skirt with the blue sweater is perfect!
My husband loved that on me too
Your hair looks so full and thicker.
It doesnāt look like it is thinking at all.
Any tips?
I have let a few of my layers grow out and yes, I have added this volume-enhancing foam along my temple and hairline, and think it’s helped a lot. It’s expensive so I only use it wear I see my hairline receding.
I own the striped shirt with butterflies. Waiting for warmer weather to wear it. I like the fringed sweater.
Jennifer, thank you for this post. I like to see items styled differently. My shape is not the same as yours, but showing different pieces with each gives me a better idea if it is something that will work for me, and also shows me ways to style that I may not have thought of.
Awesome, I’m glad to hear
So many pretty pieces. However I’m loving your shoes. Any info on them would be appreciated.
You look wonderful in all of these outfits. I was debating on the pink print sleeveless blouse but reviews said it is more peach in person than pink. I had considered pairing the Punch Pink Girlfriend cardigan with it. But now, Iām thinking the fringe cardigan is the way to go.
Love everything you help us with on your blog. Really liked the polka dot top with the white skirt. Also liked the striped shirt. The lemon print looked great on you but it might be a bit much for me. I’ve been half tucking sweaters and shirts and I like how it shows my shape better.
I love Talbots and you look fabulous in these styles. I really love the toile jacket with the polka dots. These colors look good on you as well.
Well, first of all, I love the polka dot shirt and the white pencil skirt! They will mix and match with a variety of pieces in your existing wardrobe or simply add that cute denim jacket for an updated modern style.
When you show the side by side photos of doing a half tuck versus just letting a top hang straight, really drives the point home. I need to perfect this technique as my shrinking profile needs all the tricks I can drum up! Lol
I donāt wear shorts anymore but will definitely pop on a jacket with my little stash of crops. I am so much more comfortable when wearing that third piece.
I canāt begin to tell you how much I have benefited from your blog. It keeps me thinking and more inspired to try new things. Isnāt that what keeps us young!?
I’m really glad you like the side-by-side photos. I learn visually so it helps me too. Have a great day!
Thanks, Jennifer. I’ve been looking at some of these, so great to see you model them! To answer your question, yes, absolutely, I wear blazers with shorts (not with denim ones, though, for some reason). Generally, I like shirts tucked, but the blue popover looks better loose to me. The blues are lovely on you! One question: the Orion denims ran large last season. Are they TTS now? !’d like to order while this sale is on.
You look great in all the outfits. It always amazes me how different an outfit can look by tucking in the top. I might wear a linen blazer with dress shorts but my go to is the blue Jean style jackets. I have five in various colors. Just added the baby blue from Talbots last month, have gotten compliments each time Iāve worn it. But of course the denim one is always a favorite and goes with everything, it is 25 years old and still looks great.
You are so right about the inseam on shorts, at 5ā with short legs I need the 7ā length. I can wear the 9ā but never feel comfortable so a couple of years ago I took all my shorts to my Wonderful 95 year old seamstress and she shorten them. You always feel so much better when your clothes fit properly.
FYI I like your hair cut, it is looking great.
Thanks, Janice. More women need to use their seamstress. It makes a world of difference.
I feel like they run a bit large but not as large as last year when I went down a size.
Hello !
The Chambray jacket is indeed a special item but all of the selected articles mix and match beautifully
Of course, I would wear a jacket with shorts
By the way, you have beautiful legs,you can show off in dresses, shorts and that lovely, sexy mini lemon skirt !
Regarding your comment about Jennifer’s legs…..I totally agree! She looks great in shorts and of course skirts.
You’re kind, thanks so much.