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 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.