Dressing Room Diaries: Best Spring Dresses and Color at Loft
I have a try-on session today of some pretty spring dresses and fun colors at Loft. It would have been nice to have worn low heels or sandals to try these on, but it was an unplanned stop, so I left my clunky sneakers off for these photos. Everything is currently 50% off!!
A dressing room diary is when I go into a local store for a try-on session to see what’s new and show you how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I am 5’4″ and weigh around 145 lbs. I have broad shoulders with straight hips, a long torso, and long arms. I often buy one size larger on top. I tell you what sizes I am wearing to help you understand how things run. Many of Loft’s pants come in a curvy or straight (regular) fit, plus they carry many items in petite and tall. If I’m showing something petite, it also comes in reg and perhaps tall.
I’m seeing this pretty shade of lavender everywhere this spring, and it’s such a happy sight! I did have a cheery yellow sweater in the dressing room to style with these straight-leg pants, but it was miles too big for me and looked sloppy. These pants have a sash to tie at the waist, which I’d probably replace with a nice belt. They also come in navy or white. This pair has a 28″ inseam in regular. The petite is 25.5″, which just looks like highwater pants on me and is not flattering. They’re cotton with 2% spandex for comfort.
This classic striped shirt is a cotton/modal blend that’s crisp but soft. The stripe has lavender to coordinate with the pants and white to go with the blazer. This modern slub blazer looks like linen but is made from a cotton/rayon blend that will be cool in warm weather but not wrinkle as much as linen.
MORE LAVENDER
This tweed dress is terrific in person. Its ladylike styling has a timeless Chanel vibe that always looks stylish. It’s a soft, nature white with black trim. I opted for the regular to give me the extra 1″ in length. This could work for a career gal but also be pretty at a baby or wedding shower. This regular is 32.5″ long and the petite is 31.25″ which I consider too short for me :).
This eyelet dress is a beautiful shade of navy which I think tones down the sweetness of the eyelet but maintains its feminine feel. The rick rack detailing and subtle puff sleeve make this pretty and versatile. I opted for the regular length again, but the petite fit me as well.
This dress also comes in a bright orange nectar color that’s fun for spring. As I stood wearing this dress, I could picture it worn unbuttoned over a white tee and white jeans, as an interesting third layer in the spring and summer. Hmm…
I tried this paisley dress on in the petite and the regular length. I’m not often a fan of the midi length, but it just looked a better proportion because of the long sleeves and pattern. The fabric is very lightweight and airy so it will be cool when the temps start to climb. This is such a pretty dress that would be perfect for many occaisions. It’s beautifully made and the pattern matches all the way up the front.
I have the bottom of this ribbed polo shirt folded under to make it the right length for the skirt, without having to tuck it in. I often do that with ribbed tees and tops because the fold will stay put. It comes in white with black trim or this black with white.
I paired it with this black and white wrap skirt. The skirt is sewn, then has this front piece that wraps across the front and ties, so it can’t gap open on you. It’s made from a soft rayon that’s fully lined. This regular is 34″ long and the petite is 31″ which would be a better length for me. I picture this on a warm weather vacation or around town with a tee and denim jacket.
This is the prettiest little linen blend dress. The feminine details are subtle and lovely. Yes, it could use a good steaming, but then, most things do that I see in stores these days. It’s a soft, off white with black and lavender. The bottom has a bit of lace detailing.
I chose the regular which is 33.25″ from the shoulder. The petite is 32.5″ and the tall is 35.5″. You’d need a racer back bra for this dress because the shoulders are cut in slightly or you could just use one of these clever little bra clips to transform your regular bra.
This striped poet blouse is a fun twist on a classic button up. What you can barely see in my picture is that the sleeves have a panel at the elbow where the stripes go horizontally. It’s romantic details are not over the top so perhaps we’re leaving all the overdone, little girl styling of the past few years behind.
I paired it with these Palmer wide leg pants. I’ve tried these on before in other colors before and love the fit. These have a 31″ inseam in regular which is too long for me so I went with the petite that has a 28.5″ inseam. They’re a cotton blend with 3% spandex which gives them plenty of stretch. These alsop come in a great navy.
It doesn’t get more classic than this 100% cotton striped poplin shirtdress. Its a soft black and white stripe that ‘reads’ as gray. The side seams are slit up just past the knee so it’s still modest. I’d likely swap out the self belt for something like this raffia belt which looks more intentional to me. This petite is 50.5″ from shoulder to hem and the regular is 54″ which was a bit overwheming on me. It does have long sleeves you could unfold or keep tidy with the button straps. I have several of these sort of cotton dresses and they’re workhorses in my warm weather wardrobe.
Is it warming up where you are? Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Lots of cute and practical items for sure, but sadly no sales on the Canadian website or perhaps it was just for a certain day? Anyhow, do appreciate you modeling the garments for us. Oh, temps are ranging in the low 30°F where I am. -Brenda-
P.S.: I am sending you an email re ‘unauthorized use’ etc. that you may be interested in pursuing.
Thank you Brenda!
Welcome back to Canada Jennifer.
I would love to see that navy dress as a third layer. What fun! And the lavender pants with the white blazer just screams spring to me.
I finally put away my winter boots and heavy coats, and put out some of my patio chairs yesterday, so I’m optimistic that spring has arrived 🙂
Yay! I think it would be so fun worn that way!
The eyelet dress is beautiful, and I’m going now to look at that poet blouse. Both are a little different for Talbot, more boho-esque than usual. I hardly ever shop at Talbot because of the classical-leaning styles I don’t always wear.
I laughed when I read your comment that it’s “only April”. My dear, it’s still March where the rest of us live! (I’ve made that same mistake myself. ) I love these choices of spring dresses. I think you look youthful in the best kind of way in the navy eyelet dress. The striped poplin dress is also appealing; I like the maxi length combined with the shirtwaist style. As soon as our temps go up a bit, I’ll be eager for spring clothes.
lol, you’re right. I’m rushing the season. I’m seriously considering that navy dress to wear as a third layer as described. It’s a new look for me, but something about it spoke to me.
I love the pale blue pants with the striped top. So pretty! Thank you for mentioning the “stretch” factor. That’s important for me these days!
I’m wondering, in your travels, did you happen to see any pale pink pants similar to the blue that you feature? Thanks Jennifer! Have a happy trip and Happy Easter!
I haven’t yet but there’s a lot of pink at Talbots this spring.
Love the clothes., if only I had somewhere to wear them. Your hair is looking really great! Hope the chairs work out, safe travels….love the slightly halter dress, and all the lavender…
Thanks Nancy
That black sweater looks great on you. Did you find it very clingy? Your hair looks so good! Have a good trip.
It is body conscious which why I sized up.
I was just scrolling through dresses, on Loft’s site, and it struck me that they don’t do a very good job “selling” their clothes. The models are shown against a white background with minimal accessories. Contrast this, with a brand like Sezane, that shows the models in sexy poses with pretty accessories. Loft may have a more honest representation of the garment, but Sezane gets me to buy it.
Interesting observation Lily. It must be subjective because I find myself turned off my companies who sexualize their models to sell me clothing. It feels like it’s aimed at younger women which I dont relate to for my wardrobe. I agree, Loft isn’t very creative though and they could do much to improve their images 🙂
Jennifer, I like the striped dress. The shoulder seam looks dropped or is it dolman? Were you happy with the look or did it feel bulky? (I too have broad shoulders) You are my go-to petite model! Thank you
It is a slightly drop shoulder that I didn’t even notice until you asked. The fabric fabric is very lightweight and drapes easily.
Love the tweed and paisley dress on you. I rarely wear a dress anymore but it’s good to know what’s out there. I really like the striped shirts. It’s still rainy and cold here in the NW too.
Love the paisley dress on you! I’ve always loved midi length, I think it is romantic.
Its 37 degrees (feels like 32) here in Chicago- but a girl can dream! Lovely selections.
That is chilly! Yes, dream on. Spring will get here.
I hope you bought the paisley dress, it looks incredible on you!
I’ve tried Loft before and didn’t have much luck with fit but I liked many of your try ons. Off subject but did you post a color season that you were happy with. Thanks!
My coloring is cool, soft/muted and light. My contrast level is low. I’m a true summer. I don’t allow that to rule what I wear.
Pretty selections today! Have a great trip
Thank you Pat! Happy Thursday.
Our Loft has a small petite department, I enjoy their store