|

Dressing Room Diary- Festive Outfits From Chico’s

With all the holiday activity that’s been happening, it feels like it’s been a minute since I hit the dressing room, so that’s what I did yesterday and tried on some festive outfits from Chico’s.

If youā€™re new here, welcome. AĀ dressing room diary is when I go into a local store for a try-on session so you can see whatā€™s new and how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I am 5ā€™4ā€³ and weigh around 134 lbs. I have broad shoulders with straight hips, a long torso, and long arms. I often buy one size larger on top. Youā€™ll see me try on clothes in colors and shapes that may or may not flatter me because I want you to see whatā€™s in the stores and get some styling ideas. I tell you what sizes I am wearing to help you understand how things run.

Chicoā€™s sizing can seem confusing, but itā€™s actually quite simple. Most brands only go up to a size 12 or 14, and if youā€™re any larger, you are out of luckā€¦unless they happen to make plus sizes, which are fewer and far between these days. Chicoā€™s sizes are 000(0/XS),Ā  (0/2ā€“ XS), 0 (4/6Ā S), 1 (8/10-M), 2Ā (12-14)-L,Ā 3 (16/18-XL) 4 (20/22-XXL. Chicoā€™s also carries many garments in petite and some in tall. Iā€™ll tell you what Iā€™m wearing in Chicoā€™s sizes so you can understand how things run.

VELVET SEQUIN DRESS wearing size 2 –Ā CAP TOE BALLET FLAT

This dress is an amazing find. It’s a stretch velvet covered with sequins with an A-line shape that skims the figure. The 3/4 sleeves are a flattering length with a slight bell shape. They only had a size 2 or 3 in the store, so this is a 2. It’s too large for me but had to try it on because I knew it would be a winner. This also comes in a pretty deep-chianti color if black isn’t your thing. This dress has lots of stretch so it’s very comfy and looks much more expensive than it is.

SEQUIN JACKET size 0VELVET TANK size 0Ā VELVET PANTS wearing petite 0 (PETITE PANTS HERE)

I was fortunate to find a few petite items on the rack, including this tank and pants. They’re both in a soft, stretch velvet. The pants are pull-on, straight-leg style (meal-friendly šŸ™‚ in a fabric that doesn’t wrinkle. The sequins on the jacket create an ombre effect which is quite striking. It’s got a front hook and eye closure, and bracelet-length sleeves. This size 0 is way too small for me, which is typical for woven jackets and tops at Chico’s because of my broad shoulders. I would suggest you size up if you plan to close it…which I probably wouldn’t.

VELVET APPLIQUE-SLEEVE DRESS size 0

This dress would be beautiful for a special party or winter wedding. The body of the dress is plain, the sleeves make the statement. They have velvet scrollwork with subtle sequins appliqued on them and a lacey ruffled cuff.

SHIMMERY JACQUARD TOPPER size 1VELVET TANKCOATED SLIM JEANS size petite 0.5REGULAR LENGTH HERE

Coated jeans are having a moment this fall. They have a similar appearance to faux leather but are a modal, polyester, spandex blend and are machine washable. These come in this black, gray, or cabernet, which looks brown on the website. Although these jeans are petite, I had to fold the bottom under one inch.Ā  The jacket comes in regular and petite. It’s a lightweight topper with a subtle sparkle that you could toss over many things. It has hidden buttons and a single button closure.

FAUX PEARL CABLE KNIT CARDIGANĀ  size 1JULIET 360 VELVET FLORAL SLIM PANTS size 0.5

This pearl-covered sweater is a cardigan with no closure. I just have it draped closed to show it. The cable knit is substantial but not bulky. It’s only 24″ long, so it’s high hip length. It would look great over a classic white shirt or cream-colored tank that picks up the color of the faux pearls.

NO MATTER WHAT I DID, I COULD NOT CAPTURE THE DETAIL ON THESE PANTS IN THE DRESSING ROOM, SO HERE YOU ARE!

These 360 Juliet pants are a flattering pull-on style with a side slit at the ankle and subtle tone-on-tone velvet appliques. They have a sophisticated vibe that doesn’t scream holiday so could be worn throughout the season and beyond. They look much more dressed down with my flats than her heels above.

FAUX PEARL HIGH-RISE JEANSĀ  size 1 –Ā  BUTTON DETAIL SWEATER size 1

I’m stepping the dressiness way, way down here with these super fun pearl jeans. If they’d had my size in the store, these would have come home with me. They have a fabulous straight leg and high-rise in an undistressed, medium wash. The lightweight sweater has button detailing on the sleeves and a simple scoop neck.Ā I’m a firm believer that we should not let our dressier pieces languish unworn, especially this time of year when some festive fabrics or accessories can brighten our spirits.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident and happy.

64 Comments

  1. Ann Symed says:

    Lots of pretty outfits. At first, I thought you were wearing those gorgeous high heels. I understand they were on a model to show off the pant detail. My feet were hurting just looking at them. How does Jill Biden do it? šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚

    1. My feet hurt just looking at that picture too šŸ™‚

  2. Loved the walk through Chico’s without leaving my home! The sequined jacket was a hit with me as well as the tone on tone applique pants. Thanks for keeping us informed as to what is out there.

    1. Ditto! These were my favourite two as well. Do wish there was a Chico’s in Canada as ordering internationally online isn’t too bad, whereas returning items can be a hassle for us with a lot of the stores. (Sigh!) -Brenda-

      1. So many beautiful outfits. Glad some were petite, yeah

    2. My husband wants me to order that onešŸ˜ƒ

  3. Great choices! I don’t have a lot of reasons for dressy, but the jeans with pearls are quirky enough for my style….I’d have to go to a store to try these on, as my legs are a bit chunky and pearls might be a bit much…..I did see a denim jacket with pearls on the sleeves that might work…as an added thought , the blog about Kohls yesterday…I did go online and check out the black sweater and plain pants,, which I decided wouldn’t work for me, but I did see a really cute green cardigan with a belt, from Draper James, that I did order…..look forward everyday to read your blog….

    1. Draper James has some really cute pieces.

  4. I do enjoy the dressing room diaries idea, but in this day and age I think we as the older generation owe it to the younger generations to think and shop more ethically and sustainably. Maybe some sustainable brands for the diaries or even thrift shops, vintage shops? Just a thought.

  5. Thanks. Chicoā€™s is hit or miss for me. Itā€™s good to see these options. Love the slot-ankle pants.

  6. Melinda Beckett says:

    Good morning Jennifer from Athens, Georgia. Absolutely great selections offered to us this morning and you look so good in them. Thanks for showing those practical, cute black flats, especially with the sequin dress. I plan to go to my Chicoā€™s this week to shop for me! šŸŽ

  7. Stunning! Love all the choices

  8. There were many winners in this posts. My favorite was the ombrƩ jacket and of course the Juliette pants. Wearing ballet flats was also a winner for me having reached a age where heals are a no no. Stores are difficult to find that still carry petite sizes . Thanks for the holiday spirit!

  9. I’ve become a Chico’s addict! For years, the clothes were a little frumpy and aging, but since this past spring, the styles and fabrics are just stunning. My only complaint is that the brand needs to have better sales/markdowns–more than just their semi-annual sale. Sadly, there is no store near me to try on, so I shop Chicos.com. I did order both of the black dresses for 25% off Black Friday specials–waiting for the sequined one to arrive–the one with the appliquĆ© sleeves did arrive already and is gorgeous! Although the only velvet is on the sleeve detail–the body of the dress is a ponte-type material with a little stretch. I was able to size down from my usual 2 to a 1.5 (10) in that one!

    1. Itā€™s easy to do! I think they have changed designers a few collections ago. Things are looking much more modern these days.

  10. I look forward to seeing the different styles on someone like me! I find it a real hassle to try things on, so this is a real treasure. Thank you for your efforts, as well as your thought-provoking blog.

  11. So many gorgeous choices! My favourite is the jacquard topper. Thanks for the try on sessions.

  12. I too miss dressing up for Holiday Parties. I did appreciate these beautiful outfits especially the all the different jackets and the black pull-up pants with the slits on the side.
    Thank you for sharing Chicoā€™s size chart and trying all those beautiful outfits on for us.

  13. Thanks for this DRD. I’m not a fan of black at the holidays. My favorrite Christmas outfit ever was a cream silk blouse with a bright green satin skirt — in the days when a tight defined waist was possible. The pull-on velvet pants you modeled come in “midnight violet” that looks like a beautiful and festive color, which I think could be worn with a cream or white top and would be great for the holidays.

  14. Love that sequin ombre jacket. Even without a dressy event to attend this year, it is fun to up the ante a little and wear festive things whenever we can.

  15. Love the dress with the beautiful sleeves. I also like that pearls are popular this year. I wear mine all the time no matter what but the jeans with the pearls are really fun! Thanks for taking the time to try on everything for us.

  16. Both the black dresses look great on you.

  17. Thank you for taking the time to bring us these try-on sessions. So very helpful.

  18. Great finds Jennifer!
    One questionā€¦..how does it feel to sit on tiny peals as found on those jeans?
    šŸ˜²

    1. The pearls are only down the front!!

  19. Karen Kirk says:

    I love the sequin dress on you! Not too sure about the jeans with pearls though.

  20. Sandra Baron says:

    I loved the black & gold jacket. I just might have to go to my local Chicoā€™s & try that on.

  21. Oh my, this was a fun tour of simply gorgeous options to deck out for a holiday gathering! You proved that ā€œblackā€ always steals the show for elegance. I do agree with Deb, that in the past, a lot of dressy options at Chicos were just too glitzy for me.
    Love your longer hair style too!

  22. Love the elegant black outfit!

  23. gwen ewing says:

    My favorite was 5he velvet dress with sheer sleeves! Very festive but elegant!

  24. In the past, I’ve found Chico’s to be a little too glitzy for me when it comes to dressy. But I really love these looks. The first velvet dress and that jacket are really gorgeous. Like SuzanneG said above, I miss dressing up as well. Wish I had a fancy event to go to. Maybe next year, sigh…

  25. Your outfits today are great for holidays. Thank u for letting us know how they fit. Your blog has helped me be intentional in what I wear & feel confident. Your mission is accomplished!!

  26. Chicoā€™s knocked it out of the park for this holiday season! I got a black velvet jumpsuit that is so flattering! I canā€™t wait to wear it!

    1. That sounds so fun!

  27. Lezlie Davis says:

    I discovered Chicoā€™s Juliet 360 pants earlier this year. I bought five pairs and wear them constantly. I agree that itā€™s hard to describe: always sharp, always classic, can be dressed up or down, comfortable and perfect for work! Thanks for this DRD. Iā€™ll definitely be stopping by Chicos!

    1. I really like the fabrics they make the Julietā€™s in too

  28. I miss going to parties where a glittering dress is the norm. It just isnā€™t anymore- at least in my world. Nice slacks and a cashmere sweater are about as dressy as we get. Maybe glittering earrings or bracelet! But I appreciate Chicos presentations! You look great!

  29. Pat Patterson says:

    Good morning Jennifer
    Absolutely adore the picks this morning, except for the pearl jeans.
    I plan on going over to my closet Chicos this week.
    Have a great day

    1. Youā€™ll find lots of goodies there

  30. SuzanneGabrielle says:

    I miss dressing up and look forward to any excuse to do so. That sequin dress is beautiful.

    1. Glad to see that Chicos is finally toning it down a bit for our more casual lifestyle. Nowā€¦if you can get their ear sometime Jennifer and they put you on some kind of ā€œChico Advisory Boardā€ please do me a favor. I find that most of your beautiful jackets Are too narrow and too long for some of us 5ā€™3 well hipped women of a certain age. since Iā€™ve been shopping there for decades, let them know that a 26 inch long jacket is the sweet spot for me. More a line And swing coats would be a dream. Thanks!

      1. If only they wanted my advice!! I agree many of their jackets are too long for me.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *