Dressing Room Diary- Petite Fall Separates at Talbots
I stopped into Talbots to pick up a few things for my trip to Portugal next week and spotted several new things I did not see at my Talbots in Canada. I liked so many of them I decided a quick try-on session was in order. Most everything is from the petite section and also available in regular length, as well as plus, plus petite, and a few talls as well. The good news is Talbots is currently giving 25% off the entire new collection for holders of the Talbots credit card. Note to self, it might be worth it to get their card.
If you’re new here, welcome. Dressing room diaries are when I go into a local store for a try-on session so you can see what’s new and how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I am 5’4″ and weigh around 146 lbs. I have broad shoulders, straight hips, a long torso, and long arms. I often buy one size larger on top. You’ll see me try on clothes in colors and shapes that may or may not flatter me because I want you to see what’s in the stores and get some styling ideas. I tell you what sizes I’m wearing to help you understand how things run.
This textured cardigan and shell have a definite French-inspired vibe with contrast, trim, and gold-tone buttons. Both pieces also come in ivory with black trim. The knit is lightweight but not flimsy, so you could layer the shell under a blazer and pop the cardi over a blouse. I’m wearing the set over corduroy pants, but they would look just as polished over dark-wash jeans or a skirt.
The pants are full-length, corduroy with straight-leg and stretch for comfort. They have 5 pocket jeans styling and a terrific fit. They come in 10 colors and lots of sizes, including talls, for those ladies that need a longer inseam.
I’m not sure why this is called a capelet because it has sleeves, but there you go. This (jacket) comes in olive and burgundy, which would have come home with me if they’d had that color in the store. It’s a great casual layer for fall that adds attitude to your look without being hot. It has 3/4 sleeves and a snap front closure. It’s designed for an oversized look but you could size down for a more fitted silhouette.
I’m wearing it over a cozy sweater vest that’s a best seller with AWSL readers. The vest also comes in a stunning teal, camel, and deep moss shade. It’s a fun layer to wear over a turtleneck or button-up shirt. This boyfriend shirt comes in five colors…I opted for the classic white :). These straight-leg jeans have a great high rise in a Cotton/Polyester/Rayon/Spandex blend that is super soft with lots of stretch. I love how these modern jeans fit and have always been impressed with Talbots jeans.
I always love a classic houndstooth pattern for fall and winter. These are the Chatham ankle pants with a side zipper, which keeps the tummy area smooth. They’re in a super comfy cotton-bi-stretch fabric with a slightly higher waist, which I love for muffin top control. The cardigan and sweater tank grabbed my eye in this fabulous honeysuckle color. It’s one of my favorite pinks. They’re both slightly cropped, and I have a long torso, so I opted for the misses. It’s a very soft knit, and of course, I love the v-neckline. They also come in rich burgundy or black as well.
Here’s the shell under the same contrast stitch blazer I shared last month. It’s a really lovely blazer, and I’m trying to justify adding it to my wardrobe. I’ve always loved the combo of black and white with pink, but I’m not sure I would pair this blazer with these pants IRL. I think I’d wear it over some dark wash denim to keep the look more casual, which fits my lifestyle.
This size dress is one size too large for me, but I was anxious to try it on. It’s a substantial ponte knit with faux leather details, which give it a slightly edgy, modern vibe. It’s a sophisticated look that could go to work or dinner out. I see this with dark tights and knee boots or a comfy pair of flats.
These chinos, in deep walnut, are a great way to dress for fall when your weather is still warm. They come in six colors in all of Talbots’ standard size ranges. I’m wearing them with a cashmere sweater that doesn’t have the walnut color in it but coordinates nicely. I topped them with this PrimaLoft quilted vest. This vest is slightly longer than their other quilted vest, so it covers your backside if you sit on a chilly bench or car seat. Misses is 29 1/2″, Petite is 27 1/2″, Plus is 32″, and Plus Petite: 30″
Here is their other quilted vest. They’ve been making a version of this vest every fall for as long as I can remember. This length is: misses 24 1/2″, petite 23″, plus 27″, and plus petite 25″…so a full 5 inches shorter than the long one above. It’s available in six colors this season, and I’m wearing the Pretty Plum. This striped top is a 100% cotton knit and comes in four color options with button detailing on the mock neckline.
Here’s what else caught my eye online.
MORE FALL FINDS AT TALBOTS
These are some really cute outfits. I love Talbots! That black dress looks great on you. I wish you would give some suggestions for shoes to wear with this dress. Pumps? Boots?
I’d wear a low bootie with black tights for day and a low block heel or wedge at night
Jennifer, the plum colors look very nice on you as well dò the cremes. I am also 5’4, long torso, long arms. I find the shirt sleeves in petite a tad short. Therefore, I buy Misses XS in most tops and occasionally a Petite S. Have you tried a Misses S?
I often need the misses because I have long arms and broad shoulders but each item varies
I love the leather trimmed dress but wish is was available in colors other than black. Talbot’s clothes are very tempting, but there is no store near me and their shipping and return charges are outrageous and deal-breaking.
The majority of the jeans that I wear are from Talbots.
I have a quilted plaid barn jacket but the olive quilted jacket you have on is darling.
I appreciate your photos though I have never been petite –but for perhaps when I was much younger. I am almost 5’10. I will say that I am appreciative of my height. Though at times hard to find –talls. Love the cords and the quilted vest.
Your height is envied by many.
I seldom shop Talbot’s, but I do like that quilted whateveritis. Haha. Looks like a jacket to me. The olive color is perfect for me.
I really like it too, in the burgundy color for me. It has less of a classic vibe than their usually pieces.
I am also 5’4” and just bought it in a misses M and it looks entirely different on me- hits mid thigh & flares ( I think that must be the capelet!) but I love it- great “shoulder season” and then roomy enough to wear a quilted vest under for winter!
Sizing makes such a difference in the fit.
There are some great clothes there. I love the black dress on you, did you have it clipped at the back because it didn’t look a full size too big. I am glad I am in Canada and don’t like paying duties or I would have a very full shopping cart! I am also loving the fall colours on offer this year. Thanks for this one. I am feeling inspired.
No it’s not clipped, I must be standing in a weird way.
I have been a devoted shopper of the Talbot’s line for nearly 25 years now since I need the petite line and Talbots has always done a great job at it. I have found in the past few seasons that their quality has gone down, their sizing has become inconsistent and generally its more difficult to purchase online as you just can’t purchase the same thing and assume the fit is the same. I have purchased their everyday yoga pants every season for nearly 10 years. Last year the same size was 2 inches shorter. Its very frustrating, yet they are still my go to brand for petite.
I also think the dress looks great on you. Very flattering
My husband really liked it on me too
I hope many of these things came home with you. The blue cardigan set, the pink and black outfit and the purple vest and striped top are all winners on you. Enjoy your trip.
Thanks Marian
The Contrast stitching blazer looks nice on you and I think the leather wide leg pants you had on with the blue plaid shirt a couple of weeks ago would look great with that blazer….great juxtaposition of clothing articles to combine in my opinion. A teal shirt under the jacket with black pants/jeans would look good too or a denim shirt maybe?? I know this isn’t your mannequin day…….lol.
LOL, those are great styling ideas!
Thank you so much for doing a post on petite sizing. It is difficult to find clothing with correct sleeve and pant length for those of us that are built closer to the ground. In fact, a woman in the grocery store struck up a conversation with me as we both were having a difficult time reaching items due to our size. She lamented that she has not been able to find clothing options for short women in stores. Talbots is my go to store as they offer petite options for almost all of their clothing. Would love to find other stores that carry petite options that weren’t quite so pricey.
I’m working on a round up of them for you
Jennifer all these outfits look really great on you. Thanks for petite info. I really love fashion but finding petites is a real challenge!
I agree, it just shouldn’t be this hard to find them
I am finding myself drawn to Kohls more and more for this reason, which is a surprise for me–the petite selection. Decent quality and Lands End items. The other day I ordered the same petite shirts from Kohls instead of the Lands End site because Kohls had a better deal.
I totally understand that!
Loved the black dress on you Jennifer. I immediately tried to order but noted they are not offering 25% off today. Is there a special code?
The discount shows up in your cart
I believe the 25% off at Talbots is for cardholders only through tomorrow. It opens up to everyone on Thursday September 21 and lasts through Tuesday September 26.
Thank you Sonja
Unfortunately, the 25% discount is for Talbot’s credit card holders…
Dang! I guess I should get their card. Thanks for correcting me.
Jennifer in your opinion which retailer consistently carries petite clothing?
Talbots, J.Jill, Loft, come to mind immediately. Eileen Fisher, J Crew, and Banana Republic also carry a lot.
Enjoy your Portugal trip! I have heard of so many American retirees moving there. If you can figure out the attraction, not simply for visiting but living there, please tell us when you get back.
I will
Jennifer! The black dress looks amazing on you. Just gorgeous!!!
Love the quilted jacket! I have a similar one and I wear it all the time!