Dressing Room Diaries- The Newest Animal Print
Happy Tuesday, ladies. I was happy to get into Talbots yesterday and try on some of their latest collection. Leopard print has always been on trend, but it’s being pushed aside this fall by zebra and tiger. Here’s my early fall try-on session at Talbots, which features lots of zebra.
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 134 lbs. I have broad shoulders with straight hips, a long torso, and long arms. I often buy one size larger on top. Youāll see me try on clothes in colors and shapes that may or may not flatter me because I want you to 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.
As always, you can click the red text for more info and to shop the item at no additional cost to you.
This cotton zebra print blouse looks brown and white, but it’s actually a deep moss and ivory. The fabric is very lightweight so you could wear it on very hot days. It comes in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite. I am wearing a petite medium, and the sleeves are a bit too short, so it runs true to size. This would be a great transitional piece to wear when the date says fall and your temperatures say swelter. I’m wearing it on the left, with my white, high-rise straight-leg jeans that I wore into the store.
The shirt looks OK with white jeans but better with the natural jeans on the right. These relaxed jeans have a straight leg and high rise in natural color. You can roll the bottom and have an inseam of misses: 27″; petite: 24 1/2″; plus: 27″; plus petite: 24 1/2″. I am wearing a 6 petite unrolled, so the inseam is 26″. The V-neck cardigan is adorable! I love the pointelle knit and flattering v-neckline. It comes in four colors, misses, petite, plus, and plus petite. I’m wearing a petite M, which fits perfectly.
Here’s the shaker vest I shared in yesterday’s OOTW. It comes in three colors, misses and petite. My store was virtually sold out of them in petite, so ladies are jumping on these. I am wearing a medium petite, which fits, but I’d probably go for the misses and get that extra inch in length. I like it over a simple tee to keep the look casual. The high-waist jeans on the left are the same fit as my white ones, this time in a pale Vista wash…curvy fit here. The straight leg is slim but not skinny, so much comfier and on-trend than skinny jeans that look spray painted on. On the right is the Chatham Ankle pant in Striking Zebra. They come in misses and petite. I am wearing 6 in misses, which is too large and too long, so I have the hem folded under. The Chatham pants are a customer favorite in a bi-stretch cotton blend with a flattering side zipper and a nice high waist.
Here’s the vest in black. I like the casual look of the poplin shirt peeking out below the vest, but you could easily tuck it in if you prefer a more buttoned-up look. These Portland pants are Talbots’ modern slim-leg riding pants made from a stretch, double weave tech fabric and fit like a dream! They come in misses and petite here, plus and plus petite here. I am wearing a misses 6 without the hem folded under. The inseams are-Misses: 28″; Petite: 25 1/2″; Plus: 28″; Plus Petite: 25 1/2″
This fun sweater is about as graphic as you can be for Zebra š It’s a cotton/rayon blend with 3/4 sleeves that come in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite. I’m wearing a petite M and think it runs a bit small, so size up. My picture makes it appear greenish, but it’s a camel color. I paired it with this cotton/spandexĀ zebra print skirt. Too much?! Campy has its place in many women’s wardrobes, so we should never judge. The skirt comes in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite. The lengths are Misses: 19″; Petite: 18 1/2″; Plus: 21″; Plus Petite: 20″. I’m wearing a 6 petite and would probably prefer that extra 1/2″ the misses gives. It goes nicely with these Portland pants in black.
I’m used to loose and shapeless cargo pants, but these have a nice slim fit and Invisiflex comfort stretch waistband in the back. They come in 4 colors, misses, petite, plus, and plus petite. I am wearing the deep moss in 6P. The sleeveless shell sweater resembles a vest to me. It comes in misses, petite, and plus, XS-XL. It’s a melange of colors that will coordinate with just about every color. I am wearing a petite M. The band collar jean jacket has some fun waist seaming with a peplum making it a more feminine shape than most denim jackets. It comes in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite, XS-XL. I am wearing a misses M.
This anorak is a great piece for any time of year and the perfect length to cover a great pair of leggings š The jacket is water resistant and has a two-way zipper with an internal drawstring to add shaping, a drawstring hood, and front pockets. It comes in three great neutrals in misses, petite, and plus. I’m wearing a misses S. The leggings are cotton/spandex with this fun stripe up the side which is slimming. They come in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite, I am wearing a misses M and always size up in leggings because “strangled” is not a feeling I enjoy.
What are your thoughts on zebra print vs leopard or cheetah?
Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I bought the leggings and sleeveless top to match. I just love it for warm weather and yoga. They are so casual, comfortable, current and polished. I liked you in your zebra sweater and animal print pants. Not sure it is your style, but you looked great in them!
Thanks, Julie!
I have never been an animal print fan, from leopard to snakeskin to zebra, I dislike them all, especially the idea of it; donning the coat of an animal, is quite unappealing to me. I agree with the woman who said, wearing it, for her, screams ālook at me.ā Perhaps itās a personality thing, but I feel the same way. I also feel that while the same animal is beautiful in his or her coat, on me, Iād look like Fran Fineās mother (The Nanny!). Yikes!
I do love the white jacket, the marl sweater/tank and the denim jacket. I think they are very classic, which I would call my style. Easy classic ā¦ I came up with two words to describe my style. Still searching for the third.
I’m finding the third is the hardest, and I want it to be a feeling. That will make it personal to me, and I’ll know it when I get it right!
Animal just isnāt my thing. Not leather (except in accessories) or print. The pattern is too erratic and agitating for me.
It also seems to scream ā look at me!ā which I donāt find reflective of who I am.
The āshirt tail outā look is fun but and looks perfect on you I donāt want that horizontal line right at my hips.
Nice seeing some Talbots modeled.
I like animal prints on the original animal. I have a visceral dislike of them, especially leopard, and have had since childhood. I realize it’s just my thing and that others love them, but one of these items (I won’t say which) caused me to recoil in horror.
I truly enjoy your postings. I feel you want to help all of us ladies out here feel better about our appearance.
Thank you for your insight and suggestions. You have saved me from some dumpy outfit ideas!!
Yay! That is my goal, to help in any way I can.
Loved everything with the exception of the zebra themed items, donāt like the animal prints at all. Thatās just me. I know many ladies love those particular prints.
I do like the zebra shirt. Not sure about the pants (maybe). The skirt a bit much for me.
Love the waterproof ālongā jacket. A perfect length. Looks fabulous with the leggings. Thanks Jenifer š
I really love that jacket too. So useful!
Thinking about the sweater vest for fall- I have MANY fleece vests I throw on to be comfy and warm when Iām chilly , but IMO the pullover sweater vest just has no style at all on top of making ones middle look heavy. It will be interesting to see if this becomes popular this fall/ winter. Maybe if you are tall and thin?
I think everything looks better on tall and slender gals.:)
Thanks for modeling these for us. I must say that popular vest would really make everyone look square on top, not flattering in my opinion. The zebra items are also a bit hard to wear, very high contrast. I hope there are more flattering options in store as it is still early on the season. When do you find the stores the best stocked for fall? By the time it gets cool enough here in Northern California to wear fall clothes , I seem to have missed most of the inventory of the season.
I think this year’s Talbot’s fall collection is terrific, zebra and all. I stopped into one of their stores last week to try on the cargo pants but left empty handed when my usual 4P was too snug and I wasn’t sure I’d like the length going into fall. One of the reviews mentioned this, too, that they seem to run small. I probably should try the misses, as I think the rise was off and not just the waist (they do have that ‘comfort’ stretch.) Or maybe I could stand to lose a few pounds. š
I have a care question: when items are semi-sheer, do you clip the care/size tag so it doesn’t show through? I find myself folding it into a very small rectangle and tacking it with needle and thread or a small safety pin so that I don’t lose the washing instructions. That can sometimes make the garment hang oddly, or scratch against my neck. I’m thinking there must be a better way.
You could always clip it off and tape it to a paper with a description of the garment and add other clothing labels as you get them. File it and consult it as needed. And also add any extra buttons that came with the garment.
Great suggestion!
I snip mine out, Mary. In fact I take them out of most clothes because some are uncomfortable.
I love animal prints, but the zebra print Talbot’s is offering this season is not my cup of tea.
Ann Taylor did an almost identical print several years ago. It comes and goes.
I like the black vest with white shirt. The cream vest just does not look that good to me. Not sure about the zebra shirt, as it is a bit bold. I still like my leopard blouse from Chicos I bought some time back. The olive cargo pants look good and flatter.
Thanks for modeling.
No matter what the trend forecasters say, a dash of leopard is always in style in my book.
For me, investing in a zebra themed piece of clothing is equivalent to the holiday themed sweaters that donāt get repeated wear. I will pass! Now the band collar, denim jacket may work for me. The detail of the collar and set in sleeves draw attention upward and this usually helps to balance my total look.
Itās fun to see whatās new and trending. I am certainly learning that my personal choices for clothing, makeup, hair style, accessories all lean to a more soft classic style. I also like the word āapproachable ā to describe a personal style.
Great point about that banded jacket drawing the eye up. Itās lines are also more fluid than a standard denim jacket. Less buttoned-up is a great way to achieve approachable.
I love zebra and several of these could make it to my closet. I love that you modeled them all so I can order the ones that are sold out in my store. Fingers crossed.
My store seemed to be selling out fast. Ladies are ready for fall clothes, even if they canāt wear them yet!
Have a short flutter cap sleeve, black ‘n white zebra print blouse that I’ve received compliments on however when comparing its print to that of leopard feel the latter has more versatility both in colour(s) and pattern. In other words; as leopard prints have a tendency to vary IMHO they are not as defined as the zebra. As I do have two Talbot’s stores in my area, they are on my check-out list so do appreciate you modeling some of their pieces. -Brenda-
Footnote: I have my eye on their Zebra print Jessie Nappa Loafer but have to try them on.
Leopard print will always be in style.
I like all the animal prints in smaller doses. The zebra shirt that youāre modeling and the zebra sweatshirt in my latest catalog are both interesting and I may take the plunge!
Thanks for this great post!
Talbots has a great late summer/fall collection. The zebra prints look great on you, but Iām still a leopard girl at heart!
Wow ! Such great selections! For me the zebra pants are a no but the rest a big yes for sure – I think my favorite is the sweater/skirt/Pants combo.
There were so many more things to try on Iām going to have to do part 2!
Talbots lost me as a pants customer for the most part when they stopped making Talls. I have a 34ā inseam. Regular Misses pants are way too short on me. Iād buy the Portland pant or the cargo style if either were made in a Tall.
I’m sorry they stopped making talls. I didn’t notice that