Dressing Room Diaries – June Collection at Chico’s
Happy Friday ladies. I’ve been shopping around to replace my white jeans that got stained in the laundry last week, and stopped into Chico’s because they make some terrific options. 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.
As always, you can click on the red text for more info and to shop the item at no additional cost to you.
For reference, I am 5ā4ā³ and weigh around 134 lbs with broad shoulders and straight hips. I have a long torso and long arms so I often buy one size larger on top. I try on clothes in colors and shapes that may or may not flatter me so you can 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.
Chicoās sizing can seem confusing but itās actually quite simple. Most brands only go up to a size 12 or 14 and if youāre any larger, you are out of luckā¦unless they happen to make plus sizes, which are fewer and far between these days. Chicoās 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 which allows the larger woman to shop without needing a special plus-size department. Chicoās also carries many garments in petite and some in tall.
If I say that Chico’s was a vibrant explosion of color and pattern, that would be an understatement. I gravitated to the whimsical jewelry, because I am a bit of of a crow, and they have plenty! These earrings seem to be sold out but they almost came home with me and they’re not even my style!
MORE WHIMSICAL EARRINGS AT CHICO’S
I loved the feel and weight of this linen-blend pullover. It’s substantial enough to come out of the wash not looking like a shriveled rag but cool enough for warm days. It also comes in bright pink color. I sort of love the elbow sleeves because they’re full but soft rather than stiff and puffy. When it’s hot, tight things just aren’t comfortable.
These white jeans are a great fit with Chico’s no-stain technology. They’re made to repel stains, but nothing can hold up to a long hot wash in the machine with deep colors that bleed on everything.
I had them strip this animal print top right off the mannequin for me. I love the soft aqua, blue, and white animal print. The seashore colors just feel cool, no matter the shape. The back is longer so it covers your backside while the front has a tie that gives it some shaping.
I’m wearing it with the Brigitte 10″ shorts that come in 5 colors here, 7 other colors here, a neutral stripe here, a blue and white stripe here, and two gingham prints here, Wow, that’s a ton of options for this super comfy, flattering short which is a best-seller year after year. Brigitte is also made in a 7″ version here, and several 13″ versions here and here.
MORE SO-SLIMMING BRIGITTE SHORTS
This eyelet tee is a cotton/modal blend that will feel cool on hot days. It also comes in black or deep berry. The laser-cut details on the gentle balloon shape, and 3/4 sleeve gives it a touch of a romantic, feminine vibe that I juxtaposed with a pair of pull-on jeans. I think this top would look great over slim jeans or cotton pants and also could tuck in for some waist definition.
Chico’s makes these microfiber layering tanks in fresh new shades every season. They color-match many other pieces in each collection but they’re also great to collect in your most flattering colors. Bra strap friendly, perfect to toss in a suitcase, and easy to wear on its own.
These shorts are a denim fabric in the richest regatta blue that just happens to match the tank. They are a cotton blend with spandex so comfy for activities that require bending and moving. They also polish up with a coordinated shirt. The 11″ inseam offers lots of coverage, but you could easily fold the hem up to get the most flattering length for your leg.
This no-iron linen shirt is one of the many patterns and solid color linen shirts at Chico’s this season. Many women just can’t get past the wrinkles that are an inherent characteristic of linen. Chico’s has a no-iron technology that really does help. Does it totally remove the wrinkles? Of course not, that fabric would be called polyester š This shirt is paisley in various shades of blue with white that can be styled either buttoned and tucked, tied in the front, or worn open as a third layer.
These boyfriend ankle jeans are meant to be loose and roomy. The sales gal told me they are a best seller, but it’s my first time trying them on. I unfolded the hem to make them full length. They’re a roomier, more slouchy fit than most of the girlfriend styles I’ve tried so you might be able to size down. What I love about these is they don’t cling to my calf and have to be straightened or smoothed down when I stand up.
This embroidered, chiffon blouse is a fun juxtaposition with these boyfriend jeans. The embroidery has a delicate vibe, so along with the sheer fabric, it feels feminine and could be dressed up or down.
Another no-iron linen shirt, this time in calypso coral. It comes in 12 gorgeous colors and has a slight shirttail hemline that helps your legs look longer. I love that it’s only 28.5″ long so it doesn’t overwhelm when worn untucked and is a reasonable length for petite ladies. The 3/4 sleeves are another plus in my book because I don’t have to fold the cuffs back.
The beaded hem crops have a 24″ inseam so are almost ankle length on me. The wash is very pale which I love for the summer. Be sure you pair these with cute sandals or espadrilles because beading at the ankle draws attention to your feet.
This knit linen tunic can be worn open as a cardigan or closed as I’m showing. The high side slit helps it work over jeans, jeggings, or leggings. It also comes in four other colors and has a matching linen layering tank here. It’s 100% linen so a great option for hot days.
The embroidered jeggings are a lighter-weight fabric than many jeans and have plenty of stretch. The inseams are as follows: 26.5″ in regular, 29.5″ in tall, and 24.5″ in petite, which to my mind make them cropped. I prefer my pants closer to the ankle so I’m wearing the regular. I see these dressed up with a feather-weight white tunic and low-heeled silver sandals for a causal dinner out.
I discovered something unusual about my taste. I don’t care for frayed hems on my jeans, but I love it on this denim skirt and went home with this entire outfit š It comes in this lighter coral reef wash and a deeper venus indigo wash. It also comes in white denim which was sold out in my size so I ordered it. The tee is a big winner in my book. It’s 100% cotton, has a v-neckline with some buttons running along the neckline for interest plus the sleeves are elbow length! I am so tired of having short sleeves end at my bustline, this is a welcome change. It comes in 8 colors, I bought 3 of them :).
I wore my new denim skirt the following day and can report it was super comfy and kept me cool on a 100-degree day of lunch followed by shopping at an outdoor mall.
Are you a fan of denim skirts?
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I love the black blouse š„°. Itās so feminine but I agree it would be great dressed up or down. My style tends to be more dressy.
Love the green linen blend top. Might need in green and pink. Your reference to being a bit of a crow made me laugh. I’ve always said I’m part crow because I love shiny sparkly jewelry.
Oh, if only I had your beautiful legs! I haven’t worn a skirt, dress, or shorts in many years because of my thick veined ankles. I do really like the jeans with the beading though! Thanks for the great DRD and enjoy your long weekend!
What a coincidence. This week I also ruined my good Eileen Fisher white jeans in the steamer of my dryer when colour from another item bled onto my jeans and did not come out when washed with bleach. So, I’m also in the market for new white jeans. Unfortunately, Chico’s is no longer in Canada so I’m going to have to look elsewhere. Love the texture of the green sweater. I miss Chico’s here.
Ouch! I do know you’ve got some great EF stores there as well as Talbots so you may have success there.
I truly enjoy your blog and its content. It feels like a friend has stopped in and shared her latest shopping adventure. Your styling and wellness tips are appreciated. I have never shopped at Chicos. After seeing your latest DRD, I plan to go there in person. Glad to hear they carry petites as I am just over 5 ft. and it can be a challenge to find clothing in the correct lengths. Have a great weekend.
Call your local store and be sure they have the petites in the store. I buy most of mine online which has a much bigger selection
Love the blue paisley on you!!
My favorite time. DRD.
Love all the outfits you modeled for us.
I canāt pick which ones I like best.
Time for me to try some of the amazing outfits to see which will win for me.
Happy weekend š
Happy weekend, Lin
I love today’s looks, and elbow -length tees are right up my alley.
The danger of having a laundry escapee ruin your clothes is that you find even more wonderful clothes!
LOL, you are so right!!
You are amazing and beautiful as always! Your explanation on “no iron” linen is epic….LOVE it. I will steal that from you š
Denim skirt is adorable on you and when it turns to “boot weather” bring that skirt out! Hugsš
All the looks were very flattering on you today. Yes, I am a fan of denim skirts year round. I have a just above the knee one and a midi, button up the front from Talents a few years back. Love them both with tees, sweaters, shirts, boots, ballerina flats and boots. Can’t go wrong with denim skirts.
Hi, Jennifer, Yours is one of the first blogs I read every morning, so I was looking for your email yesterday and then I remembered your new schedule LOL. I hope that you’re enjoying some me time; it’s well deserved. I have a white denim jacket from Chico’s that picked up color in the wash & I thought it was ruined. However, I washed it separately in my machine with a Shout Color Catcher and I was amazed that all of the color came out! If your jeans that are stained are still in good condition, you might want to try it. Love Chico’s and love your blog!
I have just ordered those Shout Color Catcher sheets. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of them before! Thanks for being here, Niki!
So happy that I could help! I’d love to hear if they work for you, too. Have a lovely day, Jennifer!
Love the frayed denim skirt also. I choose casual skirts over shorts most days- itās more interesting. Please share about the issue with short sleeves ending at the bustline. I agree this length is flattering but not sure why.
Thanks for all the modeling! My favorite is the sheer-sleeved black top with the white pants — have to see if the top is in my size. Sorry, but I have to disagree with a comment you made, though. I am 5′ 2.5″ and slim. Even 26″ is too long for shirts on me unless I want a tunic look, so there’ no way I could make 28.5 inches work for me. BTW, I know you’re modeling for us, but I think you’d look great in shorter length shorts.
I think the denim skirt is the best of the bunch !
Just love all the looks today! Chicos usually has over the top colors and prints that are too much for me, but your choices here make me want to run in there.
Chicoās has outdone themselves this season! I really liked all the outfits you modeled on this blog. This is a favorite blog of mine. Thank you.
I just love this blog!
Iāve never found a denim skirt that wasnāt stiff, thus I probably only owned one in my lifetime. I rarely tuck tops in anymore & this skirt needs that.
Such a nice variety of style & color today.
I hope you bought the black chiffon blouse and white boyfriend jeans. I thought that outfit looked great on you!
You looked great in everything! My favorites are the white jeans, black blouse and denim skirt outfit. Glad that went home with you. Happy Weekend āŗļø
Such great a wonderful assortment of styles and colours that speak ‘summer. Particularly like the paisley no-iron linen shirt/blouse but wouldn’t you know it is sold out. With appreciation for modeling all the clothes that you do and wishing you a beautiful weekend.
-Brenda-
Wow, that sold out fast. Sorry about that. Have a wonderful weekend Brenda
Is the tank top made of a cool, breathable material?. I honestly only feel comfortable in gauze or linen in these humid Arkansas summers!
The microfiber is not. The linen tank is for sure.
Loving many items in the Chico’s summer collection–but OMG, the prices! Where are the great sales with the 40% off coupons I used to receive? What happened to marking down older items when new lines release? Dresses that have been out for months remain full price. The $25 off of $100 coupon is a drop in the bucket when several tops, pants and jewelry can add up to $500 or more!!! Also wish they would make the cute trimmed cropped jeans and pants in Tall–a 24″ length looks ridiculous on us 5’9″ tall ladies with a 34″ inseam–hitting oddly at mid-shin. Your ankle length is much more flattering.
Every retailer has different sale tactics, for sure. It feels like some brands go on sale the week after a new release and others never have a sale. I agree it can be frustrating!
You look so cute in everything! I love this green linen elbow sleeve tee and earrings with white jeans. Such a fabulous look!
I rarely wear earrings unless truly dressed up but these are great!
We havenāt reached any temps near 100 yet in our area, but fear itās coming! I do have a knee length jean skirt and do wear it occasionally. Itās from last year- Talbots. On weather- Every summer it becomes hotter and more humid. Not my favorite! But acceptingā¦.happy weekend!
Happy weekend, Paulette!
I love the denim skirt but it would have to fit right and the fabric to be soft, not stiff. It looks great on you and i love the look (youthful!) but it would have to fit right. Not sure if it would look good on me but itās worth a try! Denim, to me, gives you āi just threw this on at the last minute kind of look!ā
I love that v neck tee shirt with the buttons! I purchased two of them already! I also bought a nice light linen polo shirt! I usually have trouble with their sizing since I am a 3.5 in teeshirts but they don’t have that size in tee shirts. The size 3 fit me well. I just ordered some shorts so I will see if they fit me.
I do love that tee!!
Good morning Jennifer! Thanks for your showings from Chicoās. I was there last week in my store and I agree: the store was stocked well with colorful options. I love all the colors on you, but the real stunner is that black sheer chiffon blouse with the white pants. Love the possibilities with that one. Yes, I love denim shirts. I love anything denim: I have several old jean jackets I just recycle with other clothes for different looks. Denim is especially handy when you donāt know what to wearš
Love Chicoās and everything you tried on.
Love your try on sessions! It is nice to see the clothes on a real person to see how they lay and fit. You look beautiful in all of the colorful options. Have a wonderful weekend!