Dressing Room Diary- Late Fall Try On Session At Talbots
Happy Friday, ladies. Talbots’ newest fall collection dropped a few days ago and rather than check it out online, I went to see it, touch it, and try things on. It’s hard to know what a collection really looks like without seeing it on a person so today have a look at my late fall try-on session from Talbots.
If you’re new here. welcome. A dressing room diary is when I go into a store and try on new merchandise so you can see how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I have an inverted triangle body silhouette with broad shoulders and straight hips. I am 5’4″ tall and weigh around 136 lbs. I have a long torso, long arms and often wear one size larger on top than the bottom.
Most talbots garments are available in regular, petite, plus, and plus petite so I will call out the sizes I am wearing.
As always, you can click the red text for more info and to shop the item.
The first thing I spotted coming through the front door was a rack of casual knit dresses. I know many of you live in pants, but a casual knit dress is a cozy, comfy alternative when worn with tights for the fall and winter months. In the images below I have cropped my ankle socks out so as not to distract you from the dress:)
I am wearing a regular in small in all of these and like this length. They cover my knee but aren’t so long that they approach frumpy length. The tweed dress on the left comes in this bright pink and a deep navy. They say it has a bateau neckline but it fits closer to a jewel neckline on me. It’s got 3/4 sleeves with large decorative buttons all the way up the arm and runs true to size.
See also –How To Wear A Midi Skirt]
The center dress is the same tweed as the dress on the left, this time with tiny shoulder buttons, 3/4 sleeves an available in black or this pretty blue. The cowl neck dress on the right is a gorgeous plum shade. This is a classic that will never go out of style. I see it with knee boots in soft suede and some chunky bracelets. The dress in the center and left are a flecked knit which always seems more casual to me.
The plaid metallic shirt comes in black/white or this pale grey heather color. It has long sleeves so is toasty enough on its own yet perfect for layering. I’m wearing a small regular. I topped it with this snowflake sweater that comes in red/ white or sky heather/white in S regular. . After yesterday’s post, I was still on a neutral jag:) The cardigan comes in three colors plus this gorgeous winter white. I am wearing an XS in regular so I think you could size down on this.
These are Talbots slim ankle jeans in natural. I’m not sure if they’re a late summer delivery or new merchandise but I love the tonal looks they let you create and are great for fall. I’m wearing a 4 regular which are too long, but I prefer to hem after washing than sacrifice the highest rise I can get.
Here are two looks featuring this sweater jacket and a textured stitch pullover in coral. The pullover comes in 6 colors and is machine washable. I’m wearing a regular S. They describe the pullover as a tunic length, but it’s only high-hip length on me and would be even shorter in petite so “tunic” must be in the eye of the beholder:)
I bought these Soho leggings last winter and wore them constantly. These are indigo in 4 regular. I simply folded the bottoms under. I do this often so I can get a higher rise than the petite version offers. They’re a fantastic fabric that’s heavyweight enough to hold everything in and look sleek. The modern ankle jeans on the right have a high-rise, are slim through the hip, and relaxed through the thigh with a straight leg. I love these newest jeans. Comfy and flattering without strangling your legs.
This coat is a Goldfinch color and it also comes in a Plum shade. The coat’s styling is impeccable but it left a lot to be desired, color-wise on me. I’m wearing a regular S. Notice how my iPhone adjusted for the color and changed the color of the walls and carpet. This is one of the major stumbling blocks to accurate, color analysis when done virtually.
I’m wearing it over the girlfriend cardigan in soft gray. It’s soft and cuddly in 4 colors and has no wool. I’m wearing a petite medium. These Soho leggings are fabulous. I bought a pair last winter and wore them to bits! They tuck into knee boots beautifully or stand on their own under a longer top. This pair happens to be houndstooth but they’re also available in tons of solids. This is the perfect white no-iron shirt which I have in several colors and LOVE! I always buy the regular so the sleeves are long enough with my broad shoulders.
These pull-on jeggings are fabulous with no zip, snap, or button in front so they give a very smooth look. I have them in 3 washes and love them. This is the deep empire wash. I’m wearing a 4 regular with the legs folded under. If they shrink, I would hem them but honestly, I usually just keep folding them under and they stay that way all day.
What can I say other than cable sweater, red, cotton /blend yarn, and ’tis the season:) I’m wearing an XS petite and it’s too short so I would opt for the regular in small. This is also available in 5 other colors but again…this red is sort of perfect for this time of year.
I’m a big fan of these slim ankle jeans and must own them in 8 colors. This is the deep Meteor wash which I’m loving for fall. They fit beautifully and don’t strangle my legs. I’m layering on the perfect white shirt, cashmere crew neck, and this houndstooth blazer. I love their longer-length blazers. Their jacket sleeves are always too short in petite for me so I have learned to love and embrace the length of the body that goes with the regular. This kind of layering is right up my alley for warmth but mostly for visual interest. Add earrings, perhaps a brooch and I am good to go.
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
You look great in all of these outfits, but you won my heart when I saw your white socks! It is so nice to see someone else who does this—that is my signature look when trying on almost everything. I am heading out to Talbots to try on those Soho leggings.
Lol! My favorite soft cotton socks 🙂 Let me know what you find at Talbots.
As I have shopped at Talbot’s for decades, I can attest to their prior qualilty. Quality has declined somewhat recently (almost nothing is lined anymore) and sizing/labeling is hit or miss. (Your “tunic” is 24.5 inches long in P but shirts are 26.5, which is way too long for me at 5’3″-ish.) I’m in total minority here as I much prefer shorter lengths in sweaters and really dislike stuffing long shirts into trousers or sitting on a sweater (unless I’m wearing leggings. I toyed w/idea of long blazer but much prefer a jacket (even though I’ve worn long blazers decades ago). On positive side, your styling is impecable. Thanks for showing slim ankle jeans as I need a pair. And you wear normal socks like the rest of us – love it!
Lol. I love thin cotton socks :)!
Love the snow flake sweater, blazer and yellow coat (prefer the
Plum) look dead in that shade of yellow.
Great styles!
Talbots have the better quality pieces and you look the best in them.
Love all the outfits…..the hot pink and blue dresses are fabulous colors on you. The last outfit was spectacular, the definition of classic dressing. Perfect outfit for a weekend out fall shopping, nice lunch and cup of hot tea ☕️ have a wonderful weekend Jennifer 👏🏻👏🏻🍁🍁🍂🍂🍂🎃🎃
I love that last outfit too:) Happy Friday, Dianne
This is perfect timing as received the Talbot’s November catalogue and was looking at their selection and seeing some of the garments on you certainly inspires. Particularly like the blazer on you, however do agree that the color of coat definitely does not favour your skin tone even though its bright and cheery as your personality is. Also appreciate the heads-up on the white shirt as in the market for another one that I might add some embellishment to just on the collar tips. (Second thought I may just have to order two as not all my experiments are successful … lol!) In closing, thanks again Jennifer for trying on all the clothes as I imagine it can also be tedious. -Brenda-
P.S.: Like you I like to see and touch as prime example; for years I was looking for a pair of black velveteen pants. Long story short I finally found them through your blog as another reader when I inquired about their fabric confirmed that the pair Talbot’s carried were just that and ‘not velvet’ as described. Did order them and indeed they were what I wanted and fit like a glove.
I’m so glad I can try these on for ladies, because many do not live close to a store, nor do they want to be out around that many people.
Hi Jennifer,
You look adorable in the knit dresses, you are so cute. The bumble bee yellow coat is not your best color.
I just wanted to tell you I saw my podiatrist yesterday and she confirmed with me that the HOKA was an excellent choice. The inserts are the KEY. I hope the inserts you ordered work out swell for you. I don’t know what I would do without them. I want to correct what I said, I have osteoarthritis in my feet, NOT
osteoporosis.
You look fabulous in every outfit you have pictured. I love Talbots and have sweaters and jackets that are 10+ old and still look great. Their classics never go out of style.
I wonder if you read my question from yesterday? SCI/art analyst in Sacramento?? If it is a person who does this for everyone may we have the name?
I sure hope you left with the blue dress. It looks wonderful on you!
Love that houndstooth blazer. It’s such a great look with jeans. I’ve had my eye on that one for a while.
Love so many of these looks. The dresses are a nice change from wearing pants all the time, and would be cozy for winter.
Great Post! You look so good in all photos. Yourhair is definitely at it’s best. You have given me some great ideas and looks. I love Talbots.
Thanks for today’s post !
Wow, Jennifer, I think the blazer, pullover, and button-up shirt is my favorite outfit I’ve ever seen you wear on your blog. It’s such a wonderful look on you. It’s just the right combination of classic, neutral, and casual to make you look absolutely stunning! The colors are neutral, but not blah, so just perfect for you and your love of neutrals. Just gorgeous.
“It’s just the right combination of classic, neutral, and casual to make you look absolutely stunning!”
–Yes! Ditto!”
The colors look really good on you, especially the reds. Now for my dilemma question, what about panty hose? I’ve gone so long without wearing them, I hate the thought of wearing them again. Is there a favorite brand that feels like nothing?
@Wyona: Have you tried leg makeup? There are a few brands on the market and from reviews though all require some prep the easiest to apply by a novice, is in a lotion form. Also it apparently washes off but doesn’t rub off. Myself I have never used it however if an occasion dictates coverage of legs, I either opt for a sheer nude panty hose (they’ve come a long way in comfort and have even dyed them to co-ordinate with an outfit) or in cooler seasons due to the climate I live in, wear leotards/tights. Also shall add; I have also compensated for such by wearing a high shaft boot that just extends beyond the hemline of the garment that covers the bare portion of the leg which amounts to ‘no fuss or muss’.
Hope you didn’t mind me jumping in, Jennifer. -Brenda-
Oh, those dresses are gorgeous, and I would try them all on. Is that the yellow coat from your previous post. If the sales person said that was perfect for you, she needs a lesson in getting customer trust. All I see with that coat is the coat, and you are in the background, such a shame. That would look fantastic on a deep redhead and a multicoloured scarf with it. Anyway, good luck and have fun tomorrow. We will be waiting eagerly to hear and see the results.
So many nice items! And I know it’s not the focus of today’s post, but would you share some details about the earrings you’re wearing? I’ve noticed them before, and have been meaning to ask. They’re nicely present without being too dangly or formal.
Love everyone of your outfits. I especially like the cardigans, jeans and cable knit sweater. Thanks for all you do for us. I’ve learned so much.
I’m glad you’re enjoying these, Rose. Have a great day
If I were your personal shopper for the day, I would snag up the red plum, cowl neck dress and the houndstooth blazer, cashmere sweater and slim jeans! You look simply amazing in these two outfits! Both styles are simple, classic and so beautiful!
Those were my favorites too:)
I’m a fan of the dresses as they look pretty and cozy for winter weather. I am 5’3″ so would like them a tad shorter. Being pear shaped it is always hit and miss whether they will fit. I have best luck with an a-line.
Petite would be better on you then. They did not have the petite in store for me to compare
Love your dressing room try-on posts best. Enjoy your blog! Love the looks you presented.
You look stunning in everything Jennifer and I particularly love the blazer outfit on you. So stylish with the turned up shirt collar.
Have a great weekend.
Thanks, Yvonne. Have a great weekend yourself xo
I love you in the cowl neck dress ( on right) – beautiful, and I love you in your new favored neutrals- the blazer and nutmeg color sweater. Hope you had a good day looking over Talbots newest selections!
Have a great day, Paulette:)
Great outfits! I’ve said many a time I’m not a skirt/dress person, but I’d take a look at these dresses – they look cozy. What color tights would you pair them with? tone on tone (if they have) or black, which I don’t think would look good.
Thanks as always for so many great ideas.
I would look for tights in a tone similar to the dress to elongate the look. If you can’t find that, I’d look for a taupe color similar to your flesh tone or pale grey.
Hello Jennifer, Would you give me some fashion advice. Why do black tights not work with the dresses?
Thanks,
Eileen
Black would probably be too much contrast to these lighter colors so they’d draw the eye down to your legs rather than up to your face. This is tricky as it could be hard to find matching tights which is why I suggest a soft color. If you can’t match the dress, match the shoe color.
You looked really good in these outfits!