Dressing Room Diary- Spring Fashion From Talbots
Happy Friday ladies. We are in the midst of a semi-cold snap here but my quest for lighter clothes continues. I stopped in my local Talbot yesterday for a very quick try-on session to see some new spring fashion from Talbots.
If you’re new here, welcome. This is a dressing room diary where I go into stores and try on new merchandise so you can see how they look on a woman older than 25.
For reference, I am 5‘4“, weigh 137 pounds, have broad shoulders, straight hips, and very few curves. I have a long torso and long arms, so I need to go between the petite and regular departments to get the best fit for me. The lighting is poor so the photos are grainy, but you’ll get a pretty good idea of what things look like.
MORE TALBOTS SWEATERS
I started with this T-Talbots cotton dress. It’s very soft cotton, modal, and spandex with a UPF of 50+ sun protection. How perfect is that for summer? It has a V-neckline that flatters almost everyone. I’m wearing a petite small which fits perfectly. It also comes in misses, plus, and plus petite sizes XS-XL. It’s a shift style so it skims rather than hugs the body. The machine wash, tumble dry fabric is easy care and fabulous for the summer. How cute would this be with white tennies and a denim jacket?
MORE CASUAL COTTON DRESSES
These wide-leg crop chinos are a soft cotton that you cannot see through. I insist my white pants be opaque and these fit the bill. The cotton spandex mix is machine washable, tumble dry. Many women love cropped pants in the hot weather so you should know that wider leg ones are cooler than close-fitting ones. These also come in a pretty soft sage or indigo. I’m wearing a 6 petite so they run true to size.
*Style Tip – the spot where cropped pants stop on your leg is critical to how flattering they are so you might like to read – Tips For Looking Stylish Wearing Capri and Cropped Pants
MORE CHINOS
This tiny dot tee is navy and also comes in a vivid pink that looks so fresh for spring. It has a bateau neckline which would be very flattering on a woman with narrow shoulders and wider hips because it provides visual balance.
Related – The Most Flattering Neckline For Your Face and Body
I love the soft Pima cotton with button detail at the bottom of the short sleeves. I’m wearing a small petite so it runs TTS and is also available in misses, plus, and plus petite. This is one of my least favorite necklines for my broad shoulder because it accentuates how wide they are.
As with the cropped chinos above, these modern white jeans are totally opaque. I love the high-rise, stretch, and straight leg this year because skinny jeans are pretty hot during the summer. They’re a true ankle length but my store didn’t have these in petite so I am showing the 4 regular. The petite inseam is 2 1/2″ shorter which might feel too short for me. They’re also available in plus. and plus petite size 2-18.
This mockneck sweater is a cotton/acrylic blend in a combo of blues. It’s available in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite. I’m wearing a small misses which is the right length on me (remember, I have a long torso). It’s a great weight for spring. I love the raglan sleeves and the soft effect of the stripes.
This pretty polka dot top has a split neckline with a pretty feminine ruffle that’s not over the top. I’m wearing a petite small which fits me so I think it is sized generously. It also comes in misses, plus, and plus petite, XS-XL.
The stretch denim button-down skirt is a cotton/polyester/lyocell/spandex blend with the perfect amount of stretch so it’s very comfy. It has an A-line silhouette that hides a multitude of sins. I’m wearing a 6 petite which is the right length for me so it runs TTS. It also comes in misses, plus, and plus petite sizes 2-18.
MORE POLKA DOTS
I know many of you don’t like to tuck your tops in or show your arms so I added this Talbots classic Charming Cardigan sweater with 3/4 sleeves. It comes in 7 colors, XS-XL, misses, petite, plus, and plus petite. They’re a perfect layer for all spring and through the summer. I’m wearing a medium petite which I prefer because my shoulders are so broad. I’m wearing the Biscayne color but think the Vista blue would be a better match for the dots in the shell.
I love a nice denim skirt and think cotton tee dresses will be on my horizon this summer because I seldom wear shorts.
Are you a short’s wearer? Would you like me to style some in upcoming posts?
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
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Haircut is so great! Fresh, cute and makes your hair look thicker! LOVE that boatneck polka dot tee and the white wide leg pants! I think that boat neckline is very flattering with your broad shoulders! The pant length is perfect. Just a great outfit on you. I’m always thinking of a comment that the late great Brenda Kinsel said “ most women look better with a collar” and we see very few in over 50 fashion these days. Hmmm, a missed opport
I miss Brenda. She was an amazing woman with the best fashion ideas!!
Thank you for the post!! I so appreciate your taking the time to go into a store and be my eyes!! Spring fashion yeah!! Finally!! Love all the outfits and your haircut!!! I am not a short wearer in the summer do I appreciate the skirt outfit and the dress! I am a one and done person anymore in summer. Dresses are easy and make me feel feminine!
One and done is sooo easy in the hot weather and they bypass the waistline which can feel so much cooler.
I am a Talbots shopper and have been for years. Would love shorts. I know my 69 year old legs are not youthful, but I have a goodly collection of shorts and also sleeveless tops. Would love styling advice.
I’ll do some shorts next time I am in Talbots. Youthful can be overrated in my opinion. Think how many miles those legs have taken you:)
Super. I like shorts too. There are a lot of places where it’s too darn hot in Summer months to be wearing long pants.
That polka dot shirt is very cute, and I’m glad you are showing some sleeveless options. I know many ladies have given it up, but until my arms are totally shot, I will continue to go without sleeves.
Good for you Kay! To be honest, when it’s beastly hot out, I don’t care who sees my arms.
Like others in earlier posts I love your haircut! Very nice! And I too love every outfit here! Maybe it’s a “blue” thing this year. Must check these out at Talbots! I love that store because everything fits !
I agree about the fit at Talbots, It’s very good!!
I like all these looks!
I am always looking for shorts that hit the knee.
Thank you,
I really liked the navy tee & wide leg crop pants. Looked so good on you. I may have to go to Talbots & try them.
Have fun
Your post is packed full of winners for me! I liked every outfit!!!!!!
I love your new haircut too!
Thanks!
First I love your new hair style.
I truly liked the piece on the length that crops should be.
Loved the Jean skirt and polkadot top and the dress.
Getting me excited for warmer weather.
Your new haircut is very modern and attractive.
Thank you
I think your hair looks absolutely wonderful, chic and fresh.
First let me say your hair looks fabulous, the shorter cut is so chic and updates your look! Loving the polka dot tee, very pretty. I am a fan of tops with small polka dots, a fun look. Have a great weekend Jennifer!!!
Living in AZ, I can vouch for your comment about the comfort of wider cut pants. I’m always on the hunt for loose fitting clothing for our summers. I wish I could find more swing cut dresses. I see JJill has some but I’m not a fan of their florals. Off to check out Talbots. I love their quality.
Thank you Jennifer for trying on these outfits for us. You give me inspiration to step outside my comfort level and try new styles.
I agree…you hair looks great.
I can’t remember the last time I wore shorts but am open to your suggestions. Who knows? maybe I’ll have a pair on this summer!
Please do a segment on shorts! I prefer longer lengths but not sure how to style them without looking frumpy or too young.
I LOVE skorts for summer wear. I look for styles that hit about 3 to 4 inches above the knee. I always find them comfortable and kinda dressy. They look good with flip flops, tennies or cute sandals. You are correct, necklines are everything to a top makes an outfit. I am so bold as to wear sleeveless tops, flabby arms and all🤣. All I can say is a little tan in a bottle helps make them look better. I LOVE your shorter hair style.
I like the sweater. The soft color is flattering on you.
Hi Jennifer. I have to say I was not a fan of the polka dot top until you popped the blue cardi on top! (Middle photo)
Wow, what a difference a finishing piece can make. And, of course, the colour looks amazing on you. Thanks for sharing.
I am always a fan of that extra third piece for polishing an outfit
Have you lost weight?
That blue polka dot top looks good on you and I hope it will look just as good on me. I’m ready for warmer weather shopping!
The “makes -you- look -younger- haircut” is a winner IMO.
Yes, I did lose 10 pounds over the last few months. Here is how I did it.How I Lost 10 Pounds During The Lockdown
You look fantastic in the navy top and wide leg white pants, maybe it is your broader shoulders, like you pointed out – just a great look an balance!
I love the jean skirt and how you showed us 3 different ways with the cardigan. Looks very smart.
Appreciate your hard work in putting these posts together, I always get something to take away from them!
Your DRD’s this morning really got my ole wheels churning! The white crop pants and the denim skirt are getting a second and third look. I already own a shorter cardigan that I love and it seems that it would work very well with both pieces. I feel that besides needing to be opaque, any white pants need to be a bit looser too. I guess that’s just my preference these days.
I love your hair! You didn’t go too short and that leaves you with options too. You could let it grow a bit and clip it up in the back when the heat settles in. The color and texture are spot on!
I always hesitate to make any huge changes in my hair style or color but a slight tweak here and there can be very refreshing.
I can almost clip this back and I agree, being able to will be important in the heat so I will likely be able to in a few weeks.
All the outfits are very cute. I like the dresses, but wouldn’t wear horizontal stripes. I also try to avoid spandex in tops. I like the pants. I am not tall and have felt the wider leg is unflattering, but I see I’m wrong. I think it does depend on where it hits on your leg. Also, I’d love to see shorts. I do wear them, but usually a longer length. Thanks for showing a variety of styles for all of us to choose from!
I’ll do shorts next time I am in Talbots
Your haircut is fantastic! You look lovely in all the fashions you selected. Thanks for the Spring inspirations!
Thank you so much!
Jennifer, I rarely wear shorts, but I would be interested in how you might style them. The wide leg crop pants stopping at the narrowed part of my leg is what I usually wear in warmer weather.
(The wide leg seems to balance out my larger bust.)
I would like to buy more tee dresses. They would be cooler to wear than crop pants, I think.
You look great in everything!
I think a lightweight cotton tee dress is much cooler than anything that touches your waist.
Spring looks are great. I have the cardigan in light blue. Used to wear denim skirts, but wouldn’t be complimentary on me now.
Always looking for shorts/bottoms for summer that are comfortable, cool, and long enough to cover down to knees. A post on that subject would be great.
Jennifer I have just found your blog and am loving it so I’m having to go back and catch up on your posts. I read the post on capris and crop pants and that was very helpful and since I just recently figured out I am a “pear” shape body that’s probably why I’ve never liked capris on me since I’m 5’3″. I have never tried crop pants. So…does a pear shape look good in a crop pant? I will be looking forward to you showing dresses as I love wearing casual dresses for summer…so much more forgiving 🙂 I like all the Talbots clothes on you. Wish we were closer to one.
Welcome! Women of all shapes can wear crops, but the shorter we are the more careful we need to watch the length of our top. If you don’t tuck in, aim for high hip length
A while back you asked us if we had any questions we would like to ask. I asked to see the inside of your closet, how you organize. I have not seen a response. 😢
I will try to get some photo’s this weekend. It’s very small so you might be surprised
Love these outfits and I love your haircut! I need to find Talbots asap!❤️
I love the denim skirt, tucked in op and sweater. It is so cute on you and looks so fun to wear!
I love the white crop pants, living in the south they are perfect. Your haircut is adorable and makes you look younger. All the outfits are very nice for summer weather that we already have.
Thanks, Janice. It is really growing on me. It’s so much easier than when it was longer