Small Try-On From Chico’s and J.Jill
I popped into Chico’s and J.Jill the last time I was in the neighborhood. Both are reader favorites in this community because they offer a broad range of sizes, including plus sizes. I like to support brands that recognize women come in many shapes and sizes and all deserve stylish options.
If you’re not familiar with Chico’s sizing, they use their own sizing system, which can take a minute to decipher. As a general guide, 000 = 0/XS, 00 = 0–2/XS, 0 = 4–6/S, 1 = 8–10/M, 2 = 12–14/L, 3 = 16–18/XL, and 4 = 20–22/XXL. Some styles are also offered in half sizes. Many pieces come in petite, and some pants come in tall inseams. I’ll include the Chico’s size I’m wearing with each piece so you have a better idea of the fit.
For reference, I’m 5’4″, about 134 pounds, with broad shoulders and fairly straight hips. My wide shoulders mean I often wear one size larger on top than the bottom.
This Zenergy Rip Stop piped jacket is a vibrant storm blue with black piping. The back is significantly longer, which helps keep your seat dry on wet, foggy, or misty days when you may decide to sit on a park bench…I do when walking. It’s made from a durable performance fabric with UPF 50. It’s a great lightweight windbreaker for an active lifestyle but is stylish enough to wear any day. I found the fit slightly large, but I want to layer it over lightweight sweaters, so this size works well.
I’m wearing it over this Pima cotton tee, which is soft, smooth to the touch, and comes in 13 gorgeous colors. I own it in 2 shades and like it enough to own more. The sleeves are elbow-length, which is one of AWSL readers’ favorite proportions.
On the bottom, I’m wearing the Girlfriend Slim cropped jean in black, which has an inseam of 24″, making them ankle-length on me.
I styled this Knit Denim Elongated Topper with full-length jeans to approximate the 1/3-2/3 ratio which is most pleasing to the eye. An ankle-length jean would have made my legs look way out of proportion, and frankly, stumpy. This denim jacket is currently marked down and selling like hotcakes. The soft knit fabric is very comfortable, and the princess seaming makes it very flattering because the shaping shows more of your shape than a blocky, straight jacket.
I’m wearing it over these very comfortable Pull-On Knit Wide-Leg Jeans. They’re quite stretchy and have belt loops so you could add a belt to remove the pull-on look. These come with these inseams: Regular 30.5″, Short 28.5″, Tall 33.5″.
Chico’s scarf collection is always pretty. This Ombré Lace Scarf comes in these pretty blues or pomegranate with shades of red. I find oblong scarves like this incredibly easy to style, and you can keep it simple by draping it around your neck. This coordinates so nicely with this Ella Pullover Sweater in blue muse. It’s a great lightweight layer for late summer and into fall.
On the bottom, I’m wearing these Girlfriend Cropped Kick Flare Jeans. They’re available in petite with a 24″ inseam, but I’m wearing the regular with a 25″ inseam. They have a slim fit, but they’re slightly relaxed so they don’t strangle your legs.
More Finds at Chico’s
The next day, I wandered into J.Jill. They sell most items in tall, plus, and petite.
This Cotton Cashmere Polo grabbed my attention the moment I walked in. It’s a fine-gauge sweater in the softest fabric, so you won’t overheat in. This crimson color is a showstopper, and it also comes in clove heather and blue tweed. It comes in regular, petite, or tall, so you can adjust your size if you like your tops longer or shorter.
I styled it under this Cotton Linen Denim Jacket, which is almost sold out in regular! The front seaming has a slight western trend which I’m seeing a lot of for fall. I’m wearing them over these Boyfriend Jeans, which came home with me. They’re so comfy and fun, I wanted to wear them right out of the store! They add Tencel to the fabric, which makes them softer than regular denim. These come in 3 inseam lengths, and you can adjust the hem fold to whatever length you want.
This Getaway Long Cardigan is one of those useful pieces you can pop over anything. It’s 100% cotton and machine washable. It has no buttons, which makes it great to wear over a column of color. I’m wearing the grey heather, and it also comes in bark heather.
I’m wearing it with this Getaway Sleeveless Sweater, a lightweight knit that’s great for now because it’s cotton. There are coordinating bottoms here, but I chose to pair them with these Authentic Fit Wide-Leg jeans, which are a hair too long because I needed the petite. ( I’m on my tiptoes) They also have Tencel in the fabric, which helps keep them softer.
A few more finds from J.Jill
I’m heading back this week to check out the newest fall collections. Is their something particular you’d like me to look for?
Love the looks from J Jill! You look stunning! Definitely purchasing the long cardigan. Love the size inclusivity from J Jill and Talbots. Being large on top and small on the bottom is a challenge!
I’m petite too at 5’1” and I have gained four pounds, ugh, so 139. Hard to fit. Is the waistband in the JJill jeans forgiving with some easement so I can wear jeans that fit my slimmer hips but still button and zip at the waist? Or do I have to buy a size five inches too big in the hips just to accommodate my fluffy waist? Chicos pants and jeans fit me best at 1.5P and on bloat days 2P with a baggy butt. Can’t I have it all?! I’m 81 and still like to look cute as well as comfortable.
It’s best to buy for the hips. I’d suggest stretchy pull-on jeans
A comment about Ruggable Rugs. I just purchased my favorite pattern yet, the leopard print Panthera. I bought a runner to spice up a hall and I love it! Classic old world with a kick.
I will check it out!! I love the way it sounds
I thought longer sweaters were no longer on trend, Jennifer. 🤔
I donated mine yesterday intending to buy shorter ones.
Looking forward to hearing and seeing about your bear watching trip.
I think it’s wise to keep a variety of lengths
Hello Jennifer,
Thank you for telling us what size you are wearing because if I was to go by the size chart all my clothes would be extra large when in fact I am now wearing a size 8. I am on a diet and doctor wants me at 130 so I am trying to do a winter wardrobe with smaller sizes. I am 5 ft 2 inches so I feel better in boot cut jeans so I don’t look like a box.
Do you have any suggestions on what to be looking for in pants and tops. I don’t wear dresses as my legs have gotten more brown spots over the years.
I think the bootcut is a great shape, and this season I’m finding lots in pull-on styles. They’re more flexible as your weight changes
Chico’s should use you as a model. Your photos are better than the one on their website.
LOL , thanks
Chico’s size 1.5. (etc.) is perfect for my size 10. The .5 sizes are not always available but work well when they are. Size 1 works also.
Jennifer, I am in Vancouver and loving it here! The weather is spectacular. Today we are headed to the aquarium where my granddaughter is working as a vet student. BTW that JJill red sweater outfit is so youthful looking! Hope you bought it.
Have a fabulous time Bea. How long will you be here? Maybe we could meet for coffee?
Love the long cardigan and red pullover on you! Both are such great complimentary colors for you.
I love J Jill jeans but this year I haven’t had so much luck there. I use to wear 2P in their jeans but now I’m wearing P0 and not in store. I could try the 2p on in their store, buy and bring them home but now I have to order and you are in the dark about fit. I wore my J Jill demi bootcut ones yesterday I love. I do wish Talbots and J JIll would carry a 0P in the store. Those boyfriend ones look great on!
Thanks for the JJill and Chico try ons! These are my two favorite places to shop, clothes don’t have that ‘old lady’ vibe and they last. I know everyone loves Talbots, but I am 5’ 9’ and their clothes never fit me properly and they always shrink regardless of the price!
I agree with you – I am just under 5’7″ and Talbots clothing never fits quite – J Jill & Chico almost always do. Another consideration is colour choice. I am pale with warm skin tones. J Jill offers colours for all skin tones while Talbots leans to only flattering cool skin with pale pastels or bright primary colours.
Out of curiosity, what shoes did you wear during the day while on your most recent trip spirit bear watching? Thanks.
Knee-high rubber boots
It’s fun to see the new fall clothes! I can’t wait for cool weather.
Chico’s has some pretty dresses on their website, especially the solid color brown and blue ones. Have you tried them on?
I wear petites so am thinking the waist will be too low on me, and the neckline too deep.
I haven’t yet but plan to very soon