Soft Sweaters and Comfy New Jeans From a J.Jill Try-On
This is a tough time of year for dressing room try-ons because most of you have what you need for the holidays, and the stock is getting pretty stripped down in the stores. I wandered into a few stores this community loves and found empty racks and slim pickins, but J.Jill was fairly busy, so I dug a bit deeper to see what the ladies were trying on. You can see my other dressing room try-ons here.
This cabled mockneck sweater was on the front table and could have easily worked itself into my wardrobe. The knit is super soft and pliable, the neckline is wearable either on its own or over a shirt, and the cables make it as classic as can be. I gravitated to this blue, but it also comes in deeper green, sage, or ivory. I love that it has set-in sleeves, which give it a fitted rather than oversized look. It also comes in petite or tall, but I prefer the regular length on me. The longer I look at this picture, the more I wish I’d bought this sweater…hazard of this job :).
I paired it with these great-fitting straight-leg jeans in the Chelsea wash. It’s one of their bestselling jeans in a super-soft fiber blend that isn’t stiff or hard, but looks and feels like real denim. You can roll the cuff up or down to adjust the length. This style differs from these Relaxed Boyfriend jeans, which are looser and stiffer.
This navy fair-isle sweater is predominantly cotton, which makes it cooler to wear than the wool or polyester ones I’m seeing everywhere. The stitches are larger, and the colors are soft, giving it a softer watercolor look. I wasn’t sure I liked it until I put it on and realized just how lovely it is. The raglan sleeves give it a nice fitted shape, and the mock neck means no need to fold anything over.
I’m wearing it over these Wearever Smooth Fit knit jeans in deep navy. I have two pairs of J.Jill’s knit jeans and love them. These are a pull-on style that stays smooth against the tummy, adding no additional bulk, and slips easily under tops. The fabric is a stretch knit twill that’s incredibly comfy. These also come in 3 other colors, in petite and tall sizes.
I thought this quilted cardigan must have been sized incorrectly because it felt huge on me and the sleeves were miles too long, then I looked at the tag and realized I had grabbed a regular medium instead of a small petite. Duh… It’s a lovely, weighted fabric in the prettiest oat shade. It’s lightly quilted with thin padding that doesn’t add bulk, but gives it a nice weight, and it feels lovely on.
I paired it with this ribbed one-pocket sweater in dark pumice heather. Weird name for a beige sweater, but there you have it. It has a nice crew neck and substantial weight, so it’s opaque but not thick or heavy. A great layering piece that also comes in several other shades.
I’m wearing these over the Pure Jill Affinity slim leg pant in light mocha. These feel as comfy as sweatpants or leggings, with a more sophisticated shape. The pull-on waistband is super comfy, and the side pockets are a nice touch. These come in 3 other shades and also in tall with an inseam of 34″.
These petite wide-leg high-rise jeans would be the perfect length on me with sneakers, 1″ heel loafers, or very low-heeled boots. The leg is wide but not voluminous, and the wash is a nice medium blue with no distressing. It looks like these were taken straight out of the box before I got them, because none of the wrinkles had a chance to loosen up…but they’re very nice. These have the popular front patch pockets and a wide finished hem, which helps the legs drape nicely.
This relaxed boatneck tee is way too large on me and, to be fair, a very unflattering shape on my silhouette, even in my size. But I loved the combo with jeans and a zip cardigan… so the show must go on. It has wide stripes on the body and narrow ones on the sleeves, which you see peeking below the sweater cuff.
The navy zip-front cardigan has a bomber shape with a double-thickness ribbed neckline, front zip closure, and, all-important, side pockets. (marks in front are on the mirror). It’s very flattering and comfy with a sporty vibe and super wearable. This would be fun over a skirt as well as pants, and is a nice alternative to a knit blazer.
So there you have it. A quick try-on at a retailer I haven’t visited in months. I’m seeing much more online than was in my store, which is par for the course these days as retailers cut back on store inventory.
A few other pieces I wish my store had in stock for me to try on-
Is J.Jill a favorite retailer for you?
Thanks for reading, ladies, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
OK, I actualy thought I wasn’t going to buy any more clothes this season, but…..after seeing how good that fair isle sweater looks over jeans I had to rethink that. Thanks for the post and the inspiration!
I love J. Jill, but seldom get to the store. Too far away from where I live.
I love J.Jill and have been shopping with them for about 20-25 years. I bought that fair isle mock neck last month, and I’ve worn it at least once a week. It’s my favorite sweater this year-it’s so feminine and flattering and has sort of a glamorous “apres ski” vibe that you saw in the old sixties movies. Plus, it looks great on you!
It’s really pretty!
I like J.Jill because they are size inclusive.
I do like J Jill. The Fair Isle sweater is my favorite piece from your try on. I like the fact that it has some cotton in it. That quilted jacket really could be an outfit maker. Thanks for the hard work.
I don’t have any stores within 50 miles except Walmart. I do all my shopping online. I can’t afford shipping two ways so only shop where free shipping is available to me. You look wonderful in the cable knit and the fair isle sweaters. I really don’t like the barrel look on anyone. It is ugly and can go away soon. I’m 81 and slim but only 5’1” tall and don’t choose to look like a hobbit. I do like the jeans you are wearing and found look a likes at Chicos with free shipping. Thanks for the try on. Relax Jennifer and enjoy this holiday season.
This winter line is beautiful!! I put a few things into my J Jill cart a few days ago. Now to save up so I can buy them!
J.Jill has the cutest, most wearable items that last from year to year. Thanks for sharing what you found.
No on the barrel jeans and definitely know on the barrel sleeve shirt….i think the barrel jeans make you look 50 lbs heavier than you are. They are not flattering at all. Hopefully this fizzles out quickly!!!
They don’t appeal to me but I know many women love them.
I have shopped JJill for at least 45 years. I find there is always something I like. The wearever pants have a permanent place in my closet. They work year round with many different tops. No loud prints but straight forward styles in varying widths …… excellent travel pieces and very comfortable. I was interested in the knit jeans and will try them next time.
I love their knit jeans, I think you’ll like them.
J Jill is my favorite place to shop. I have the black knit jeans. They are very comfortable. You look great in those jeans and the fairisle sweater.
I particularly love their pajamas!
I didn’t know they have pajamas!
Yes! The jammies are the best. Only place I will buy them now.
I think the “barrel” sleeves on the denim shirt could look good on a tall person with the right slim pants/jeans.
I bet you’re right
I love J.Jill but since they don’t have a store near me I end up paying for shipping and if I have to return I pay for that too. Wish there was a store in my area!
That’s really a challenge. They often offer free shipping if you keep an eye out for it.
Hello, you suit that deepish blue of the jumpers, it brings out your eyes. I looked at the denim shirt sleeves and decided rhat I probably won’t be wearing them. I have very short arms and have turn up or alter sleeves and these won’t fir that purpose. However, they did look nice on the model!
Wearever (darn autocorrect)
I have short arms too. I move the buttons at the cuff over to fit tight at the wrist, that is about all the sewing I am capable of :). It makes the sleeves a little fuller but still looks neater (less sloppy) having the sleeves end at the correct spot. I shop mostly resale/thrift (exercise & the thrill of the find). I see a fair amount of JJill out there. So comfy and it holds up well. I am not “team barrel” but I was so tired of skinnies! I have 2 pair (for tucking into boots). I really like how anything goes in the denim world right now! The blue cable knit looks like home on you! Merry Christmas everyone, I wish you all a safe & joyful holiday.
Good morning,
Eighty-year-old great grandma love the denim barrel sleeve shirt. Also love barrel leg pants. Still working retail and still love clothes oh, and makeup!
Have a wonderful Christmas
Amy
Amazing Amy!!
Jennifer, yes, J.Jill is a favorite store of mine. I own those Wherever knit jeans in a variety of colors and leg shapes/lengths. They are so comfortable and they look great no matter how long I wear them. As for barrel jeans, I am with you. What a horrible shape. I can’t imagine who they would look good on. Happy holidays!
They look great on some women, just not me
J Jill is a favorite of mine too. I especially like the Wearever ballet sleeve tops, although they seem to be getting harder to find. I have a question about the straight leg jeans in Chelsea wash. I’m a body type that needs curvy-fit pants – would these jeans work for me without leaving a huge gap at the waist? Thanks so much. Love your terrific information.
I’m not sure about that because I’m not curvy. Sorry.