Dressing Room Diaries: The Best of Talbots Spring Collection
Spring has certainly arrived at Talbots. I walked through the door to an explosion of bright, cheery, and happy colors that just lifted my spirits! I also met a lovely reader at the store, which reconfirms that Talbots is what many of my readers love to wear. I had so much fun at my latest try-on session with the best of Talbots Spring Collection.
A dressing room diary is when I go into a local store for a try-on session to show you what’s new and how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I am 5ā4ā³ and weigh around 145 lbs. I have broad shoulders, straight hips, a long torso, and long arms. I often buy one size larger on top. I try on clothes in colors and shapes that may not flatter me because I want you to see whatās in the stores and get some styling ideas. I mention what size Iām wearing to help you understand how things run.Ā Most Talbots garments are available in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite.
This plaid tweed blazer screams spring to me with its pretty combination of Easter egg colors. I’m wearing a 10P, which is a bit too large for me, so I could easily wear the 8P. The white in the pattern can coordinate with pure white or cream, which makes it nice and versatile. The slightly cropped length would also be very pretty over a simple spring dress.
On the left is Talbots’ customer-favorite slim ankle jeans in lilac bloom. On the right, I’m wearing these wide-leg trouser jeans, which give it a totally different look. Which pant leg do you prefer with this jacket? I think this jacket would also be great over straight denim jeans to dress the look down.
This short trench seems even brighter in person. I’m seeing lots of cropped trenches lately, and this one makes a super fun statement with an inverted pleat in the back, which gives it some movement and a slight swing style. You wouldn’t expect this coat to withstand a torrential downpour, but it sure adds a sassy vibe to your look and is a great light jacket for spring.
This striped tee has waves of cheery bright colors that will coordinate with most things. I’m wearing my standard PM and find it a bit fitted, so size up if you want a loose fit. These pintuck flare jeans have a high waist and are fitted through the hips and thighs, then flare out at the knee. The denim is thick and substantial, with a touch of stretch for comfort.
I spotted this lace-trimmed shell and immediately thought it would be pretty for my upcoming trip to Mexico. It’s nicely lined, so you don’t have to think about anything showing through. It comes in 3 other colors as well. The entire bodice is covered with lace, so I have no idea why they call it ‘laced trimmed’. The back is a stretchy knit like a tee, which makes it comfy and lightweight.
I’m wearing it over these New England Chinos, which, I’m delighted to say, come up to the waist. Some of their chinos have been below the waist in recent years which I find awkward, but is great for women with short torsos. These come in 5 colors in a great twill fabric with a nice stretch. The inseams are Misses: 29″; Petite: 26 1/2″; Plus: 29″; Plus Petite: 26 1/2″. At 5’4″, I find this petite inseam an awkward length on me, so I would opt for the regular and wear them full length.
This classic trench coat almost came home with me, and it still may. The fit and fabric are exceptional quality, plus it’s in the most gorgeous shade of blue. The underneath of the collar and back of the belt is black, which gives it a unique twist. This is fully lined and feels like a coat costing so much more. I LOVE that it’s single-breasted, which is another mark on the plus side for me….I’ll let you know.
FYI-My ballet flats are from here. They come in 11 colors, narrow, medium, and wide, in sizes 3-14, but they seem to have discontinued this shade.
It’s hard to tell from these photos, but these Southhampton pants are navy. They’re a classic, straight-leg, sophisticated looking pant, that you could dress up for work or wear with a tee and denim jacket. These come in 5 colors in a heavier-weight knit fabric with 5% spandex. I love the fit and finish of these pants, which are classic in every way.
I topped them with this v-neck floral cardigan with an ivory background and shades of blue and yellow. I’m impressed that the pattern matches across the front, which is a sign of quality workmanship. It’s a soft cotton/rayon blend in a petite-friendly length.
This cantalope and white boyfriend striped shirt has wide white cuffs and a white placket down the front. It’s not my color, but I couldn’t resist trying it on because it just exudes happy vibes. It’s a crisp poplin and in a longer length, so you can tie it at the waist or wear it over slim pants.
I paired it with this Aperitif tee, which has a playful summer feeling that just makes me want to go on vacation. I’m not a big one to wear graphic tee’s but sometimes they just speak to you.
This collared zip cardigan and pants were on the mannequin in the window, so I thought I would give it a try. The cardigan does have this exact pink in one of the threads, but I’m not crazy about them together because the pants overwhelm the unique color combo in the cardigan.
I love these Greenwich pants, and they fit like a dream, but I’d prefer the cardigan with white pants, blue jeans, or even black bottoms so the pretty color combo could pop. The cardigan is a blend of tangerine and pink geranium, which makes me wish I’d tried styling it with these Greenwich pants in black. These pants are a Tencel, linen, and cotton blend that hangs elegantly and has a classy drape to the wide leg.
I have these wide-leg denim trousers in blue and love them. They have classic five-pocket styling, a very wide leg, and a high rise. These are in soft, neutral ivory without much warmth, which makes them pretty versatile. The lattice shell is ivory and black with a matching cardigan here.
I’m styling them with this mixed cable moto sweater jacket with an asymmetrical zipper and peplum shaping. This is a substantial knit, so it holds its shape well and maintains the structure of the peplum. It also comes in white, which would be great for spring. If you look carefully, you will see that the waist shaping on this cardigan is above my natural waistline, so I’d be better with the regular over this petite.
Right now, Talbots Spring Fashion event is on, and you can save 25% off your entire purchase, so it’s a great time to update your spring wardrobe.
MORE FROM THE TALBOT SPRING COLLECTION
The blue trench coat is gorgeous on you!! Definitely your color:)
Could use an iron.š¤
I carry one with me.
You look great i that trench coat! and you look great in the wide leg pants! I don’t shop at Talbots, their clothes just don’t seem to fit me well. But the styles you have shown are really nice! Some of their sweaters are just too cute if you know what i mean.
Thanks for a great post. I will be shopping at Talbot’s.
So appreciate the line up today Jennifer as am on the search for 100% cotton (or a blend) in bottoms so shall definitely be popping into one of the two Talbot stores in our city to try them on. As to the Tweed Blazer; as you mentioned you could downsize on it I would wear it with the SLA Jeans buttoned up but without an underlay, pop its collar a bit, ruche up its sleeves and add peep toe or similar footwear with it. Whereas for the WLT Jeans would wear it unbuttoned, choose a similar top but with a lower neck line tucked in and add a pair of either pointed toe flats or heels to elevate the outfit even more. Do love the Trench Coat shade of blue on you. -Brenda-
I love natural fibers too!!
I love the longer length of your hair right now! It looks lovely on you. You do look wonderful in all of the colors but the blue coat is smashing on you. Now that blue is your color! I love the South Hampton pants. You look wonderful in the jeans with the line of stitching down the front. But by the measurements, I canāt wear any of their pants as I have a 35ā waist now to my horror but my hips are only 39ā. None would fit me. Iām 5ā2ā and 140 pounds. I look similar to you but you must be much smaller as I usually have to buy 12P just for the waist and then the hip are huge. No tailor here in my rural small mountain town either! Chicos 2P actually fit me comfortably with only a little extra room for the hips. I so wish I could wear these stylish pants and jeans.
Thanks Sydney!
Jennifer, you look great in these outfits, but man, does Talbotās need to use a steamer on those garments! I used to work in retail years ago and we steamed like crazy before putting items āon the floorā. It really detracts from the look to see everything so terribly wrinkled, and often deters me from purchasing as I then question how much effort itās going to take to keep things looking crisp.
Steaming seems to be a thing of the past. Most stores just don’t take the time anymore.
J Jill store manager was busy steaming clothes the other day when I walked back to try on something. My favorite store. They always seem to have thing to fit us āwomen of a certain ageā (me 74) that are classic, yet not frumpy n
That’s wonderful
Jennifer, all the outfits are too cute!..the colors just make you glow…..I just got my Talbots catalog, so a bit of shopping. Thank you for showcasing some very cute clothes..
Talbots clothes have been really pretty and colorful lately -tempting! I like the jacket with the wider leg pant definitely!
You look so beautiful in that blue trench coat that I hope you go back for it!
It’s in my cart š
Run, do not walk, back to the store and get that blue trench coat. It looks absolutely fabulous on you and will be both a statement and a versatile piece for years to come. So your color!
Totally my color š
I have the same Talbots coat in a raspberry pink from a few years ago…always get compliments when I wear it.
Of all these options that lace shell top is a definite winner! I have a similar version in black and it is so versatile! I have worn mine many times.
It would be fun for your upcoming trip to Mexico.
And would look great with your pearls :-))
Leslie
Hostess of The Humble Bungalow
Thanks Leslie!!
I was at Talbot’s yesterday and tried the Aperitivo graphic tee. The fabric is SO THIN! I can see it lasting for only a couple of wears. The pink and blue tweed blazer is very pretty in person. I like it best with the wider leg trouser jean you show. That blue trench coat looks wonderful on you!
Some nice pieces from Talbot’s. I hope to shop there soon. I always think you look so good in pastels but the black sweater Moto is such a nice look on you. And BTW, your hair is looking so good.
Thank you
I love the tangerine and pink items. So vibrant. They have been collaborating with designers from their sister companies and this years line is a huge success
The colors at Talbots are so pretty and bright! You look lovely in all of them. I think your new glasses are my all time favorite! They look great on you. Thank you for your hard work on dressing room diaries! They are so much fun!
Thank you! These new lenses make a huge difference too š
Jenniferā¦you do look lovely in ācolorā š„°
White pants are too thinā¦pockets show through and it takes away from the look. I like high rise straight or narrow pants, not sailor pantsš¤£ Can you find some colorful Tās with a good drape like silk and spandex for me. Petite also.
Sandra Winfield
I will keep an eye out for you, Sandra. Some of my favorite silk with spandex tops are by Eileen Fisher.
Hello Jennifer – forget the neutrals….you look great in color! The colors brighten up your face and compliment your hair color. Colors make you look happy and the neutrals make you look somber. Go for the colors!
Theyāre sure fun!
Love the blue trench on you.
I prefer the lilac tweed jacket with the white trouser jeans, but it could also be because the jacket is open ? I find a double breasted jacket is difficult to wear well for me as I am not very tall and very thin.
I prefer it with the wider leg too. At least on my body, the proportion is better. But those lilac jeans are so fab and cheery.
Wow, so much to love about Talbot’s Spring collection! The blue trench coat is lovely! I have not been a fan of the wider leg pant but may have to change my mind after this try-on by you! I really love the Mixed Cable Moto Sweater Jacket and the assymetrical lines! Thanks for your hard work on this!
Try a wide thatās not too exaggerated and see if you like that.
Good morning, Jennifer! All the colors look great on you! I agree that the tangerine and pink cardigan would look better with jeans or white pants. I don’t care for it with the pants shown with it. I love the cantaloupe and white striped boyfriend shirt. It’s not a color I wear much but I might go for it! The blue trench coat looks wonderful on you. Would you ever tie one off center? Would that look odd? I don’t like things tied in the front except shirts. Most of my single breasted coats I wear tied towards the side.
Yes, I often tie my belts off center. It’s more slimming!
I too love Talbots! I have a āproblemā with white pants that have the pocket lining showing through – itās all I see – otherwise I would zip right out and purchase those wide-leg pants and the darling floral sweater/tank. Hope you purchased that sweater set!
White is challenging in so many ways. I prefer mine thick enough to be opaque.
HI, Jennifer, I am going to Vancouver in mid-June and then to the Rockies — so excited!!! Do you think the zip-front pink-tangerine jacket would be too heavy for Vancouver at this time? I’d pair with denim pants, probably. Also love the moto jacket and drapey chinos. That awkward length for you is perfect ankle length for me. Thanks so much for your hard work here. There are a lot of great tops online, so it must have been difficult to choose.
What an axciting trip! Vancouver weather is still coolish in June so I think it would be perfect. Last June, I lived in my cashmere sweater.
Happy Friday Jennifer, I bought the floral sweater and the navy Southampton pants yesterday. I paired it with a light weight denim shirt I had in my closet, I sent my combination to my personal shopper at Talbots, she was delighted to see how I paired my new pieces.
Have a great weekend
Great combo! I love the juxtaposition with a denim or chambray shirt.
That blue trench coat tempts me! Do you mind the decorative trim thing at the shoulders? That might be a deal breaker for me.
Iām not a huge fan of Epaulets because my shoulders are so broad but I love everything else about it.
All of the outfits looked great on you. I love Talbots sweaters because they last and look good for years. Thank you for brightening my morning.
You look so lovely in all the pretty colors
Theyāre fun. Thank you
You look so pretty in the floral cardigan! I think I need to go order that right now. Thanks for showing it!