Dressing Room Diaries: Chico’s Early Spring
Happy Tuesday ladies. I have another dressing room diary for you today, this time at Chico’s. Their February collection has just arrived and it’s full of great pieces.
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 am 5ā4ā³ and weigh around 138 lbs with broad shoulders and straight hips. I have a long torso and arms so I often buy one size larger on top. I try on clothes in colors and shapes that may or may not flatter me so you can see whatās in the stores and get some styling ideas. I tell you what sizes I am wearing to help you understand how things run.
As always, you can click the red text for more info and to shop the item at no additional cost to you.
Chicoās sizing can seem confusing but itās actually quite simple and allows the larger woman to shop without needing a special plus-size department. Most brands only go up to a size 12 or 14 and if youāre any larger, you are out of luck unless they happen to make plus sizes. Chicoās sizes are 00 (0/2ā XS), 0 ((4/6Ā S), 1 (8/10-M), 2Ā (12-14)-L,Ā 3 (16/18-XL) 4 (20/22-XXL. Vanity sizing? Probably but rather than see it as a negative, realize that they are treating women equally, no matter their size.
I snagged this stunning statement necklace the moment I walked in the door. It’ll be great all summer with everything and is surprisingly lightweight. This is their popular microfiber tank in Blue Veil which comes in 11 colors. I’m wearing a 4, which is enormous on me because that’s the only one they had left in the store in this beautiful blue.
The alabaster denim jacket is such a great basic for the summer. It has stretch, is long enough to cover a multitude of tops, and is a no-stain fabric. I don’t know about you, but my white denim is a magnet for dirt and seems to yellow easily so this no-stain fabric is a welcome addition to my closet. I’m wearing a size 1(8/10). The jeans have a blue-on-blue all-over floral print. They sit just below the natural waist so will be high-waisted for those with a shorter torso. I am wearing a 0.5 (6/8).
These floral pants are super fun! I’m wearing a 0.5 but might have been able to go down a size because I have no hips. I topped them here with this summer romance tank and cardigan. I loved the knit of these, yet the reviews are negative. Go figure…this cardigan is not meant to be warm so read reviews carefully and take everything with a grain of salt. I’m wearing a 0(4/6) in both. They come in lots of pretty colors and I’ve ordered a few.
Here are those pants again, this time with a really fabulous duster. I assumed this was reversible but it turns out, it isn’t meant to be. If you snipped the tag out, you could wear it inside out but then you’d be wearing all the gorgeous beading on the inside. Still, why not be creative with your clothes?
It’s truly stunning in person and would be great over so many things…I’m thinking of a coral top and white jeans to start. I’m wearing a 0(4/6) which is a bit snug so it runs true to size and I would be better in the 1(8/10) because it has no stretch. It’s a bit over the top with these floral pants, but again, why not?
These are Chico’s newest style of jeans and they’ve got a lot going for them. The define me ankle jeansĀ have a nice high waistband to control the muffin top and side seams that are slightly forward of the side which makes you look slimmer from the front. They have 3% spandex which gives them a bit more stretch than their other styles. The regular inseam is 27″ and the tall is 30″. They run true to size for their other styles. These come in light, medium, and dark wash. The lightest wash is distressed with some rips.
This fringe denim shirt comes in 5 colors, this one is the pale daffodil. The fringe is a small row down the front placket, otherwise, it’s a simple chambray type fabric. I’m wearing a size 1 (8/10) which fits well so it runs true to size. The long cardigan comes in 3 colors, I’m wearing navy in 1 regular.
This floral kimono is unlined and very lightweight. It comes in S/M and M/L. I’m wearing the S/M. The stacked hem girlfriend crops come in 5 soft colors. I’m wearing the pale coral in 0.5 (8/10). They do not come in petite but they are cropped on me so if you’re taller than my 5’4″, you can guestimate how long they will be on you.
These are the same pull-on jeggings I own in brown. They’re a great alternative to jeans with a zip and snap front because they have a smooth front. They come in regular and tall. I’m wearing the smokey taupe in regular which has a 27″ inseam. I topped them with a tunic sweater in coral. The sweater is 28″ long and also comes in a butter color. The tunic top I’m wearing open over the sweater comes in petite and regular. The petite is 29″ long and this regular is 32″ long which is overwhelming on me so I’m showing it open.
So-slimming white jeans in a no-stain fabric = a really smart idea in my book. They come in regular, petite, and tall, sizes 0(XS)-20(XXL). I’m wearing a regular in 0.5(8-10). This embroidered sleeve top is a Tencel fabric with pretty pleats at the shoulders and intricate embroidery on the sleeves. The cuffs have covered buttons and are really beautiful.
I’m not sure how I missed this fabulous shirt when it was fully stocked, but I’m sorry I did because it’s fabulous. I sure hope they remake it in white for the summer. These beaded pull-on jeggings are literally flying off the racks. My store had this 00(0/2) which are so small they look and feel like wallpaper on me, but I really wanted to try them on. They come in regular and tall, sizes 0-20. If you like these, I would not wait because these will sell out very fast.
This cardigan and vest are both marked down and a really pretty combo in navy and teal. I am wearing a size 1(8/10) in both. The cardigan does not close. It would dress up nicely or down like with these jade-colored pull-on jeggings which I am wearing a regular in 0.5(6/8). The jeggings are also available in tall.
I’m wearing this embellished peasant blouse in a size 1 (8/10) so contrary to the one review, I think it runs true to size. The embroidery is really pretty with snap closure on the cuff, which my arthritic hands are appreciating these days.
Here are some other finds at Chico’s
Are florals part of your spring wardrobe?
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Thank You! I’m loving the colors posted for spring! We need it…
Love the spring colors! Love your glasses- can you share who makes them??
Thank You
My glasses are by Aspire which you can find at some optometrists. Iād check online
Your Chicoās trip got me thinking about some purchases you showed previously and which I chose to add to my closet. Your DRD today showcases some lovely items.
The reversible blue kimono ( duster) with the paisley print is one purchase I love, which you have worn, Jennifer. I put it with a periwinkle blue soft tunic top, navy ankle pants, and navy espadrillesā¦ with a long string of water pearls as an accessory. Perfect as a dinner outfit for an upcoming trip.
I also recently received 2 pairs of pants, black and moss green, pull on slim pants
( ones with the little metal bit on the ankle) and they are excellent.
I have some other great purchases from Chicoās, with only one regret for my first purchaseā¦ donated locallyā¦ and I found the correct size at my next attempt. I do like how the different ways to wear the item are shown.
Your styling sounds so pretty Cath. Those long pearls sound perfect.
There are so many nice pieces here. It’s probably good that we do not have Chico’s where I live. š
Every time you visit Chico’s, I run down and do more shopping–especially since we share the same local store and I know it is stocked with your selections! I love their online shopping and the option to return them to the store where I always find more to buy š I own some of the pull up leggings and they are wonderful for spring and summer as they are smooth and allow you to wear pullover tops without showing belt loops or zippers. I sure do regret not trying on that ruffle collar black blouse–it is beautiful on you!
I am sorry I missed that blouse too! It’s fabulous
Chico’s often has nice kimonos. I like them in place of a jacket because they aren’t too warm to wear in my climate.
Chico’s is one of my top 5 favorite places to shop!
I love the striped teal & navy sweater set. I’ve been eyeing it online. Thanks for trying it on! I fear it might be a little too dark for me. All of the other items are either not colors I love or are also too dark. I don’t know, for some reason these clothes don’t look all that springy to me.
I’m going to have a look through the “other finds.” They look a little brighter.
I noticed someone saying they’re petite. I am too, at 5’2.” I have found that Chico’s has the best fitting pants for my frame. Depending on my weight at any given time, I’ve bought .5, 1R or petite sizes and they are great! The Juliette & Bridget pants and jeggings; all the same, great fit!
Thanks for sharing how the pants fit with us, Nancy
I really enjoyed your post today. A few years back I shopped almost exclusively at Chicos, but then it seemed they changed styles and fabrics to ones I didn’t care for. Looks like I’ll be headed back to Chicos. So many great looking outfits in today’s post. Thanks!
Thank you for a wonderful post with some beautiful clothes.
I hope I am not over-stepping here. If so, I sincerely apologize. I am the person who posted the lengthy comment yesterday about my experience with DeQuervain’s. I could not help but notice how you are holding your phone in many of today’s photos. That posture is putting pressure on your tendon and is probably contributing to the non-healing of your injury. I know how very awkward it is to stop using one’s dominant hand, but it can be done.
If you are interested in hearing more about my lessons learned in dealing with tendinitis, send me an email. I have, unfortunately, had lots of experience dealing with the condition. I’ve had it in 13 different joints! I have learned a lot about how to manage the problem because I have had to! (If any of you other readers are curious, I have not had tendinitis so very many times because I am reckless. It is because I have a genetic defect in my body’s collagen. It makes me extremely prone to developing tears in my tendons.)
I sent you an email
Dear Jennifer,
Absolutely look forward to reading your posts.! Love shopping at Chicoās online and being a woman of a particular age (over 70 ) , Iāve always been able to find something that fits and if I have to return they are very accommodating. Keep on helping us and thanks for sharing!
Happy Tuesday Ann Marie
I never go into Chico’s b/c I find the sizing confusing and I’m a petite. Your post clears up a lot of that. Not my style, but I love what you did with the ‘kimono’ inside-out flip. The denim jacket’s nice but I’m suspicious of ‘no stain’ as I read the chemical treatment is awful. Are you able to comment on this? It’s hard to sort through online info. As always, I love the DRDs!
I no intel on the chemical process of the no-stain technology but I do know itās helpful for me jeans.
Love the black blouse but all of them are gorgeous.
Happy Tuesday Jan!
These are all winners. I am especially drawn to the kimono, which I think would be a great warm weather dressy addition to an all black outfit and looks like it would travel well. I think a trip to a Chicos store may be in my future. So many good choices!
Lots of great choices!!!
This is such an interesting post. You look good in so different colors and styles. You do shine however in some of the lighter colors. This has whet my appetite for shopping! Can you do a post on how you edit your wardrobe. Thanks.
Iām about to edit mine so Iāll write a post on it
Yes!
You look great in all these photos! I enjoy shopping at Chico’s and have many items from them. After seeing the new spring clothes, I think I’ll be asking for a gift card from for Mother’s Day. I have a similar version of the black cardigan you modeled above. Yes, it is thin, and I wear it only in cool to warm weather, when I want just a light layer for mornings and evenings. Best of all, it has pockets!
I love how you turned that elegant duster into reversible! Very clever. I wouldn’t mind the price so much if I’m getting two dusters out of it.
Thank you for showing us all these great outfits. Iām in the market for a white denim jacket and am considering this one. I was surprised and sad to find out that the Chicos near me in NC had closed. Now that Covid is waning and Iām vaccinated Iām itching to go indoor shopping.
Iām sorry to hear that. Many stores are whittling down their brick and mortar locations these days.
Loved all the jeans you tried on! I have never really found anything at Chico’s that fits me, at my store anyway. I do love their jewelry though.
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Wow! Looks like a trip to Chicoās is in my near future. Really nice spring colors and I am ready for Spring!
Yes to the white denim jacket and the straight front navy cardigan! I would get repeated wear out of both pieces. The stacked, frayed hem crops also caught my attention. I bought crops a few years ago that had an embroidered flower detail down one leg. I may have wore them one time. As cute as some of these embellished pieces are, they prove to be uncomfortable for me to wear. They require much less accessorizing since they are already center stage. Maybe I am finally figuring out just what style choices give me the most confidence and are ultimately a smart purchase. Lol
I really like the blue floral jeans on you. I might look into those. I like jeans that are different and work well with solid tops. The stacked frayed hem crops are different too and come in nice spring colors. Thanks for doing this.
Chicos clothing is the best. So much to mix with. Love all the outfits you showed. Iām only 5ā2 and buy petite when I can. If they donāt have my size in petite in denim I roll the cuff.
Iām always looking for fun denim because I wear it so often
Love Chicoās and it seems that their Spring clothes are another winner. Very cute styles for anyone.