Trying On Spring New Arrivals at Nordstrom
I wandered past a few interesting racks of “spring-like” clothes last week and decided to try on a few things. It’s still pretty chilly here, but I do know spring will come.
If you’re new here, welcome. A dressing room try-on is me, in the store, trying on new arrivals so you don’t have to guess what they really look like. These are quick snaps in store lighting, with honest thoughts on fit, fabric, and whether they’re worth considering — all from the perspective of a woman over 50 who knows her way around a fitting room. I’m 5’4″ with broad shoulders and straight hips. I weigh around 149. You can see my other try-ons here.
NYDJ makes this straight-leg Marilyn jean in a wide range of washes, which is one of the reasons I’ve worn this style for years. This wash is called Stunning. It comes in both regular and petite, and the fit is consistently reliable. Once you know your size in this style, choosing a lighter or darker wash becomes an easy decision, instead of a dressing room guessing game.
On top, I’m wearing a Caslon knit Henley with soft ruffle detailing along the placket and neckline. I buttoned it all the way so you can really see the detail, but it also looks great worn slightly open for a more relaxed feel. The fabric has enough substance to skim the body without clinging, which makes it ideal for layering under a cardigan or jacket. It also comes in two other colors, so it works well as a repeat player rather than a one-off piece.
I finished the look with this Caslon red cardigan that has a subtle scalloped edge at the hem and ribbing at the sleeves. It’s a medium-weight cotton blend that adds warmth without bulk. It also comes in ivory if red feels too bold near your face. It runs true to size. I left it unbuttoned here so you can see how the Henley works underneath, but it could just as easily be worn buttoned for a more polished look.
These off-white straight-leg jeans have a 27-inch inseam, which looks quite cropped on the model in the website photo. Photos like that tend to make me feel shorter than I already am, so I can only imagine how that lands if you’re under 5’4″. On me, the length feels intentional rather than awkward. The leg is slightly wider than a classic straight and has just a touch of spandex, which helps them keep their shape and not bag out by the end of the day.
Underneath, I added a pale blue cashmere sweater to soften the look and keep the palette light near the face. This kind of layering works especially well when the pieces are simple on their own but interesting in texture, so the outfit feels polished without looking overthought.
Over that, I’m wearing this Chain Trim Knit Jacket from Nic+Zoe, which has no closure and a fringe edge, giving it a subtle Chanel-inspired feel without being precious. The soft gray color has flecks woven through it that quietly tie the sweater and jeans together, which keeps the outfit cohesive without relying on contrast. Worn open, it creates an easy vertical line that balances the wider leg.
These Wit & Wisdom striped barrel jeans have a subtle shape, which makes them more wearable than many of the extreme versions out there. Being able to buy them in petite is also a benefit because hemming a barrel leg can easily ruin the proportion. If you enjoy a sculpted silhouette, this style offers that look without going overboard. Some women really love barrel jeans because the shape can balance broader shoulders or add dimension to a straighter figure, and this pair keeps that effect soft and intentional.
I paired them with a simple fitted tee that stays close to the body so the jeans can do the talking. It comes in several colors in both regular and petite lengths. I’m wearing the Stonewash shade, which reads more lavender in person than it does online. With close-fitting tops like this, I always size up slightly to avoid that overstuffed look, especially when the bottom half already has volume.
The Eileen Fisher Textured Organic Cotton Top is a relaxed, softly structured piece that feels polished without being fussy. I sized up to a medium so it drapes away from the body rather than clinging, which gives it a more effortless look. Nordstrom has it in regular and petite sizes up to XL. The Aubergine is a lovely alternative to neutrals with a sophisticated vibe.
The coordinating Eileen Fisher Knit Wide-Leg Pull-On Pants are made from a comfortable stretch ponte fabric with side pockets and an easy pull-on waistband. They’re incredibly comfortable and would be especially good for travel or long days when you still want to look pulled together. The inseam is 27 inches in the regular length.
If you’re looking for additional colors or extended sizing in both pieces, the Eileen Fisher website offers them in other colors up to size 3X, which many of you appreciate.
The NYDJ Ponte Trousers are made from a substantial ponte knit with plenty of stretch, so they feel supportive rather than legging-like. The fabric has enough weight to hold its shape, making it a good option when you want comfort without your outfit reading as polished. They come in regular and petite lengths and are available in five colors, which makes them easy to repeat in different outfits. These work well with shorter knits or anything worn close to the body, since the structure of the pants balances softer tops.
I paired them with this Bead Trim V-neck sweater that has subtle pearl detailing along the neckline and outer edge of the collar. I’m wearing the heather gray, and it also comes in coffee or ivory. This is the kind of top that works just as well with trousers as it does with jeans, and it layers nicely under a blazer or coat without competing with the neckline detail.
I snapped this fun little jacket crookedly at the hem, so it looks slightly off in the photo, but the jacket itself hangs beautifully, and the quality is excellent. I’m wearing a petite medium here, though I’d probably choose a regular small for myself to get just a touch more sleeve length, which I’d likely fold back anyway.
It’s lightweight and thin without feeling flimsy, so it packs easily and feels just right for spring. It also comes in a soft biscuit shade that’s currently marked down on the EF website. Nordstrom carries both regular and petite sizing up to XL, and the Eileen Fisher site has both colors available up to 3X.
For me, it’s a draw between EF and Nordstrom. EF has more size and color options, but the shipping is fast and free from Nordstrom 🙂
I’m curious what caught your eye here. Was it one specific piece, a silhouette you already love, or something you wouldn’t normally try but might now consider?
would you recommend someone who “dislikes” shopping to use the stylist at Nordstroms? thank you!
Yes, but be sure they really understand the stlye you’re looking to achieve.
Jennifer,
Thanks for the try-ons! It is very helpful.
I love that the NYDJ Marilyn is still around! I have a pair that is at least 10 years old, and it just won’t die. I’ll have to get myself a new pair.
As for the NYDJ Ponte Trouser, there were a little too many negative reviews on this item. About sizing, and losing their stretch after one wash, etc. So I will definitely pass on those.
You are a woman to be cherished! You cannot even imagine how I love what you do for us.
Many many thanks,
Ladylaw
The ankle barrel jeans really look cute, and I am already a fan of NYDJs! Haven’t been in Nordstroms for a while so may have to remedy that! Thanks for more clothes tips to consider!
Ooh, I am a sucker for red cardigans. It has been hard to find some true red sweaters this fall and winter. I will definitely check this out.
The quilted jacket – I can’t tell if this is a heavy weight or a lightweight jacket. I am looking for a lighter weight jacket for when the temps in NE warm up into the 40s in March. Would you wear this in Vancouver temps in the late winter/early spring?
It’s quite lightweight. It might be too thin for the 40’s without a turtleneck under it.
I love the barrel jeans with stripes-
so cute on you
also the light blue sweater plus a jacket, very sharp
Thanks for encouraging us that spring will come!
we are set for another winter blast here in the Midwest
take care
Stay warm Karen. It sounds like a great time to settle in with a good book.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the fit flop sneakers
I love the sandal type and wonder how the sneakers will be
Same! I had some summer slides a few years ago that were incredibly comfy.
What caught my eye is the chain trim jacket. So pretty and Springy!
I love the blue sweater outfit on you and it would look similar on me! Our proportions are similar even though I’m only 5’1” tall. My shoulders are also broad. You show me how to dress with this style challenge. The little lady jacket is adorable on you! I need to get rid of these few extra pounds so I can button my 10P jeans! It all went around my middle! Thanks for the try on Jennifer! You look wonderful as usual in all of the outfits!
Thanks Sydney
Jennifer I was at a mall yesterday and happened to stop in an Ever Eve Store. I had thought the store was geared to twenty-somethings but I loved several of their pieces. Have you tried any of their clothing? Any thoughts on fit and sizing? I did not have time to try anything on but I am considering it!
Kelly
Keep up the great work I love your blog and Facebook posts
I haven’t yet, but I am sure looking forward to it.
Thank you for your many informative posts! Today, I am intriqued with the Wit & Wisdom ankle, barrel jeans. At 5′ , with a slim hip, and 92 lbs (chesty in spite of my overall size), I believe these might work for me. Plan to see if the Nordstrom in our area have them.
The proportion might be very flattering on you
Thoughts on your try on session: I also am a fan of NYDJ Marilyn jeans, at 5’8 and curvy, we are not built the same yet can enjoy the same pieces. Usually not a fan of barrel legs, but the narrower cut on the pine stripe pair was really cute on you, curious if you will purchase. My 3rd favorite piece you modeled is the V-neck sweater with beaded accents. Glad your hubby complimented your Spanz set. I recently started investing in their Air Essentials collection, basic line as well as brushed options for winter. Love the “elevated sweats” so comfy yet polished. Thanks for the post, I enjoy your writing and your style.
I liked them too but I did not buy any of these pieces. I’m still cleaning out my wardrobe and want to clutter things up until I get some clarity on my style going forward.
The barrel legs pants with the subtle stripe caught my eye as something new to try. I’m not very tall so I’ve shied away from the barrel leg style. The fitted top with those barrel leg pants makes a lot of sense. I’m usually not a ruffles gal, but the ruffled Henley is tempting. What kind of jacket would you wear with the barrel leg pants?
I’d wear a slim, shorter jacket, and try to find a knit that would lay softly against my torso. Nothing that would stick out.
I love all these Nordstrom outfits. I really like that these little ruffle tops are popular right now. I want to try one. I love the red cardigan. Thanks for the try on.
I really like this post, a great little follow-up to yesterday’s. Since I have a similar body shape, I am sensitive to the silhouettes. The pic of you in the barrel pants paired with the simple tee-shirt is the first I have seen favorably anywhere, cute on you. However, I still prefer the wider leg pants, as they serve to balance our shoulders.
My colors are different from yours so I substitute colors in my mind. The red cardigan outfit inspires me to wear my brown t-shirt with my cranberry cardigan with jean color TBD later probably determined by accessories. The styles and shapes you show I can usually find in my closet and these inspire new outfits using what I already have. Thanks for the inspiring newsletter.
Nordstrom has some cute things that you have found. I love the pearl trimmed sweater. It checks lots of boxes, a 3/4 length sleeve, a v-neck, light-weight and so classic. Also love the Nic & Zoe jacket. Thank you for the try-on. Not having a Nordstrom in our city, I appreciate seeing items on you.
I thought the sweater was pretty cute too
Great post! Love your “On my Radar”
Thanks for the try on for spring.
I know there will be a massive influx long before we can wear them.