We all know that Talbots carries sizes for most everybody with regular, plus, petite, and petite plus. This week I zeroed in on the petite section to see what fabulous finds are in proportion for the shorter ladies among us… including me. It’s funny, but I never used to think of myself as short…and I suppose it is relative, but the petite section has had the best fits for me for the last several months.
If you’re new here, welcome. A try-on is when I visit a store to style some of their newest pieces, so I can provide you with fit, color, and styling notes. I’m 5’4″ with broad shoulders and straight hips. See my other try-ons here.
This Berkshire Wool Lady Jacket has a timeless, structured shape with polished buttons and neat patch pockets. It’s a petite-friendly length, even in regular, with a tidy vibe that instantly sharpens up whatever you’re wearing. I can also see it worn over a sweater dress or jeans. I’m in Ivory, and it also comes in coral or brown.
I’m wearing it over this Ribbed Pointelle Pullover that you saw me wearing here. This is a great little top that adds a layer of softness with its delicate knit texture, which feels interesting without being fussy.
I paired these with the Straight Leg Stretch Corduroy Pants in Blue Slate. Talbots’ corduroy is soft, flexible, and has just the right amount of stretch to add ease when you move, without stretching out. They come in many colors, but I was most excited to try on this pretty blue, which they didn’t have in petite, so I tried on the regular and folded the hem under.
This Full-Zip Cardigan is a great layering piece with a clean, sporty feel. The zip-front gives it structure, and the high collar adds just enough polish to keep it from reading too casual. The knit is soft without being bulky, and the length is petite-friendly with no bunching or awkward proportions. I can see this worn over a tee or turtleneck, or even tossed over your shoulders with a blouse. I’m in the Port Wine, but it also comes in 6 other colors.
Underneath, I’m wearing the Non-Iron Perfect Shirt, and it really does live up to the name. I own this in 2 sizes, to wear as my weight fluctuates up and down. I love how crisp and polished this looks right out of the dryer or suitcase. This is the kind of staple that quietly pulls everything together for me.
I paired them with the Slim Ankle Jeans in a Never-Fade Black. These have a clean, modern cut that hits right at the ankle and a bit of stretch that moves with you. They’re a cross between straight and skinny, which may be the perfect sweet sport for many ladies. These can easily be dressed up with a blazer or worn more casually with sneakers.
This Cashmere Crewneck in plum is a simple, classic piece in a rich, wearable color. The fit is clean and not too snug, and the cashmere has a soft hand without being overly delicate. It comes in 11 shades to fit every color palette.
I’ve paired it with the Wide Leg Ponte Pants in camel. I love these pants, which you saw me wear in this post. The wide leg adds a bit of ease, and the ponte knit has structure without feeling stiff. I like the contrast between the warm camel and the cool plum—it’s a combination that feels understated but still intentional.
Same cardigan as the last outfit, this time layered over the Cashmere Crewneck in plum. The rich color adds a nice contrast to the soft blue, and the simple crewneck style keeps the whole look clean and unfussy.
I’m wearing the Denim A‑Line Midi Skirt in Cardiff Wash, which falls mid‑calf (midi length), and has a hint of stretch so it moves easily. It features slash pockets up front and a front slit that lets you walk without constraint. The denim wash is soft, with subtle fading, giving the skirt a casual polish without looking too rugged. This length pairs well with ankle boots or loafers. I find knee boots can be problematic with front slits because they get stuck on the boot top.
This is the same Non-Iron Perfect Shirt paired here with the Slim Ankle Jeans in black. Over the top, I’m wearing the Quilted Barn Vest in navy. It adds texture and structure without feeling bulky, and the snap-flap patch pockets give it a slightly utilitarian feel. This is the kind of look I’d throw on for a casual day when I want to feel pulled together but still comfortable…and the vest is an easy layer for cooler days without committing to a full jacket. Which look do you prefer, tucked or untucked?
I tried this combo for fun…red with cheetah…and honestly, I kind of love it. The red mockneck vest adds just enough contrast to balance the pattern without competing with it, and the white shirt underneath keeps everything grounded. It’s definitely a little unexpected, but in a fun way. The whole look feels playful but still pulled together, and sometimes that’s exactly what an outfit should be.
I debated buying these cheetah pants, then told myself I wouldn’t get enough wear out of them since I seldom wear prints. Then I second and third-guessed myself. Don’t you love it when you argue both sides of a discussion in the dressing room? They really are a classic shape and pattern, so maybe….
This was one of those try-ons that reminded me how much fun style can be when you mix things up a little. Whether it’s a classic cardigan in a new color or an unexpected combo like red and cheetah, sometimes the best outfits are the ones you didn’t plan for.
Let me know which pieces stood out to you….I always love hearing what you’d wear and how you’d style it.
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.