I had a lot of fun trying on some of the latest collection from Talbots last week. The colors are fresh and bright, which many of us welcome at this time of year. Many of us are dealing with gray, dreary skies, and Talbots is here to cheer you up. The petite section was not fully stocked yet, so as usual, I went back and forth between it and misses.
If you’re new here, a try-on is when I go into a store and style their latest collection so readers can see what’s new and get some ideas for how they could wear it. I’m not shopping for myself and seldom buy clothes because I prefer to shop online. For size reference, I’m 5’4″, which puts me on the cusp of petite. I have broad shoulders and straight hips with no obvious curves. Talbots is a size-inclusive brand that carries clothes in sizes misses, petite, plus, and plus petite to 3X.
STRAIGHT LEG PERFECT CHINOS size 6
There’s a fair amount of this pistachio color in the store, and it feels so fresh this time of year. This short-sleeved quilted puffer jacket is a fun twist on a puffer and is perfect for milder temps. The fit is roomy, and its boxy shape makes it ideal for layering. It also comes in a bright pink. They show it layered over this raglan sweater in the same shade, and I’m wearing it over the same sweater with a rib in a blue/pistachio combination. This sweater is a lovely weight, and I particularly appreciate its soft drape.
MORE PISTACHIO AT TALBOTS
I’m styling these over Talbots’ perfect chinos in deep navy. These are a cotton/spandex blend and fit like a dream. They have a flattering straight leg and come in 4 classic neutral colors. They didn’t have petite in my size, so I’m wearing the Misses 6 and like the length on me. I show the sweater tucked in, and if I did this, I would always wear a belt because belt loops look unfinished without one.
These flare leg pull-on jeans are, quite simply, fabulous. They’re a nice substantial weight with lots of stretch in the fabric, so they’d feel fabulous for a long day on the road or anywhere your day takes you…even if it’s to your couch with a great book. The front seam has a slimming and elongating effect, and the deep hem helps them drop nicely. These jeans have a wide, smooth waistband, which I suggest covering with your top for a more modern look.
This navy and ivory striped sweater jacket seemed to be flying out the door, and with good reason. This “lady jacket” style cardigan has been the rage for several years, and the trend is continuing to go strong into spring. It has a slightly cropped length that hits above your hip…if you’re wearing the proper size. This large petite is too large on me, so it’s droopy. I love the raglan sleeves and how nicely the stripes match, which is a sign of good-quality construction.
I’ve been needing to replace my classic black jeans, so these ones came home with me. I find them dressier than blue denim and very functional in my winter wardrobe. These stretch jeans have a slim, straight leg and have been a Talbots favorite for years. The black is a never-fade wash, and they’ve included a front tummy slimming panel, which I always appreciate. I’ve styled them with a classic striped shirt in two shades of blue. It also comes in pistachio/blue, which has a very spring-like vibe. It’s 100% cotton with a crisp feel, and I see this over white jeans all spring.
Note- It’s a great shirt with one bad review because the customer was angry that the pistachio option is not offered in plus sizes. This does not reflect on the shirt, just the brand’s decision of what sizes to manufacture. I suggest you read reviews for content and intent, rather than just the rating.
SLIM STRAIGHT ANKLE JEANS size 4
This Tweed Jacket is fabulous! I have a similar version with cropped sleeves that has been a workhorse in my wardrobe for many years. I’m over the moon to see it has silver-tone buttons, which I think are more flattering with this bright, cool blue. The braid trim down the front and on the pockets gives it more of a Chanel vibe. The body is boxy, but I sized up to 10P for the sleeve length (I have long arms). I’m wearing it over this perfect turtleneck (which also came home with me). These are great workhorses to have in your wardrobe, and they last for years!
I’m styling this with these slim, straight ankle jeans in the Regina wash. They have a sturdy feel with a hint of stretch (1% spandex) and a great fit. I found these ran large because I was able to do up the 4, and I wear a 6 misses or 8P.
These classic trouser jeans are a soft natural shade that is neither warm nor cool-toned. I love the change of pace in this light outfit for cool weather. The fabric is a mid-weigth denim and the trouser leg has a front seam, which adds some structure and elongates the look of your leg.
I’m wearing them with this mock neck sweater that has a fuzzy, loop finish. The color is ivory, which coordinates perfectly with the jeans for a nice column of color effect. It also comes in a cafe color, which I would describe as camel. It’s a very wearable hip length that looks great with straight or wider-leg pants. I layered this coral gingham shirt underneath for just a pop of spring color. The cuffs are gingham on the outside and polka dot on the inside, as is the front band that shows when not covered by a sweater :).
These straight-leg jeans have a nice mid-wash with a slightly distressed finish. I love that these have a high waist which helps prevent a muffin top. I tucked in the top so you can see how high the rise is. These seem to have a slightly longer inseam than some of their other straight jeans so they’d be great over low booties. I’m styling them with this knit popover shirt in two shades of blue. It’s 100% cotton and also comes in deep pink with indigo. This vibrant stripe is certainly a standout and perfect for spring.
I layered on this coolmax zip jacket in deep indigo from the T by Talbots collection. It has a mock neck and chevron stripe that may look like a wide spread collar but it isn’t. You can see it much better on the website. The white stripe repeats along the bottom of the sleeves and hemline. The knit is dense so the sweater jacket feels substantial but the coolmax fabric will keep you cool.
MORE NEW T BY TALBOTS
Here are the same trouser jeans, this time styled with a half-zip pullover. I love the versatility of the zip on this cozy sweater. You can open it for a spread collar look, or zip it up and fold over for a nice turtlenck effect. It’s a cotton blend in a speckled space dyed yarn.
BTW, I wondered what space dyed meant so I checked and found – “It’s a technique in which a single yarn is dyed with two or more colors that repeat themselves throughout the length of the yarn. Depending on how many colors are used, the resulting space dye can look quite different.” If you’re a knitter, it’s someting like a variegated yarn.
Here’s the same sweater in a misses medium size, which still fits but is a bit more oversized and longer. I love the contrast of pistachio with black.
Are you ready for some fresh colors this year? If you wear hearts for Valentine’s, Talbots has you covered here:
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.