Dressing Room Diary- Festive Outfits From Chico’s

With all the holiday activity that’s been happening, it feels like it’s been a minute since I hit the dressing room, so that’s what I did yesterday and tried on some festive outfits from Chico’s.

If you’re new here, welcome. A dressing room diary is when I go into a local store for a try-on session so you can see what’s new and how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I am 5’4″ and weigh around 134 lbs. I have broad shoulders with straight hips, a long torso, and long arms. I often buy one size larger on top. You’ll see me try on clothes in colors and shapes that may or may not flatter me because I want you to see what’s in the stores and get some styling ideas. I tell you what sizes I am wearing to help you understand how things run.

MORE FESTIVE THINGS FROM CHICO’S

Chico’s sizing can seem confusing, but it’s actually quite simple. Most brands only go up to a size 12 or 14, and if you’re any larger, you are out of luck…unless they happen to make plus sizes, which are fewer and far between these days. Chico’s sizes are 000(0/XS),  (0/2– XS), 0 (4/6 S), 1 (8/10-M), 2 (12-14)-L, 3 (16/18-XL) 4 (20/22-XXL. Chico’s also carries many garments in petite and some in tall. I’ll tell you what I’m wearing in Chico’s sizes so you can understand how things run.

This dress is an amazing find. It’s a stretch velvet covered with sequins with an A-line shape that skims the figure. The 3/4 sleeves are a flattering length with a slight bell shape. They only had a size 2 or 3 in the store, so this is a 2. It’s too large for me but had to try it on because I knew it would be a winner. This also comes in a pretty deep-chianti color if black isn’t your thing. This dress has lots of stretch so it’s very comfy and looks much more expensive than it is.

I was fortunate to find a few petite items on the rack, including this tank and pants. They’re both in a soft, stretch velvet. The pants are pull-on, straight-leg style (meal-friendly 🙂 in a fabric that doesn’t wrinkle. The sequins on the jacket create an ombre effect which is quite striking. It’s got a front hook and eye closure, and bracelet-length sleeves. This size 0 is way too small for me, which is typical for woven jackets and tops at Chico’s because of my broad shoulders. I would suggest you size up if you plan to close it…which I probably wouldn’t.

This dress would be beautiful for a special party or winter wedding. The body of the dress is plain, the sleeves make the statement. They have velvet scrollwork with subtle sequins appliqued on them and a lacey ruffled cuff.

Coated jeans are having a moment this fall. They have a similar appearance to faux leather but are a modal, polyester, spandex blend and are machine washable. These come in this black, gray, or cabernet, which looks brown on the website. Although these jeans are petite, I had to fold the bottom under one inch.  The jacket comes in regular and petite. It’s a lightweight topper with a subtle sparkle that you could toss over many things. It has hidden buttons and a single button closure.

This pearl-covered sweater is a cardigan with no closure. I just have it draped closed to show it. The cable knit is substantial but not bulky. It’s only 24″ long, so it’s high hip length. It would look great over a classic white shirt or cream-colored tank that picks up the color of the faux pearls.

These 360 Juliet pants are a flattering pull-on style with a side slit at the ankle and subtle tone-on-tone velvet appliques. They have a sophisticated vibe that doesn’t scream holiday so could be worn throughout the season and beyond. They look much more dressed down with my flats than her heels above.

I’m stepping the dressiness way, way down here with these super fun pearl jeans. If they’d had my size in the store, these would have come home with me. They have a fabulous straight leg and high-rise in an undistressed, medium wash. The lightweight sweater has button detailing on the sleeves and a simple scoop neck. I’m a firm believer that we should not let our dressier pieces languish unworn, especially this time of year when some festive fabrics or accessories can brighten our spirits.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident and happy.