Happy Monday, friends! I’ve got a new try-on haul for you today. It’s mostly tops and shorts because they were the easiest to wrangle on and off over The Boot, but I also have two pairs of pants that I’m excited to share with you, and a couple of dresses as well. I actually ditched the boot for a few of these pictures, and I’m standing very gingerly in a pair of shoes.
Wearable Spring Styles for Women Over 40
SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small in tops and dresses, a 29 in jeans, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.
Madewell Relaxed V-Neck T-Shirt
at Nordstrom (S) // at Madewell (S) // KUT from the Kloth shorts (6) // Birkenstocks (39)
Details:
- 21 1/2″ length (size small)
- V-neck
- Cap sleeves
- 55% linen, 45% polyester
This is an easy striped tee to throw on with white or blue jeans and jean shorts this spring/summer. I like the boxy relaxed fit, modest v-neck, and shorter length that you can front tuck or leave out. It’s a breezy linen/polyester blend, and it runs true to size. I’m wearing the small.
VERDICT: Keeping! I already wore it once.
Splendid Faye V-Neck T-Shirt
at Nordstrom (M) // at Splendid (M) // KUT from the Kloth shorts (6) // Paul Green sneakers (8)
Details:
- 23 1/2″ length (size medium)
- V-neck
- Short sleeves
- 60% cotton, 40% rayon
Splendid does a really nice quality t-shirt, and I like this one for a more fitted style. It’s on the thinner side, but not quite see-through, and the length is pretty perfect. You can wear it fully tucked, front tucked, or untucked. It also works really well as a layering piece, as shown here.
VERDICT: Keeping; I wore it home from Florida last month.
Joe’s Jeans The Jessie Frayed High Waist Relaxed Denim Shorts
at Nordstrom (29) // at Bloomingdale’s (29) // Splendid t-shirt (M) // Paul Green sneakers (8)
Details:
- 4″ inseam; 24 1/2″ leg opening; 11″ front rise; 15″ back rise
- 99% cotton, 1% elastane
I’m always looking for good denim shorts, and Joe’s usually has good ones. I liked the Ozzie for the past few years, but I like how this Jessie style plays into the more relaxed styles that are trending. I’m just not thrilled with that frayed hem. I prefer a more natural raw cut hem, if I’m going to wear cut-off jean shorts.
VERDICT: I love my AG jean shorts with the raw hem, so I didn’t keep the Joe’s, but if you’re looking for a pair, you might want to give them a try.
Cropped Linen-Blend Shirt
at Gap Factory (S) // Splendid t-shirt (M) // Joe’s Jeans shorts (29) // Paul Green sneakers (8)
Details:
- Straight, cropped fit.
- Hits just above the hip.
- 55% Flax (Linen), 45% Cotton
This cropped button-up top is made of a breezy linen/cotton blend, and I really like the shorter length. It’s perfect for layering over a tank or tee, as shown here. I’m not usually a fan of collared shirts, but this one has a fairly relaxed collar, and I didn’t find it too cumbersome.
VERDICT: I’ll hold onto this one for a bit to see if I reach for it. I don’t often wear a button-up like this, but it’s a nice way to add some variety to my wardrobe. I think I might also like it with the lavender linen pants below.
LOFT The Modern Wedge Tee
at LOFT (S) // Joe’s Jeans shorts (29) // Paul Green sneakers (8)
Details:
- 25″ length (size medium)
- Round neck
- Cap sleeves
- 60% Cotton 40% Modal
I like this for a more elevated t-shirt. It has a similar silhouette to the Madewell stripe tee, but with a round neck rather than a v-neck and a slightly longer length. The fabric is a smooth cotton/modal blend, and it has a nice drape when front tucked. (I would not wear a shirt this long untucked.)
VERDICT: Keeping! I love a white tee, and this adds some variety to my collection.
High Rise Dad Short
at Abercrombie (29) // Splendid t-shirt (S) // Paul Green sneakers (8)
Details:
- 5″ inseam
- 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane
These shorts run small; the 29 is pretty snug. They’re supposed to have a relaxed fit, but I think the size 30 would swallow me. Otherwise, I like the 5″ inseam and how they’re cut a little longer in the back. I just don’t think this is a particularly flattering style on my body. I like my shorts a little more fitted.
VERDICT: Returning, but worth a try if you like a more relaxed fit.
KUT From The Kloth Jane High Waist Denim Shorts
at Nordstrom (8) // Splendid t-shirt (S) // Paul Green sneakers (8)
Details:
- 3 1/2″ inseam; 24 1/2″ leg opening; 10 1/2″ front rise; 14 1/2″ back rise (size 8)
- Zip fly with button closure
- Front patch pockets; back patch pockets
- 97% cotton, 3% spandex
Now, these I love! They’re nice and stretchy, which can be hard to find in white denim, and they have a clean hem and trendy utility style pockets. For size reference, I usually wear a 6 in KUT from the Kloth shorts and pants, but I sized up to the 8 in these.
VERDICT: Keeping! I need a nice pair of white jean shorts, and I love these.
KUT From The Kloth Meg Fab Ab Raw Hem High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Jeans
at Nordstrom (6) // at Zappos (6) // at Evereve (6) // Splendid t-shirt (S) // Dolce Vita slides (8)
Details:
- 27 1/2″ inseam; 23″ leg opening; 10 3/4″ front rise; 14 1/2″ back rise (size 8)
- Zip fly with button closure
- Five-pocket style
- 98% cotton, 2% spandex
These raw hem wide leg jeans are that KUT from the Kloth Meg style that I like so much because it’s cut a little closer through the hips and thighs than most wide leg pants, which works well for me. (See me in the olive chino version HERE.)
I’m aware that wide leg pants are not the most flattering silhouette on my body type, but I do like the look, so I’ve worked hard to find a style that I can wear and feel good in. I’m happy they offer so many variations on this style!
I love how they did this vibrant strawberry color in a subtly faded denim with a raw hem. They’re so eye catching and summery and fun. This is how to do colored denim in a modern way. I can see topping it off with a denim jacket, or maybe that Gap Factory linen blend button-up shirt. For size reference, the size 6 fits me just fine in these.
VERDICT: Keeping! I can’t wait to be out of The Boot so I can wear them with sandals or white sneakers. I think I like the length, but I also might consider trimming them a half inch or so, to look more like they’re pictured online.
KUT From The Kloth Meg High Waist Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants
at Nordstrom (6/8) // Splendid t-shirt (M) // Dolce Vita slides (8) // Paul Green sneakers (8)
size 6 // size 8
Details:
- 30 1/2″ inseam; 23″ leg opening; 12″ front rise; 14″ back rise (size 8)
- 50% linen, 48% rayon, 2% spandex
I love the look of breezy linen wide leg pants, but they’re usually designed with an elasticized waistband, which does not flatter me at all. I need structure through the midsection, so I love how these have a flat waistband that buttons and zips.
They are that same Meg style as the strawberry denim ones above, but these are designed to be full length, which works well for the linen fabric. For size reference, I tried them in both the 6 and the 8, and the 6 is a little too snug through the hips and bum, whereas the 8 gives me a more relaxed look that lends itself well to the breezy linen fabric.
VERDICT: Keeping the size 8! After I wash them, if they don’t shrink, I plan to shorten them just a smidge so they don’t buckle on top of my shoes, but still have that floor grazing look.
Ming Wang Abstract Floral Knit Dress
at Nordstrom (S) // Tory Burch slides (8) // Jenny Bird earrings
Details:
- Jewel neck
- Cap sleeves
- 52% rayon, 48% polyester
This dress has such a nice and easy fit and feel. The bold print is a little outside of my comfort zone, but the navy and white gives it a classic appeal, and I like the graphic floral design. It’s pricey, but the quality is nice.
I have a black one from this same brand that I’ve enjoyed wearing on several occasions. I am wondering if I should try the XS, though. I thought it fit well when I tried it on, but looking at this picture, I wonder if it looks a little big.
Mila Mae Abstract Floral Maxi Dress
at Nordstrom (M) // Celine slides
Details:
- 53 1/2″ length
- Lined
- 100% polyester
- Hand wash, line dry
I thought the brushstroked floral pattern on this silky slip dress was so pretty, I couldn’t resist ordering it even though I really have nowhere to wear it. The gold almost looks metallic. It’s so shiny and pretty for summer events, and a great price, too! It just slips on over the head and has enough stretch to slide over the body, and it’s so flattering. The medium fits me perfectly, so I’d say it’s TTS or size up if in between.
VERDICT: I’m going to hold onto it with tags on, and see if I have the occasion to wear it.
Frank & Eileen Lauren Polo Dress
at Frank & Eileen c/o (M) // at Nordstrom (M) // Celine slides
Details:
- 39″ length (size Medium)
- Spread collar
- Short sleeves
- Chest patch pocket
- 100% cotton
- Made in the USA
Finally, this dress is also a bit spendy for a casual look, but you can’t beat Frank & Eileen when it comes to fit and construction, and the quality of materials. Plus their products are all made in the USA.
The Heritage Jersey is a t-shirt like material, so this is perfect for casual events, errands, etc. this spring and summer. I love how it gives a nice shape without being clingy at all. For size reference, this is the medium, and I wouldn’t want it any smaller, so definitely size up if in between.
VERDICT: Definitely keeping, I hope to have this dress in my closet for many years.
