First Look At What’s New From Chico’s This January
I dropped by Chico’s earlier this week to see what’s new. They had a sneak peek of their latest collection, so I tried on what I could. The sales lady promised the entire new collection would be on the floor by next week, so I plan to head back in.
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 can wear it. I’m not shopping for myself and seldom buy clothes because I prefer to shop online. My hair gets pretty trashed, and I’m often barefoot. For size reference, I’m 5’4″, which puts me on the cusp of petite. I have wide shoulders and straight hips with no obvious curves. 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. They also carry many garments in petite and some in tall.
The shape of denim jackets has certainly evolved in the past few years…and in a good way. The stiff, rigid, confining jackets of old have morphed into softer versions that actually work as useful jackets. This Denim Utility Jacket is long enough to cover sweaters and tunic tops, making it very versatile. It’s made from soft, stretch denim with a mandarin collar and a cinched waist to give it some nice shaping. I’m wearing it over this super soft cashmere sweater with a gray and ivory snake print and Juliet Ponte pants. These pants come in 11 colors and are currently marked down. I’ve worn the Brigitte pants for years, but I have to say, I prefer the fit and fabric of these Juliets.
This Zenergy Travel Vest and Pant is made from a moisture-wicking fabric that provides UPF 50+ to block both UVA and UVB rays. It would be perfect for packing or to wear when traveling. The vest has zip pickets and a bungee cord at the waist, which you can adjust for shaping. The stretch pants are made of lightweight, stretch fabric with an elastic and drawstring waist. Together, they make an elevated athleisure look that could take you to many places.
I needed a size 1 in this tee, so it looks snugger than it should. I imagine they flew out the door for the Christmas season and are being snapped up in all 9 colors now that they’re marked down to $25. The touch-of-cool fabric is a great layering weight and feels fabulous against the skin. You heard it here first…I loved this shade of red and would have bought it if it fit me.
These flare jeans are too long for me, so I am standing on my tippy toes. These have a 31″ inseam, and the talls have a 34″ inseam. There is a petite option here with a 28″ inseam. That seems long for petite, but these are intended to be worn with a small heel.
This striped top has the most unique flare sleeves. They describe the sleeves as peplum, which could be confusing because the body of the tee is straight. It’s an ecru and navy stripe that’s perfect for spring…which isn’t too far off in retail land. This size 0 is a bit snug across my shoulders, so it runs true to size. The neckline has a slight boat shape, which helps your neck look longer.
The Girlfriend jeans have a regular inseam of 28″ and a tall inseam of 31″. It’s a nice medium wash with a tiny and tidy fray at the hem. I say tidy because it appears manicured rather than sloppy. The fabric is substantial and feels sturdy (holds you in), but it has a nice amount of stretch for comfort. The jeans are currently marked down.
These So Slimming Girlfriend Jeans are a soft cotton, rayon blend 2& Lycra for stretch. They have classic 5-pocket styling and come in 7 colors. These regulars have a 30″ inseam, the talls have a 33″ inseam, and the petites are 27.5″. My two local stores carry very few petite items, so they need to be ordered online.
This V-neck pullover is a cotton blend with 3/4 sleeves and a bateau neckline. The description mentions embroidery, but there is none. It’s a colored print with swirls of soft aqua, blue, cream, and tan. I’m seeing lots of tops with this aqua shade in this collection, which is a beautiful option going forward into spring. This type of pattern is not my style, but if I were going to wear it, I’d style it with pale jeans so the sweater colors pop.
This striped top has “cap sleeve” in the title and extended shoulder in the description, which puzzles me because it’s a sleeveless top. Nonetheless, it’s cozy, soft, super comfy, and would be great dressed up or worn as athleisure wear. It’s a cool-toned beige and ivory color with a cozy mock neck.
The Cashmere Blend Jacket has a funnel neckline with a zip front and drawstring at the waist, which you can snug in to add shaping. These pieces are a blend of fibers with only 5% cashmere, but you’d never know that by how soft they are. I can see wearing this over a nice blouse with a pair of jeans and booties, just as well as paired with these coordinating Ankle Pants. The pants come in 9 colors with a ribbed elastic waistband with a drawstring and side pockets.
Are you a fan of the Travelers line at Chico’s, and would you like to see me style more of it?
I would love to see you do more on the Travelers at Chicos. I have only bought jeans so far and find them very comfortable. I love your new hairstyle too! Very smart and youthful. I especially love that tan cashmere outfit with the striped sweater. Try ons are so much fun!
Yes, I like Zenergy and Travelers from Chicos. I love your haircut!
Thanks!
Thank you Jennifer. You looked great in that aqua swirled sweater with light pants! Glimpses of springtime!
I’ll have to perk in to our local Chicos very soon!
I love that you try on so many different items! Its great to see how they look and its helpful because I hate trying on clothes
Thank you
Yes – Zenergy for me, too!!
Thanks Jennifer. Great to see what’s on option at Chico’s. Personally, I’d love to see more of their travel line.
Will do!
I really like the peplum sleeve top. The pants are great too. Happy New Year 🎊
It’s super cute
Really like the ‘try on’ in stores. Gives me an idea on fit and style.
I agree – the descriptions are deceiving!! I usually order two sizes of the same item just to get the right fit!
Thanks for your BLOG!! Read it each day.
Thanks for the fashion show! Love you in the cashmere outfit.
I would like to see you style Travelers and more Zenergy. I am not petite but find many Chicos clothes too overwhelming size-wise. My stash of Travelers go back years and I mix the pieces up when I cruise travel. Zenergy fits my lifestyle as an active retiree and I do love the skorts!
Thanks for letting me know. I’ll check them out.
I’m not a fan of Chico’s because their clothes never seem to fit me well and they’re often not as classic as I like. Although that denim jacket you’re modeling looks like the perfect length for tunics underneath! And I enjoy seeing you trying-on their clothes! When I stopped into the store near me a couple of months ago to give them another try, unfortunately the 2 saleswomen were too busy talking to each other to help me, even when I tried on several pieces. J.Jill is my go-to store because the styles generally fit me well, are more akin to my lifestyle and I know the saleswomen by name now since I’ve gone there frequently during the last few months. It makes SUCH a difference when the salespeople are really able to help you. I never would have known I could get a better fit with a petite large tunic there when I’ve never in my life been petite! I really appreciate when they know the merchandise and can make very helpful suggestions!
I agree it’s great when we get the attention we deserve. I would have phoned the store manager to let them know what happened.
That is one of a couple of reasons I don’t shop at Chico’s, poor customer service at the Denver area stores.
I loved this post. Really practical. I am a fan of Chico’s pants and their Zynergy collection.
Your new haircut is very flattering!
Thank you!
Thanks for this try-on session, Jennifer. I used to shop at Chico’s all the time, and the Travelers line was my favorite. Clothes from the Travelers collection are comfortable, easy to care for, and last for years. To this day I have basic Travelers pieces still hanging in my closet after decades of wear, and they still work beautifully with so many of my newer pieces.
Jennifer, I seem to miss where to post a comment without it being a “reply” to one already posted. What am I missing? I love the Chico’s travelers line and have the basics in black, navy and some white and would love to see more pieces that can extend that wardrobe I wear for trips. Your analysis is stellar and is so helpful. Despite being much taller, I am built very similar to you. I love color but you comments are helpful showing what I am attracted to isn’t necessarily what I should wear. More try-ons please…I love them.
If you scroll to the bottom of the comments, you will see Leave a Reply, that’s where you write one. Thanks for joining the conversation Connie
I love your DRD and Chicos, Kohls, and the better Walmart line are my favorites. My mix and match travelers and zenergy clothes are still my go to’s for any trip! Even though I’m a larger curvier size, these posts are helpful. Thank you sooo much.