Chico’s Summer Try On: A Few Summery Finds for Women Over 50
Last week, I popped into Chico’s in search of one of their lightweight bungee dresses and ended up doing a mini Chico’s summer try-on. The store was small, packed with shoppers, and honestly a little chaotic, but I still found a few summery pieces worth sharing, especially if you’re over 50 and want easy, polished style without the fuss.
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. 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 sizes and some in tall sizes. You can see my other try-ons here.
Leopard Graphic Tee & Trapunto Pants
This tee is lightweight, with a soft neckline and a muted leopard graphic—subtle enough to layer but interesting enough to wear on its own. The pants were a surprise hit. They have a trapunto-stitched waistband (which adds a touch of structure without being tight) and a clean leg that skims the body without clinging. These feel like polished alternatives to joggers and would be easy to dress up or down, and ideal for travel days.
No-Iron Bubble Shirt & Kick Flare Jeans Summer Try On
This shirt has a fun, slightly abstract print in a pretty aqua shade. It’s made of Chico’s famous no-iron fabric, which I find incredibly easy to care for. I take my shirts straight out of the dryer and hang them right up. The jeans are more of a slim kick than a wide flare, so they give shape at the ankle without feeling costume-y. The no-stain finish is a nice bonus if you’re prone to coffee mishaps or, in my case, sunscreen drips.
Embroidered Shirt & Wide-Leg Crops
The store had this embroidered shirt styled with these floral, crop jeans, so I figured I would give it a whirl. What do you think? The shirt is in their fabulous no-iron fabric with some floral embroidery on one front. The wide-leg pants have a similar print down the outside of the legs, and are super comfy.
Styling Note– If you have wide hips, the placement of this print on these pants is going to make your hips and legs look even wider, so keep that in mind.
Embroidered Striped Maxi Dress
This dress is one of those rare finds that looks better on than it does on the hanger. The fit is surprisingly flattering with seaming through the waist that gives it shape, while the godets create flow and movement without adding bulk. It comes in petite, which is a big win if you’re shorter.
Zenergy Bungee Dresses
This is what I came in for. Chico’s bungee dresses have a bit of stretch, lots of movement, and just enough detail to feel finished. I also love that they travel beautifully and can be worn unbuttoned as a third layer over other things. The UPF 50 fabric in the black version is ideal for long summer days, and the blue ric rac trim gives the other version a fun pop without veering into cutesy. I loved both, but came home with the black because it’s such an easy color for me to travel with.
I wore mine with some fun leather earrings that I picked up in Helsinki last year, an old stretch bracelet, my super comfy Mephisto sandals, and Quince woven satchel. This dress hides more than it reveals and feels very fun, so I know I’ll get a lot of wear out of it.
MORE FINDS FROM CHICO’S FOR SUMMER
Dressing well in summer, especially over 50, doesn’t have to mean chasing trends or overthinking every outfit. Pieces like Chico’s bungee dress make it easy to feel pulled together without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re traveling, running errands, or just trying to stay cool, it’s nice to have something that works with your lifestyle, not against it.
Have you tried anything from Chico’s this summer? I’d love to know what caught your eye or what you’re reaching for most in the heat.
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident!
Jennifer. That peach blouse with embroidered flower looks so pretty on you…cool and refreshing summer look with white jeans! Not liking it paired with floral trimmed pants though…too busy! The “bubble” blouse reminded me of one I have in same style but haven’t worn for several years, so thank you for showing us that just because we have something “old” doesn’t mean it still won’t look “new” again!
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It sounds like time to bring your bubble blouse back out and enjoy it! I see a lot of that style detail these days.
I absolutely love the bungee dress, and black was a great choice. I love that we’re the same height (and very similar shape)- I get an idea of how something will look on me before heading to the store for a try on session!
The red striped maxi dress looks wonderful on you. So flattering.
All of the tops are so pretty! I love Chico’s. Their pieces are stylish, yet on the conservative side. I always find something there.
going to order a bungee dress could you please let me know if it runs true to size some reviews say it runs large so not sure what size to order thanks
I think it does run a bit large
I liked the Bungee dress, too.
I don’t often have luck at Chico’s, but I do have a few things that have worked out. Last wint, their sweater blazer was a favorite of mine.
The outfits look fun and summery. The floral top and pant – maybe too fun!
Is it easy to walk in the bungee dress? Tight when you sit , referring to the bungee hem. 🥰
Very easy! I show a video of me walking in it here on IG
Like you I have ultra-sensitive skin so your column about put inspired me to ask my dermatologist about it. I’m now scheduled for photodynamic therapy in September and would love an update on recovery time and how happy you are with the results.
I’m very happy with the results. My follow up is in a few weeks and I do see a few spots that don’t go away so they may need to be biopsied. I’ll let you know. Good luck!!
I really love that Bungee dress. It looks really great on you. I like the flowered top but maybe not together with the pants. I would wear them separately. We have a Chicos here but petites are only online. That’s disappointing. I like to try things on when possible.
I think wearing separately would allow each one to shine.
Thanks for showing us some beautiful pieces. I like the peachy yellow floral blouse and cropped jeans, but not together. I would wear each piece individually. The red and white striped dress looks fabulous on you. It’s a little cool for my warm coloring, but I love it on you.
My favorite pieces were the bungee dresses. I bought two last year. I have them in red and a really pretty violet-blue. I sized way down. I got them in Chico’s smallest size, 000. I normally wear a size 6 or 8 in dresses, but I felt like I was swimming in fabric in the Chico’s equivalent. I still have plenty of room in the bungee dresses. The fabric is great, but my favorite detail is the bungee hem. It is so much fun!
It is so fun!
I bought a bungee dress last year in a navy print and I love it! The fabric is cool and doesn’t wrinkle. I love the length of the sleeves. I often wear it with a belt. I may have to get another!
I love that peach top on you! So pretty!
Thanks for showing the bungee dresses. I ordered both the blue and black you bought. Was concerned about length. But since I am only 5’ I can see it will be a little longer on me than you. Love the look and how you styled it. I also have Mephisto Sandals. Thanks for the peek!
That blue is on a great sale too! I think you’ll love them.
I’ve been looking for a new PoA to replace my worn backpack version and the woven leather satchel looks just right, so I just ordered it in cognac. Thank you for featuring.
It’s nice and lightweight and holds a ton!
I love all your outfits. The stores appear to all be in the United States. I live in Ontario. I know most of the stores offer shipping to Canada but the dollar exchange rate is very high and the shipping adds to the cost. Do you have any suggestions for Canadian stores?
I’m sorry, I really don’t know many Canadian stores other than the US versions like Talbots, Banana Republic, Eileen Fisher, Gap, etc.
I had been eyeing that Bungee dress myself, so glad you tried it and liked it. Good to see it on a “not 5’9” size XS” model. Just ordered!
I love mine 💕💕 Enjoy!
I own several pairs of Chico’s So Slimming Bridgette shorts 9”. They are very comfortable and can be dressed up or down.
They are great. I have a navy pair