Chico’s Try-On: Summer Outfits in Linen, Cotton, and Easy Pull-On Pants
I stopped by two different Chico’s stores to see what’s new, and I’m glad I did because the selection was surprisingly different in each one. I saw lots of easy summer pieces, especially linen and cotton, with a few gauze items mixed in. That’s exactly the kind of fabric direction I want once the weather starts heating up.
I’m 5’4″ with broad shoulders and very few curves. You can check out my other try-ons here.
I’m going to predict that these Emma Slim Capri Pants fly out the door this season. I remember wearing pants this short, or shorts this long, when I was a girl, and I bet many of you do too.
They hit just below the knee, which I find much more flattering than a mid-calf crop. Mid-calf pants can chop the leg in a very efficient and unhelpful way. These have a zip fly and belt loops, so they feel more like a real pair of pants than a pull-on crop.
The Zenergy Gauze Top has a relaxed fit with a cotton gauze front and soft French terry back. The dolman sleeves and boat neckline give it an easy shape, and the ribbed trim keeps it from looking too loose.
Chico’s has several pedal pusher styles this season
This Cropped Denim Trucker Jacket has plenty of stretch, and the looser bottom band gives it a more current shape than a traditional denim jacket. I like it over a simple tank because it adds structure without feeling stiff.
I paired it with this High Neck Ribbed Tank in a bright red. It’s 95% cotton with 5% spandex, so it’ll keep its shape without being too snug on the torso. This is a great layering piece and comes in 12 colors.
These Brigitte Crop Flares are a good petite option because the flare is smaller and the length is practical. A big flare can swallow a shorter leg quickly, but this one felt more balanced. They’re a pull-on style with lots of stretch and slimming panels that help hold things in place.
This Sea Island Maxi Skirt is a real winner. I’ve tried it on before, and if I didn’t already own a similar skirt, I’d buy it. The pleating gives it movement, and it’s the kind of skirt that would pack well and still look decent at dinner. It has a slightly A-line shape and an elastic smocking waistband. I’m wearing a regular length, which is 37,” and the petite is 34″.
I paired it with this No Iron Stretch Jacquard Stars Shirt in navy and white. These shirts are great if you like a crisp look but have no interest in ironing. The straight shape, point collar, and 3/4 sleeves make it easy to wear tucked, untucked, or layered under a jacket.
This Slub Knit Blazer has the shape of a blazer with the softer feel of a knit cardigan. It’s made from a lightweight cotton-modal blend, with a classic fit, long sleeves, lapels, and front pockets.
Under the jacket, I’m wearing this Cotton Slub Tee, which has a classic fit, elbow sleeves, and angled shell-style buttons at the side seams. It’s soft, breathable, and easy to wear on its own or layered under a jacket. It comes in eight colors this season.
These Brigitte Slim Pull-On Ankle Pants have a straight leg with a pull-on elastic waist and a small slit at the hem. It’s hard to see, but the fabric is denim-inspired yet soft and stretchy, with enough recovery to hold its shape during the day. They also have a smoothing panel around the waist, angled front welt pockets, and faux back welt pockets for a cleaner look.
This was one of the more casual outfits, but it still looked pulled together. The Striped Zenergy Jacket has a hood, snap pockets, and roll-tab sleeves, so it reads relaxed without feeling like workout wear. Under it, I am wearing the same Gauze Top as the first outfit.
I have these pants in white and love them. TheEmme Slim Pants are soft and stretchy, with a fly front, belt loops, and pockets, which makes them look more finished. These are perfect for when you want comfort but don’t want to look like you’re wearing sweatpants.
This No Iron Stretch Gingham Shirt is classic and adds a fresh vibe to anything you pair it with. It has 3/4 sleeves, a point collar, and a back pleat for a little extra ease through the shoulders. The stretch makes it so comfy to wear, and the no-iron fabric keeps it looking crisp,
The Scalloped Brigitte Pants are what make the outfit more fun. I think sandals would look nicer than my big sneakers…but that’s what I wore into the store. The eyelet detailing around the hem gives these pants a playful and feminine vibe. They’re pull-on, have angled pockets, and include a smoothing front panel, which is always appreciated. These also come in red!
This Zenergy Gauze Top showed up again because it’s exactly the kind of easy summer piece Chico’s does well.
This time I paired it with these Brigitte Twill Neutral Stripe Crops. They’re also a pull-on style with a slim leg and a small slit at the hem. The low contrast stripe would pair well with lots of colors.
What’s your verdict on pedal pushers? Do you still wear crops that stop mid calf?
When I read today’s entry I felt like we had gone shopping together. I have a pair of the Zenergy pedal pushers and I really like them. I’m 5′ 3″ and a lot of crops hit me closer to the ankle than mid thigh, longer shorts hit me mid-knee which is awkward and uncomfortable. These it just below my knee and have a slit at the hem. Also have the Gauze shirt in pale blue, the striped Zenergy hooded jacket as well as a slub blazer. And a pair those eyelet trimmed white pants that I’ve probably had for 5 or 6 years.
Love pedal pushers, or skimmers, and have an array of colors. They hit me right below the knee and, in my opinion, look great!
I agree
Love pedal pushers! I am petite and with thin legs, they offer a vertical line. And I’m not eager to wear shorts these days……but pedal pushers cover up the skin above my knee. They’re great for summer and I often look for this length for playing golf.
Great choices today. Loved them all.
I stopped wearing capris some years ago. I now prefer cropped pants. They are a more modern look and seem more slimming.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the term pedal pushers in use, but I agree that just below the knee is the perfect length for summer!
I think they’re more flattering than mid calf, that’s for sure.
Pedal pushers are very flattering to those of us who are vertically challenged!
As always, an excellent round up, but it’s PEDAL pushers, not petal pushers! 😀
You’re right!
😉
I think the term you were looking for was pedal pushers …. Cropped so you could easily PEDAL a bicycle! I think that’s what they called them when I was a kid in the 50s …
Susan
Yes! I wore them a lot.
I am barely 5’2″ and have never found capris or cropped pants flattering on me, they always make me look and feel even shorter. Any suggestions?
Pants that end at the narrowest part above your ankle would be my suggestion.
All the outfits looked great on you! I’m not a fan of pedal pushers, though. For the past two years, various bloggers have said they are a no go for ladies past 50. Now they are coming back? How confusing?
Capri pants are very dated looking, so brands are trying out pedal pushers with interesting results. It’s not a big trend, so you need to love the look to wear them.
I buy almost all of my clothes at Chicos so I appreciate the reviews you posted. I will be going in to the store to check out the white gauze top and a few other pieces.
Chicos try on: Petal Pushers are aweful, they cut off women’s legs.
My opinion fashion foopa
No on mid calf crops! They’re either ankle pants or a long short, I have bought some in the past that are just at knee length and perfect weight. Now if I could just remember where!
Love the gauze top and just bought the light aqua slub knit blazer. I love it so much that I’m thinking of buying the red. Chicos is on my list today.
I don’t shop Chico’s because there aren’t many Petite selections, but you’ve shown some nice things. I like the striped pants, but it looks as if the stripe is only in front (and maybe, back?) but not on the sides: is that accurate?
They’re striped on the back too.
i do not like the pedal pusher length. too many broken veins in my legs
I am 81 and your article is the 1 st I read every day. Yes I remember peddle pushers and had many
At 4 ft 10 loss 2Â in with age I will not wear them anymore. I am still active but so short very difficult to dress .
Love your articles.
Diane
You’re in the very petite category which I’m sure is a challenge.
Ha pedal pushers, nope. Capris, nope. Can Chicos make a shirt with full sleeves? Nope. I am eyeing the slub blazer in red. My office is freezing and a good blue red is hard to find right now. I have a few blazers in sweatshirt material from Tommy Bahama and peacoat styles from Splendid and Frank and Eileen. I like the idea of blazers/jackets in more casual fabrics (my office is casual.) Gives some structure and warmth but is not restrictive.
So true about long sleeves! I remember when they did, and I miss them. The Slub blazer is lighter weight than the F&E and TB. Closer to heavy T-shirt fabric.
Pedal pushers are a hard no for me. I don’t think they are flattering on my tall body. But they look great on you, though!
Thanks for showing all the great options of pants for summer. I think the pedal pushers look fresh and give a slim look to the leg. They look dressy with a crisp shirt and kitten heels or pretty sandals.
The kitten heels would really dress them up nicely.