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Favorite Petite Friendly Finds From Talbots 2025 Fall Collection That You Will Love

We all know that Talbots carries sizes for most everybody with regular, plus, petite, and petite plus. This week I zeroed in on the petite section to see what fabulous finds are in proportion for the shorter ladies among us… including me. It’s funny, but I never used to think of myself as short…and I suppose it is relative, but the petite section has had the best fits for me for the last several months.

If you’re new here, welcome. A try-on is when I visit a store to style some of their newest pieces, so I can provide you with fit, color, and styling notes. I’m 5’4″ with broad shoulders and straight hips. See my other try-ons here.

BERKSHIRE WOOL LADY JACKET size 10 petite / RIBBED POINTELLE PULLOVER size M petite / STRAIGHT LEG STRETCH CORDUROY PANTS size 6

This Berkshire Wool Lady Jacket has a timeless, structured shape with polished buttons and neat patch pockets. It’s a petite-friendly length, even in regular, with a tidy vibe that instantly sharpens up whatever you’re wearing. I can also see it worn over a sweater dress or jeans. I’m in Ivory, and it also comes in coral or brown.

I’m wearing it over this Ribbed Pointelle Pullover that you saw me wearing here. This is a great little top that adds a layer of softness with its delicate knit texture, which feels interesting without being fussy.

I paired these with the Straight Leg Stretch Corduroy Pants in Blue Slate. Talbots’ corduroy is soft, flexible, and has just the right amount of stretch to add ease when you move, without stretching out. They come in many colors, but I was most excited to try on this pretty blue, which they didn’t have in petite, so I tried on the regular and folded the hem under.

FULL ZIP CARDIGAN size M / NON IRON PERFECT SHIRT size 10 / SLIM ANKLE JEAN size 8 petite

This Full-Zip Cardigan is a great layering piece with a clean, sporty feel. The zip-front gives it structure, and the high collar adds just enough polish to keep it from reading too casual. The knit is soft without being bulky, and the length is petite-friendly with no bunching or awkward proportions. I can see this worn over a tee or turtleneck, or even tossed over your shoulders with a blouse. I’m in the Port Wine, but it also comes in 6 other colors.

Underneath, I’m wearing the Non-Iron Perfect Shirt, and it really does live up to the name. I own this in 2 sizes, to wear as my weight fluctuates up and down. I love how crisp and polished this looks right out of the dryer or suitcase. This is the kind of staple that quietly pulls everything together for me.

I paired them with the Slim Ankle Jeans in a Never-Fade Black. These have a clean, modern cut that hits right at the ankle and a bit of stretch that moves with you. They’re a cross between straight and skinny, which may be the perfect sweet sport for many ladies. These can easily be dressed up with a blazer or worn more casually with sneakers.

TEXTURED CARDIGAN size petite M / DENIM MODERN CLASSIC SHIRT size petite M / STRAIGHT LEG CORDUROY PANTS size 8 petite

This Textured Cardigan has a slightly chunkier knit that adds warmth and interest without feeling bulky. The burgundy shade is rich and saturated…just the kind of color that feels seasonal and cozy as the weather cools down. The open front keeps it relaxed, and the overall shape is clean and simple.

Underneath, I’m wearing the Denim Modern Classic Shirt in a dark rinse. It has that soft, broken-in feel right away. The denim has a vertical striated wash that adds interest without distressing.

I paired them with the Straight Leg Corduroy Pants, also in burgundy. I like this version of a column of color, which is also elongating but helps the legs look longer.

CASHMERE CREWNECK size S / WIDE LEG PONTE PANT size 8 petite

This Cashmere Crewneck in plum is a simple, classic piece in a rich, wearable color. The fit is clean and not too snug, and the cashmere has a soft hand without being overly delicate. It comes in 11 shades to fit every color palette.

I’ve paired it with the Wide Leg Ponte Pants in camel. I love these pants, which you saw me wear in this post. The wide leg adds a bit of ease, and the ponte knit has structure without feeling stiff. I like the contrast between the warm camel and the cool plum—it’s a combination that feels understated but still intentional.

CHATHAM SLIM ANKLE PANTS size 8 petite / FULL ZIP TIPPED CARDIGAN size M petite / PIMA V-NECK TEE size petite M

Here’s the Full Zip Tipped Cardigan in black with ivory trim. I like the crisp, graphic vibe that feels a bit sporty and a bit polished. I layered it over the Pima V-Neck Tee in ivory, which ties into the print below.

Animal print is such a huge trend this fall (and always), that I couldn’t resist trying on these Chatham Slim Ankle Pants in the bold cheetah print. They’re slim but not tight, and the stretch makes them comfortable enough for a full day without losing shape. I like how the black cardigan and ivory tee ground the print, letting the pants stand out without making the outfit feel too loud. Are you wearing animal print this fall?

FULL ZIP CARDIGAN size S / LONG SLEEVE CREW NECK TEE size M petite / PATCH POCKET CLASSIC TROUSER JEANS size 8 petite

Same Full Zip Cardigan, this time in Moonlight Blue. I layered it over a black Long Sleeve Crew Neck Tee, a great year-round staple that’s lightweight, smooth, and perfect for layering without bulk.

The Patch Pocket Classic Trouser Jeans have a relaxed, slightly wider leg and a clean, dark, undistressed wash with a finished hem. YAY! The patch pockets are a modern detail, and the overall fit is easy without looking too casual.

FULL ZIP CARDIGAN size S / DENIM A-LINE SKIRT size 6 / CASHMERE CREWNECK size S

Same cardigan as the last outfit, this time layered over the Cashmere Crewneck in plum. The rich color adds a nice contrast to the soft blue, and the simple crewneck style keeps the whole look clean and unfussy.

I’m wearing the Denim A‑Line Midi Skirt in Cardiff Wash, which falls mid‑calf (midi length), and has a hint of stretch so it moves easily. It features slash pockets up front and a front slit that lets you walk without constraint. The denim wash is soft, with subtle fading, giving the skirt a casual polish without looking too rugged. This length pairs well with ankle boots or loafers. I find knee boots can be problematic with front slits because they get stuck on the boot top.

QUILTED BARN VEST size M petite / NON IRON PERFECT SHIRT size 10 / SLIM ANKLE JEAN size 8 petite

This is the same Non-Iron Perfect Shirt paired here with the Slim Ankle Jeans in black. Over the top, I’m wearing the Quilted Barn Vest in navy. It adds texture and structure without feeling bulky, and the snap-flap patch pockets give it a slightly utilitarian feel. This is the kind of look I’d throw on for a casual day when I want to feel pulled together but still comfortable…and the vest is an easy layer for cooler days without committing to a full jacket. Which look do you prefer, tucked or untucked?

MOCKNECK SWEATER VEST size S / NON IRON PERFECT SHIRT size 10 / CHATHAM SLIM ANKLE PANTS size 8 petite

I tried this combo for fun…red with cheetah…and honestly, I kind of love it. The red mockneck vest adds just enough contrast to balance the pattern without competing with it, and the white shirt underneath keeps everything grounded. It’s definitely a little unexpected, but in a fun way. The whole look feels playful but still pulled together, and sometimes that’s exactly what an outfit should be.

I debated buying these cheetah pants, then told myself I wouldn’t get enough wear out of them since I seldom wear prints. Then I second and third-guessed myself. Don’t you love it when you argue both sides of a discussion in the dressing room? They really are a classic shape and pattern, so maybe….


This was one of those try-ons that reminded me how much fun style can be when you mix things up a little. Whether it’s a classic cardigan in a new color or an unexpected combo like red and cheetah, sometimes the best outfits are the ones you didn’t plan for.

Let me know which pieces stood out to you….I always love hearing what you’d wear and how you’d style it.

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

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75 Comments

  1. Norma Revilla says:

    buy them they looked good on you!

  2. I love the cheetah print pants on you. You should get them. I also love the burgundy outfit with the denim shirt.

  3. I was a definite “no” on the cheetah print pants until you styled it with the red, then I loved the look. We are our worst critics in the dressing room.

    1. It’s so hard not to second and third guess myself.

  4. Buy the pants
    They are adorable fun and I think classy with the red
    So many great looks here on you

  5. Always love your posts!

    Yes, I am wearing a wee bit of animal print this fall! I have a beautiful animal print cardigan that I bought in Paris 10 years ago and it still looks timely and chic! As for animal print pants, that’s a definite NO for me. I feel that it draws too much attention my “baby X 3” hips. I like to keep my bottom half looking classically styled in neutrals. Some would argue that animal prints are a neutral but it just doesn’t jibe with my styling practice.

    Keep up the awesome blog work!

  6. Those cheetah pants are the first I’ve seen in cool colors! I liked them with the red sweater vest and white shirt. I love the burgundy and denim outfit. I wear all of my tops and shirts untucked. You can get away with either. It was only 59 degrees and sunny this morning for our dog walk.

  7. I LOVE the cheetah pant with the red on you. Hope you seriously consider.
    I’m pretty sure I need that red sweater. You’re wearing a small over the shirt. Did you feel you have enough room? You suggested a medium in AT cardigan if I wanted to button as shirt and it was perfect! The red sweater looks like a good fit, but wanted to double check before ordering.
    Btw,,,,yesterday’s post gave me a good laugh…
    Thanks, Jennifer!

    1. Thanks Linda! Yes the small seemed plenty roomy for me. Maybe they want it oversized but I liked this fit.

  8. The cheetah outfit is adorable on you!

  9. Guess what? Your ideas for petites work just as well for tall girls. I guess everybody likes to look slim and “put together!” Regarding the zip front cardigans – did you notice if the metal zippers operate smoothly? Last year I had to return two sweaters with rough, scratchy zippers that wanted to catch on everything. I love that red shade!

    1. They zipped up and down smoothly for me.

  10. I love animal prints and have been wearing them since the 90s! Usually a single piece paired with a dark solid (brown, black or dark denim). I have warm coloring so it’s almost always a leopard print. But I also love red with animal print and need to try more of that…..also in small doses. Of your Talbots looks today I most love the red vest/white shirt/cheetah pants and also the plum sweater, which I looked at yesterday……such a lovely color and we have to buy “unusual” but flattering/favorite colors when we see them.

  11. I love that last look with the cheetah pants, but when I broke it down. I realized it’s the top half I love. I think the vest and blouse would look equally good with slim dark denim or black slacks. I don’t know about you, but I would likely wear the cheetah pants once and then they would linger in my closet for the rest of the season. For me, they are too specific for frequent wear

    1. That’s what I was worried about

  12. Mary Ellen says:

    I can’t resist leopard print. I own four different styles of shoes, a belt, and, yes, two pairs of pants. The cheetah print is very cute–yep–I have those, too. I enjoy seeing you try on various colors. We all have a favorite that tends to fill our closets, but sometimes a different pop of color is “a little happy” that we can give ourselves. You need the cheetah print pants and the red sweater.

  13. Loving the wines and plums with navy. They are so pretty.

  14. Cheetah pants humm? I would probably buy them because I think they are fun and cute, however would look at them in my closet and never wear them.

  15. Ellen Johnson says:

    The cheetah pants look wonderful on you. They make you smile, so buy them. Would look great with green too!

  16. Linda Henderson says:

    I like the zip cardigan and the quilted vest.

  17. Jennifer – you look lovely in everything in this post! BUY THE PRINT PANTS!!!! They will go with everything….every solid color top in your wardrobe! How fun are they? And that plum color! What a pretty color on you! May I ask why you don’t wear prints? I’d never really noticed that before.

    1. I’ve never been a fan of prints. I’ve tried a few over the years but they felt too busy on me. I prefer a more minimalistic look.

  18. They could be toned down with a longer black sweater and black booties. But, you need to be comfortable wearing a print bottom.

  19. Myra Thomas says:

    I had to chuckle over the cheetah pants debate…the struggle is real! Found myself texting my best friend this weekend before hitting the add to cart button on a pair.

  20. Like several of the other ladies,
    I love the cheetah pants with the red vest or any of the other sweater jackets you have shown. I am thinking of getting the cheetah pants myself. There is so much you can do with them!