Trying On Chico’s Classics: Polished Neutrals
I headed into Chico’s this week to check out their newest collection, but most of it wasn’t on the racks yet. Since the new arrivals were missing, I spent my time with their more classic shapes in polished neutrals. I’m a firm believer that if the basics aren’t right, the trends won’t matter anyway. I did the legwork in the dressing room to see which pieces are actually worth the investment and which ones you should skip. Here’s what I found
If you’re new here, welcome. A dressing room try-on is my way of doing the legwork so you don’t have to guess what new arrivals actually look like. These are honest snaps in store lighting with my take on whether the fit and fabric are worth your time.
I’m 5’4”, 149 lbs, with broad shoulders and straight hips. I’m here to provide a professional filter and the “why” behind the clothes so you can shop with a plan. You can see more of my try-ons here.
PULL-ON STRAIGHT LEG JEANS SIZE 0.5
I found a gem in this Bouclé Peplum Jacket, though I had to squeeze into a size that was technically one size too small just to get a feel for it. Even with the tight fit, I loved the shape. It has that classic Chanel-inspired textured bouclé, but the peplum waistline adds a modern, feminine curve that’s very flattering. I also love that the zipper is silver. It’s the kind of piece that makes you feel finished the second you put it on.
Underneath, I layered the Contour Cotton Square Neck Tank. This is a great basic with a little something extra…specifically, the blanket stitch detailing along the edges. It’s a subtle touch that elevates a standard white tank into something that feels more like a design choice. The square neckline is also a fantastic alternative to a standard scoop, as it opens up the chest area without being too revealing.
I grounded the look with Pull-On Straight Jeans in a dark indigo wash. For those of us who have officially retired from the denim gymnastics required to zip up stiff jeans, these pull-on versions are a godsend. They offer a smooth waist and a clean, straight-leg silhouette that looks like traditional denim but wears like your favorite leggings.
The goal with this outfit is to balance structure and comfort. You have the high-end look and tailored feel of the bouclé jacket paired with the effortless ease of pull-on denim. It’s a “lunch with the girls” outfit that feels polished but doesn’t require you to hold your breath all afternoon.
I started with this Bouclé Chore Jacket, which is an elevated take on the classic French utility vibe. Usually, these jackets are made of stiff canvas that feels like wearing a tent, but the bouclé texture makes this version feel much more sophisticated. The English Cream color is a flattering neutral that adds some light to your face without leaning overly warm or stark white. This jacket gives you a defined shoulder line without the corporate stiffness of a traditional blazer. It’s a great “third piece” for those days when you want to look pulled together but still feel relaxed. If you’re looking for something that bridges the gap between a cardigan and a coat, this hits the mark.
I paired it with this simple black Cowlneck Tee and the Juliet Wide-Leg Trousers. I’m particularly fond of wearing a column of color to help you look taller and instantly put together. The cowl neck is a softer alternative to a standard crew neck, which can sometimes feel a bit restrictive. It’s also incredibly flattering because the fabric’s drape elongates the neck and creates a more elegant frame for the face.
As for the Juliet pants, they have a reputation for a reason. The fabric is a substantial double-knit ponte that offers enough “heft” to smooth everything out without the aggressive squeeze of shapewear. They’re a pull-on style with a flat waistband, so you don’t have to deal with buttons or zippers creating bulk under your top. Most importantly, they have excellent recovery…meaning they won’t bag out at the knees or sag at the seat by lunchtime. If you’ve been hesitant about the wide-leg trend, these are a safe entry point because the fabric has enough weight to keep the shape from overwhelming you. They’re a reliable choice for anyone who wants the look of trousers with the comfort of leggings.
Next, I tried on this Faux Leather Moto Jacket in a shade called Pacific Rim. Navy is a brilliant alternative to black when you want the “edge” of a moto jacket but don’t want the harshness against your skin. This one is surprisingly soft…not that stiff, squeaky faux leather that sounds like a bag of potato chips every time you move.
The logic behind a moto jacket for our demographic is all about structure. This one has ponte panels on the sides and under the sleeves, so you can move your arms without the whole jacket riding up to your ears. It’s cropped just enough to define the waist without being too short to cover your tops.
I paired it with these Tapered Leg Trouser Jeans in a dark Cedar Rinse. They have a bit of that barrel leg silhouette that’s everywhere right now, but it’s much more subtle. If you’ve seen the extreme barrel legs on 20-year-olds and thought, “Not in this lifetime,” these are the grown-up version. They curve out slightly at the hip and thigh, and then taper back in at the ankle.
It’s a clever bit of engineering because it gives you the ease of a wide leg without the risk of tripping over excess fabric. Since they’re a trouser-style denim with a tab waist and welt back pockets, they feel a step up from your basic five-pocket jeans. They’re a smart choice for those days when you need to be practical but want to look like you’ve actually kept up with the times.
For this look, I kept the Faux Leather Moto Jacket but styled it over a completely different base. Underneath, I used the Zebra Waves Crinkle Top in Passport Blue. I’m a big fan of these crinkle textures because they provide visual interest and depth without the high-maintenance demands of traditional fabrics. The subtle zebra print is a great way to introduce pattern without it feeling overwhelming. It feels more like a texture play than a loud animal print. It’s light, breathable, and, most importantly for travel, it’s designed to wrinkle, so you don’t have to iron it.
I paired the top with the Cotton Straight-Leg Trousers. If you’re tired of denim (I’m getting there), but want a pant that feels substantial, these are a great middle ground. They’re a blend of viscose and cotton, which gives them a smoother feel than your average chino. The straight-leg silhouette is timeless and creates a very clean, balanced line from the hip down. By keeping the top and bottom in that monochromatic navy family, I’m leaning back into that column of color tactic to let the jacket be the focal point.
I like the way this combination plays with textures…the smooth sheen of the faux leather, the puckered crinkle of the zebra print, and the matte, polished finish of the trousers. It’s a way to wear navy head-to-toe without it looking like a uniform.
A Note on the Moto Fit: I actually ordered this jacket because the blue is stunning and the ponte panels make it incredibly comfortable. This jacket is specifically designed to look its best when zipped, offering a sleek, streamlined silhouette. If you’re someone who prefers the polished look of a closed moto, this is a fantastic, high-quality find. I’ve realized over the years that I tend to keep my jackets open for a more casual look, so while I love the color and quality of this piece, it didn’t align with my usual way of styling.
Here are a few more classic I wish I could have tried on at Chico’s
What became clear during this try-on is how much difference fit and fabric make once you’re actually wearing the clothes, not just looking at them on a hanger. The pieces that worked best stayed comfortable when I moved, didn’t need constant adjusting, and still looked polished in unflattering dressing-room lighting.
Chico’s is at its strongest when it leans into structure, thoughtful details, and fabrics with enough weight to keep their shape. Those are the pieces that let you focus on your day instead of your outfit.
Which pieces in your wardrobe give you that same sense of ease, where you stop thinking about your clothes and feel more confident moving through your day?
I find that most fashion sunglasses rest on my face and leave an indentation. Need recommendations for very light weight and fashionable sunglasses.
Mine leave a dent in my nose too. I will check them out
I forgot to mention that a podiatrist told me you can place the memory foam OVER the shoe orthotic to help prevent bending of the shoe.
Smart!
I like Chicos pants and jeans because their waistband forgives my thicker waist with thinner straight hips and thighs. My pointe knit pants are straight leg but I do like a wide leg for comfort sitting. Same for jeans. It is 18 degrees and snowing off and on here in southern Colorado today. I’m getting my cowl neck sweater out to go with my heavier dark wash Chicos jeans. Wool socks of course with my Easy Spirit slip in shoes or my Skechers booties. Both are warm. It is a second cup of tea day for me!
Stay warm Sydney
I think I’ve finally made sense of the barrel leg pant trend. Tapered legs, ankle lengths and stiff fabrics don’t suit me. My long torso and pear shape also made these a challenge. After swearing this was not the look for me, I finally found a fit. I picked a tall size to get my usual pant length in a twill fabric, not denim. A high-waisted style with a gentle leg taper worked. It’s helpful to wear a waist-length top or tucked shirt for proper proportions. I did it. And I did it online without making a return!
Bravo MJ!
A blogger that writes about comfort shoes recommends the Vionic City Walk Platform Sneakers as an alternative to other brands of low profile sneakers that have less support. When I clicked on her link, I realized that I recently purchased the black ones and had forgotten the name of them! I can vouch for their comfort and arch support and really like the looks of the white with black stripes. Another pair may be in my future! https://www.nordstrom.com/s/city-walk-platform-sneaker-women/8683945?
Ah, thanks Barb
That navy moto jacket sounds wonderful, so glad you ordered one. Love how you paired it with crinkle animal print top. And yes, please post about shopping for new eyewear!
I really do love Chico’s faux leather jackets. I have a green one from a couple of years back and have my eye on this blue one. I love the fabric in the Juliet pants, but always have to stitch down that front diagonal welt detail. I do not like how it bulges when one sits down.
I fell for the Chico’s faux leather zip up jacket in black. It’s a beautiful piece, not too cropped, and looks sassy. Cannot wait to wear it. I may go back for the Juliet pants, but in a straight leg, am buying in advance for a September trip to Paris!
Love the zebra top too.
How fun! Have a wonderful trip Susan
Great post! I really like peplum jacket. That whole outfit looks great on you.
I love that jacket too! Trying to justify it for my wardrobe 😉
Yes! I would be interested in a eyeglass frame try on. Thanks.
Amazing. I will take some pictures.
I would love to see an eyeglass try-on. I had to choose new frames this week and it was a challenge. What I thought would look good (from looking online) really didn’t fit my face very well. I’d like to read/see your insights.
Okay, I will. I find it challenging too.
I would definitely be interested in seeing a Warby Parker try on! Considering switching to wear glasses full time and it’s hard to figure out what would work for everyday. Thank you!
Okay wonderful! Try on coming up soon.
WOW love the cream coloured jacket outfit on you. Very becoming!
Went to Chico’s recently and really liked what they have, including the variety. I bought the tank top with the blanket stitch trim to go with the navy jacket you’ve noted before with the blanket stitch trim. Irks me that nowhere in the product description of the tank top does it say what color the trim is. I like to wear navy with navy and I suspect this is black, but the look together works.
I love the low contrast of wearing navy with black too.
I don’t shop at Chico’s but the Petite ponte pants may change my mind. I love what you selected and your style notes. A comment on the VB Riviera sneakers: the sole is not ridged at all the way I’d expect from a sneaker. If I’m not getting that benefit, then boots make a lot more sense to me. Yes, to glasses frames post.
Ponte is one of my favorite fabrics for comfort with polish. These feel amazing on.
Wow you found some good stuff at Chicos, and I am normally not a fan! Yes to a WP try on. My colleague and I plan to hit one in a few weeks when we are in KC for a business trip. I love your silver aviators and I’m so jealous that my monster RX is a no go for an aviator or wire type frame. I really love your focus on fit and comfort right now! Crisp navy and white has always been my favorite for spring, and now knowing my sub palette of dark/deep winter understand why. For me a pop of one of my jewel tones with it (shoe, necklace, scarf) is chef’s kiss. Oh and wanted to mention Gola as a comfy low profile sneaker brand. I do put an inserts in my Sambas that helps (you have to rip out the original one), but I’m not doing any significant walking in low profile sneakers.
I’ll check out the Gola. Is your insert custom made or off the shelf? I didn’t have much luck with one but clearly I know a good one would help. Sadly, I’m
not doing much walking anywhere these days.
Superfeet, off the shelf.
Amazing! Thanks my friend. I’m ordering now.
Is Warby Parker in the Chicago area? The frames start at a reasonable price. Wonder if they accept vision insurance plans. I have bought my glasses so far at Costco as they frequently have buy one, get a pair half- off promo. Appealing if you want a varied look or a pair of prescription sunglasses to add to everyday glasses.
You can order them online. Not sure about insurance but you might call them.
Yes, they’re in the Chicago area. I know they’re in Oak Brook and Naperville.
I had a beautiful faux leather jacket that only came out of the wardrobe occasionally. Kept for special occasions.(Trying to get out of that habit).
Anyway to my horror after a few years put away I found that the faux leather was badly wrinkling and peeling away.
I should have worn it and looked into how to store this particular garment. The same happened to a couple of handbags also.
Hope this helps others so they don’t make the same mistake.
Look forward to your blog each week and have learnt so much from it.
Appreciate the work you must put into it.
Best wishes from Pat, Scotland.
Thank you for reminding us of this Pat. I know I’m guilty of “saving” things that I should be wearing and enjoying right now. I’m pulling something “precious” out of my closet to wear today.
Regarding your comment on low profile sneakers……have you tried the Sketchers Slip-ins? I wear a size 6 wide and they are SO comfortable. After loving my first pair on day one I went straight to the internet and ordered another pair in a different color. I am so happy with them.
I haven’t worn them for several years but I remember they’re very comfortable. My doctor wants me wearing a shoe that doesn’t bend much right now.
The Hoka and Brooks were recommended by my husband’s Ortho following his bunion surgery. I think glam shoe and ortho friendly might be an oxymoron, which is very sad. Really like the Chico moto jacket
I’m with you! I just found a pair of low profile, lightweight, comfy sneakers! I wore them all day yesterday for the first time and my feet were in heaven. They’re LLBean Elevation travel slip-ons, and they’re waterproof. The price point isn’t too bad either. Comfy footwear is essential for me as I’m on my feet all day, so in addition to my usuals, I’m always watching for new styles. LLB makes a lace version too. I worried my high arch and instep would be cramped in the slip-ons, but no! There’s a men’s version too.
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/5856403?moe=ordhistory&csp=a&attrValue_0=38935
Waterproof is so smart this time of year, too.