Talbots Try-On Haul: 5 Summer Outfits for Women Over 50

Talbots is one of those stores I can count on when I want clothing that feels current but still works for my real life. I don’t want to buy something that only looks good while I’m standing perfectly still in front of a mirror. I want to be able to sit down, walk around, eat lunch, and live my life without tugging at my clothes all day.

For this Talbots try-on haul, I chose five outfits that could carry you from the end of summer into early fall. There are lightweight tops for warm days, a pointelle sweater for cooler evenings, and several different jean styles for those of us who like choices.

I’m 5’6”, and I normally wear a size 8 in pants and a medium or large in tops, depending on the cut. I’ll include the sizes I’m wearing with each outfit because sizing charts are helpful, but seeing how something fits a real body is usually even better.

A Lightweight Sweater That Works Beyond Summer

This green Chevron Pointelle V-Neck Pullover immediately caught my attention because of the color. It is rich and flattering, and it will look just as pretty in early fall as it does now.

The pointelle knit gives the sweater an open, airy texture, so it doesn’t feel like a heavy winter sweater. You may want to wear a camisole underneath because of the small openings in the knit. I like that the neckline is flattering without dipping too low, and the ribbed hem helps give the sweater some shape.

This would be an easy outfit for lunch, church, errands, or a casual dinner. Later in the year, I would switch the sandals for loafers, flats, or ankle boots.

The medium fits me well. It has a relaxed fit through the body, but it doesn’t look oversized or sloppy. The sleeves can be pushed up, which is usually how I wear my sweaters anyway. Apparently, I think my forearms need more fresh air than the rest of me. Lol!

I paired it with the Slim Ankle Jeans in a size 10. These have a closer fit through the hips and legs than the other jeans in this try-on. The size 10 gave me enough room through the waist without feeling tight when I moved or sat down.

Embroidery Adds Interest to a Simple Jeans Outfit

The Emroidered Voile Top is one of those pieces that makes jeans feel a little more special. The white fabric keeps it light and summery, while the brown and navy embroidery adds plenty of detail.

I paired it with the same Slim Ankle Jeans in a size 10. The straighter, narrower leg keeps the outfit balanced with the fuller shape of the top.

This outfit could work for a casual dinner, a baby shower, church, or a day when you want to look a little dressed up without wearing a dress.

Final Thoughts on This Talbots Try-On Haul

This Talbots try-on included a nice mix of classic and updated styles. The slim ankle jeans are an easy everyday option, while the sailor jeans offer a more relaxed, modern shape. The tops range from simple tanks to detailed embroidery, so there is something here for different comfort levels and occasions.

My biggest sizing takeaway is not to get hung up on the number printed inside the clothing. I wore a size 10 in the slim ankle jeans and a size 8 in the other pants. The fit matters. The tag does not get invited to lunch with you.

Which of these five Talbots outfits would you wear first?

The embroidery runs across the neckline, sleeves, body, and hem, so this top doesn’t need much in the way of accessories. I would keep the jewelry simple and let the pattern do the work.

I’m wearing a medium, and the fit is relaxed through the body. It doesn’t cling around my waist or stomach, which is something I always notice when trying on a woven top. The sleeves offer more coverage than a traditional short sleeve, but the open embroidery keeps them from looking heavy.

Because this is a light-colored voile fabric, I would check it in natural light to see how sheer it is before wearing it out. A nude camisole is always handy with tops like this. White camisoles can sometimes show more than nude ones, which seems backward, but clothing likes to keep us humble.

Brown and Blue Make an Easy Summer Combination

Brown isn’t always the first color people think of for summer, but I love it paired with light-wash denim. It feels warm and sophisticated without looking too dark.

The Crochet Trim Ribbed Tank has a simple shape with subtle crochet detailing around the armholes and neckline. Those small details give it more interest than a basic tank, but it is still easy to layer under a cardigan or jacket.

This is a good outfit for dinner, vacation, a casual gathering, or any warm day when you want the ease of a tank without looking too bare.

I’m wearing a large. I preferred the extra room through the middle, especially since ribbed knits can sometimes show every little thing we had for lunch. The armholes appear to fit close enough that my bra isn’t showing, which is one of the first things I check with any sleeveless top.

The Relaxed Wide Leg Sailor Jeans are a size 8. These have a much roomier leg than the slim ankle jeans, and the decorative buttons at the waist add a nautical touch. The light wash keeps them casual, while the wide-leg shape makes the outfit feel more current.

The length works with my sandals, but this is a style where height and shoe choice matter. Petite women may need the petite length, while taller women should check the inseam carefully. I would also try them on with the exact type of shoes I planned to wear most often.

A Bold Floral Tank With Wide-Leg Jeans

This Bateau Neck Tank makes a statement, but it is still very easy to wear. The large rust-colored flower gives the outfit personality without requiring a complicated print or lots of accessories.

I paired it with the Relaxed Wide Leg Sailor Jeans in a size 8. The wider leg balances the fitted shape of the tank and gives the outfit a relaxed, summery feel.

This is the kind of outfit I would wear for sightseeing, lunch with friends, or a casual date night. Add a lightweight cardigan or denim jacket when the air conditioning is set to “meat locker,” as it so often is.

The bateau neckline sits higher across the chest, which gives the tank a little more coverage than a scoop or V-neck style. The shoulders are wide enough to cover my bra straps, another important detail that product photos don’t always show.

I’m wearing a medium, and it fits closer to the body than the brown ribbed tank. It skims my shape without feeling overly tight. The length is also good with the wide-leg jeans because it doesn’t extend too far past the hips.

A Bright Poplin Top With Comfortable Chambray Crops

The Sleeveless Poplin Top brings a cheerful pop of color to this try-on. The pink is bright without being neon, and the darker embroidery along the hem gives it a pretty finish.

I like the pintuck detail across the chest and the partial button placket. Those touches make the top feel more finished than a plain sleeveless blouse. The flared shape gives it room through the waist and stomach, so it doesn’t cling.

I’m wearing a medium, and it fits comfortably through the shoulders and bust. Because it has an A-line shape, it also gives me plenty of room through the middle. The length works well with the cropped pants and doesn’t overwhelm my frame.

The Chambray Perfect Crops are a size 8. They have a slimmer leg than the sailor jeans, but are not tight like leggings. The cropped length shows off the sandals and makes this outfit feel especially good for warm weather.

Chambray is usually lighter than traditional denim, which can make it more comfortable during the summer. I would wear this outfit for errands, lunch, travel, or any casual daytime event.

How the Talbots Jeans Fit

I tried three different pant shapes in this haul, and they each create a very different look.

The Slim Ankle Jeans in a size 10 fit closer through the hips and legs. I sized up from my usual size 8, and I liked the extra room through the waist. These are a good choice for women who aren’t interested in a full, wide-leg jean.

The Relaxed Wide Leg Sailor Jeans fit me in my usual size 8. They have more volume through the leg and a longer length, so I would pay close attention to the inseam. The sailor buttons add visual interest around the waist, which looks nice with fitted or tucked tops.

The Chambray Perfect Crops also fit in a size 8. They are lighter-looking and more summery than regular denim, and the cropped length works well with sandals.

This is a good reminder that you may not wear the same size in every style, even when everything comes from the same retailer. Fabric, rise, stretch, and leg shape can all change the fit.

A Note About the NAOT Sandals

I wore the same NAOT Sandals with all five outfits because the neutral color works with almost everything. They also let the clothing be the focus instead of competing with each look.

I size up in NAOT shoes. That has consistently worked better for me, especially since I don’t like my heel or toes sitting too close to the edge of a sandal.

Comfort is personal, so I always recommend trying shoes indoors before committing to them. Walk on different surfaces in your house and pay attention to the straps, arch support, and where your foot lands on the sole. A shoe can feel wonderful for thirty seconds and begin plotting against you after twenty minutes.

Which Talbots Outfit Would I Wear Most?

The green pointelle sweater with the slim ankle jeans is probably the outfit I would reach for most as we move toward fall. I love the color, and it would be easy to restyle with different shoes and jackets.

For warmer days, the pink sleeveless poplin top and chambray crops are cheerful, comfortable, and easy to wear. The embroidered voile top is the prettiest option for an occasion when I want my jeans to look slightly dressier.

The two wide-leg jean outfits feel the most current, but the slim ankle jeans will likely appeal to women who prefer a more familiar silhouette. Thankfully, we don’t all have to wear the same jeans. That would make getting dressed easier, but shopping a whole lot less fun.

What I Look for When Shopping at Talbots

Talbots is usually a good place to find classic clothing with thoughtful details. Still, I look at each piece individually rather than assuming everything will work simply because I like the brand.

I check the fabric, armhole coverage, neckline, length, and how the item fits when I sit down. I also think about how many ways I could wear it with clothing I already own.

A pretty top can catch my eye, but it needs to earn its place in my closet. At this stage of life, I want clothing that is comfortable, flattering, and useful. My closet has enough residents who contribute nothing but still refuse to move out.

To GOD Goes The Glory!

Verse Of The Day

Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)
⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace