Winter Try-On Haul: Denim, Sweaters & Vests for the Season Ahead | Jo-Lynne Shane

Winter Styles from EVEREVE, LOFT, Quince, Nordstrom & More

As usual, I will provide measurements and fabric content on each item when I can find it, and I’ll share whether I plan to keep it or not. Just remember, even when I decide not to keep something, it doesn’t mean it isn’t worth checking out. I just may not need it, or it may not work for my body type or lifestyle.

Quince Cashmere Oversized Crewneck in Heather Truffle Brown

at Quince (S) // MOTHER Dazzler (39) // Birk Boston Rivets (39)

PRODUCT DETAILS: It’s our classic crewneck sweater, supersized. With an extra-slouchy boyfriend fit, our cozy Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Crewneck Sweater is the quietly luxurious layer you’ve been looking for.

• Fit: Oversized
• Material: 100% Grade-A Mongolian cashmere
• Care: Hand wash cold. Lay flat to dry.

MY THOUGHTS: I’m starting off with a piece that isn’t on sale, but it’s still a great value because it’s Quince. It comes in tons of colors, but this rich, chocolatey brown really pulled me in. The heathered yarn gives it a subtle textured look, and it’s such a gorgeous shade for fall.

I also love the slouchy fit and the chunky ribbed trim on the sleeves and hem. It’s one of those luxurious everyday sweaters you’ll reach for with jeans and boots (or clogs!) all fall and winter long.

VERDICT: Kept this one! I’ve already worn it several times.

525 Cate Vest

at EVEREVE (S) // Treasure & Bond Ribbed Tee – on sale! (M) // KUT Jean (6) (similar) // Sam Edelman Saige Bootie (8.5)

PRODUCT DETAILS: Transition into fall style effortlessly with the Cate Vest from 525, featuring a beautifully draped cowl neck, cap sleeves, and knit in comfortable cotton. Pair it with denim, skirts, cargo pants, and more. 

• Measurements: Length from Shoulder to Hem: 19″
• Material: 100% Cotton Knit
• Care: Machine wash, dry flat

MY THOUGHTS: I thought this sweater vest was really fun with the dramatic cowl neck and cap sleeves. They show it on the model without a shirt underneath, but the armholes are cut way too deep for that. Plus, it’s cold this time of year, so I layered it over this Treasure & Bond long-sleeve ribbed tee, which is a Nordstrom Black Friday Deal.

I love the black-and-brown combo, but you could swap in ivory or a lighter neutral to brighten it up. I added brown coated denim and black suede booties to keep the black-and-brown theme going throughout.

VERDICT: Definitely keeping this one!

C by Bloomingdale’s 100% Cashmere Mock Neck Sweater in Burnt Caramel

at Bloomingdale’s – on sale! (S) // MOTHER Dazzler (39) // adidas Spezial (8)

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Fit: Relaxed fit.
• Material: 100% cashmere
• Care: Hand wash

MY THOUGHTS: I can’t remember if I’ve shared this one yet or not, but just in case… I’m really liking the fine-gauge knit and the subtle details, like the ribbing on the sleeves and the seaming down the front. The mock neck isn’t too tight, and the length is nice and easy to wear. It comes in a few colors, but this deep burgundy feels perfect for this time of year, and it’s currently on sale at Bloomingdale’s.

VERDICT: Kept this one too.

Z Supply Breen Crew Soft Cardigan in Burnt Ash Heather

at EVEREVE (M) // AG Brinley Crop (29) // Madewell Remy – 40% off! (8h)

PRODUCT DETAILS: The perfect layer to complete any look, the Breen Cardigan by Z Supply features a crew neckline, slightly dropped shoulders, rib knit detailing, and front button closures. 

• Measurements: Length from Shoulder to Hem: 19 1/2″
• Material: 56% Cotton, 41% Polyester, 3% Spandex Knit
• Care: Hand wash, dry flat, iron low

MY THOUGHTS: This is another cute little button-up cardigan option. I was really drawn to the knit details and the chunky, boxy cropped fit. It’s a simple style, but the textured knit, contrasting trim, and oversized buttons all work together to make it a versatile piece you can wear with anything from jeans to skirts.

The color is a mix of grey and brown, and I love how it pairs with these medium wash cropped straight-leg jeans and Mary Jane flats in “chocolate raisin” — which are 40% off right now, by the way! (Use code LETSGO at checkout!)

It also looks great with my washed black MOTHER The Hustler Roller Sneak and black rag & bone boots.

VERDICT: I decided to keep this one too!

LOFT Modern Mock Neck Sweater

at LOFT – $29 (M) // AG Brinley Crop (29) // Madewell Remy (8h)

PRODUCT DETAILS: In an abbreviated length and soft knit, this mock neck sweater is a modern must-have. Long sleeves.

• Measurements: 23″ long
• Material: 43% Acrylic 28% Nylon 26% Polyester 3% Spandex
• Care: Machine Washable

This one’s a LOFT find, and it has similar details to the C by Bloomingdale’s cashmere mock neck I shared above — the ribbed sleeves and the contrasting ribbed hem — but at a more budget-friendly price point. It’s very soft and comfortable, and I really like this shade of chocolate brown.

VERDICT: I’ve already got a couple of brown sweaters, so I don’t think I need this one, but I would keep it if I didn’t. At this point, my sweater collection is getting a little out of control! 😅

LNA Baylor Sherpa Vest

at EVEREVE (S) // Marsel Long Sleeve Top (M) // AG Brinley Crop (29) // adidas Spezial (8)

PRODUCT DETAILS: Nothing says fall quite like a pop of red in your wardrobe. The Baylor Sherpa Vest by LNA features a turn-down collar, front zipper closure, side pockets, and a cozy fleece material. 

• Measurements: Length from Shoulder to Hem: 21 1/4″
• Material: 100% Polyester Lining: 100% Cotton
• Care: Machine wash, wash cold, delicate / gentle cycle, tumble dry low

MY THOUGHTS: I’m not quite sure what to say about this one! I love it in theory. The red is so pretty, and I like the idea of a fleece vest with that nice boxy silhouette, but the collar… what is happening?

I tried zipping it up higher and lower and positioning it closer to my body, but nothing really worked. It just has a life of its own!

VERDICT: Sadly, returning this one.

Theo Quilted Leopard Vest

at EVEREVE (S) // Marsel Long Sleeve Top (M) // AG Brinley Crop (29) // adidas Spezial (8)

PRODUCT DETAILS: Add a pop of animal print to your look with this adorable quilted leopard vest by EVEREVE, featuring a front zipper closure, oversized chest pockets, and a slightly cropped silhouette. 

• Measurements: Length from Shoulder to Hem: 20 1/4″
• Material: 100% Cotton Woven
• Care: Machine wash, tumble dry low

MY THOUGHTS: Another vest attempt… and another fail. This one is closer to working for me, but I think it’s a size too small. I like the simple silhouette and the collarless design, and the leopard print is fun. I styled it first with the same ivory top, cropped blue jeans, and brown suede adidas sneakers, and it works.

Then I tried it with the washed black wide leg jeans, black belt, and black boots.

I actually like this more elevated look a lot, but I think I need to size up in the vest.

VERDICT: I might re-order it in the medium, but this one went back.

EVEREVE Ollie Varsity Vest

at EVEREVE (S) // Treasure Bond Rib T-Shirt (M) // AG Brinley (29) // adidas Spezial (8)

PRODUCT DETAILS: Top off your layering collection with the Ollie Varsity Vest by EVEREVE. Finished with striped trim for a sporty touch, this quilted puffer vest features a slightly cropped fit, angled side pockets, and front zipper and snap closures.

• Measurements: 22 1/2″ long
• Material: 100% Recycled Polyester
• Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

MY THOUGHTS: Third time’s a charm! I love wearing a puffer vest in the fall and winter. It’s perfect over a chunky sweater for a mall run when I don’t want to deal with a heavy coat, or over a tee for indoor events when I want that fun layered look. Lately, the classic, preppy quilted vests are feeling a bit tired to me, and sometimes I don’t want the extra bulk of my faux leather puffer vest (still love it, though).

This sporty option with the striped trim immediately caught my eye. It taps into the varsity trend that’s big right now, so it feels modern, fun, and a little fresh. It has a really nice fit, with plenty of room for layering, but it isn’t too bulky.

I styled it two ways over the same black ribbed tee, first with the AG Brinley relaxed straight-leg blue jeans (which are on sale, by the way. I will say, though, they don’t wear as well as I was hoping. They get a little baggy in the knees, and I feel like it looks sloppy. I’m still looking for the perfect pair…)

I like how the blue jeans and adidas sneakers in a light grey and black colorway work with the black and white vest. I also added a black belt, although I wish I had one that’s a little more casual. Adding that to my shopping list!

I also love this monochromatic look with the washed black KUT Selena low-rise baggy straight-leg jeans and Chelsea boots. They’re still casual enough to pair with the sporty jacket, but the all-black palette gives it a sleeker feel.

And I recently ordered these black sneakers (another Nordstrom Black Friday Deal) that I think look super cute with this outfit too. I actually wore them yesterday with straight leg washed black jeans b/c the KUT Selena were in the wash.

Also, this is the belt I ordered to have something more casual, but I don’t think it’s that casual, lol. It’s a bit much with this outfit, but I do like it, and it’s 40% off with code LETSGO.

VERDICT: Definitely keeping this vest!

Treasure & Bond Fuzzy Turtleneck Sweater in Pink Fuchsia

at Nordstrom (S) // MOTHER The Hustler Roller Sneak (30) // similar rag & bone boots

PRODUCT DETAILS: Cozy up to sweater season in this alpaca-kissed pullover knit in an oversized fit with dropped shoulders, wide sleeves and a warming foldover turtleneck.

• Measurements: Runs large, order one size down.
• Material: 54% acrylic, 41% nylon, 5% alpaca
• Care: Hand wash, dry flat

MY THOUGHTS: I love this color, and the chunky turtleneck is so soft. It has a really nice fit, and I like the extra-wide sleeves and the contrasting ribbed trim at the cuffs, but that drop shoulder is kind of a deal breaker. I really wish they’d kept it to a simple set-in sleeve.

VERDICT: Sadly, I think this one is going back. If the drop shoulder doesn’t bother you, it’s a great find! It’s on sale for under $60 and comes in several colors.

LOFT Snowflake Modern Mock Neck Sweater

at LOFT – 50% off (S) // MOTHER The Bookie Sneak (30) // Veronica Beard Lada (8.5)

PRODUCT DETAILS: In an abbreviated length and rich cotton blend birdseye jacquard, this season-perfect snowflake sweater is a modern must-have.

• Measurements: 23 1/2″ long
• Material: 55% Cotton 22% Polyester 19% Acrylic 4% Spandex
• Care: Machine Washable

MY THOUGHTS: This sweater keeps going in and out of stock, but at the time of this posting, it’s available in most sizes. I like the seasonal design, and the neutral color palette keeps it from feeling too garish or overly whimsical. The short (but not cropped) boxy fit is really flattering, and the fabric is soft and comfortable to wear.

VERDICT: I’m debating this one. It’s cute, but I feel like I’d always reach for a solid instead.

LOFT Fair Isle Ribbed Sweater

at LOFT (S) // similar coated jeans // Sam Edelman Saige Bootie (8.5)

PRODUCT DETAILS: Crowned with a round Fair Isle motif at the yoke – and touchable ribbed trim – this soft cotton blend knit is our newest can’t-resist take on a timeless pattern.

• Measurements: 23″ long
• Material: 53% Cotton 24% Polyester 20% Nylon 3% Spandex
• Care: Machine washable

MY THOUGHTS: I really like this one too — the fair isle pattern is classic, and the blue-and-brown color combo is so pretty. It’s soft, comfortable, and easy to wear. You can dress it down with blue jeans, and I think it would look great with winter white as well.

VERDICT: Keeping. I actually wore this outfit with the brown coated jeans and suede boots to church a couple of weeks ago.

MOTHER The Bookie Sneak Bootcut in Perfectly Imperfect

at MOTHER & Nordstrom (30) // Veronica Beard Lada 8.5 // LOFT Modern Mock Neck (M)

PRODUCT DETAILS: A high-rise bootcut with a zip fly, looser leg and a long 32-inch inseam with a clean hem. Made from semi-rigid SUPERIOR denim, Perfectly Imperfect is a dark blue with whiskering and fading at the knees.

• Measurements: 10″ Rise, 32″ Inseam, 20″ Leg Opening
• Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane
• Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

MY THOUGHTS: Believe it or not, I have more jeans to show you. I ordered these at the recommendation of a faithful reader, and I have mixed feelings! I really like the silhouette — the bootcut is subtle, almost like a relaxed straight, but it fits a bit closer through the thighs, which tends to work well for my body type.

The length is also great with my medium-heeled boots. (I measured, and the inseam is actually 31″, not 32″, so I can get away without hemming them.) I still want more options that work with flats, though… I guess I could consider altering them, but it’s a shame to do that when they’re perfect with most of my boots.

MOTHER The Bookie Sneak Bootcut (size 30)

My sticking point is the back pockets. They’re quite large and sit very low. From the side they look almost baggy, although when I took a straight-on photo from the back, I didn’t hate them as much.

MOTHER The Bookie Sneak Bootcut (size 30)

The photos above are the size 30, and I think they look a little big overall, but when I tried the 29 (see below), they were definitely too snug — they fit the rear better, but the waist was uncomfortably tight. Such is the story of my life these days! So frustrating.

MOTHER The Bookie Sneak Bootcut (size 29)

VERDICT: I’m conflicted. I don’t need more jeans for heels, but this pair is different from anything else I own. Curious to know what you all think!

MOTHER Lil Kick It High Waist Straight Leg Jeans in I Put a Spell On You

at Nordstrom (29) (similar on sale – 25% off) // Z Supply Breen Cardigan (M) // adidas Spezial (8)

PRODUCT DETAILS: Make a vintage-inspired statement in straight-leg jeans cut from low-stretch denim that’s sanded and faded to perfection. MOTHER has adjusted the proportions of their denim styles to complement petite body types. These LIL’ MOTHER jeans feature a higher knee placement, along with shorter inseams and rises, so they hit correctly at every point.

• Measurements: 30″ inseam; 17 1/2″ leg opening; 10 1/4″ front rise
• Material: 94% cotton, 5% polyester, 1% elastane
• Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

MY THOUGHTS: I’m mixed on this pair too. I ordered the petite for the shorter inseam, since the original MOTHER Kick It has a 32″ inseam and, as you know, I’m really trying to find more jeans I can wear with flats.

These are a straight style rather than a bootcut, but not quite as relaxed as the AGOLDE Harper or some of the other straights I’ve featured lately. The leg opening is actually similar to the AG Brinley, but because the denim isn’t as drapey, they look more structured, which is what I prefer.

But even with the more structured denim, something still feels off. They look kind of dumpy to me with sneakers. I can’t tell if it’s the wash or the cut or what… but the overall vibe just reads a little matronly. I expect I’d like this silhouette better with a bit of a heel, but that’s not what I’m looking for right now.

I think I might like them better in a lighter wash, so I ordered… wait for it… another pair. We’ll see!

VERDICT: Probably returning this pair, but I’m going to hold onto them for a bit and see how it all plays out.

AG Brinley Crop in 15 Years Inverness

at EVEREVE (29) // Z Supply cardigan (M) // Madewell Remy (8)

PRODUCT DETAILS: Crafted in soft stretch denim, the Brinley Crop from AG features a mid-rise waist, ankle-length inseam, a clean blue wash, and a straight-leg silhouette. 

• Measurements: 19 1/4″ Front Rise; 27″ Inseam; 16″ Leg Opening
• Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex/Elastane Denim
• Care: Machine Wash Cold, Tumble Dry Low

MY THOUGHTS: I keep finding myself reaching for my MOTHER Dazzlers on my most casual days, even though that slimmer straight-leg silhouette doesn’t feel quite right to me anymore. I bought the AG Brinleys to have a full-length, more relaxed option, and I do like them, but with flats they can feel a bit sloppy. I find myself wanting to pair them with low-heeled boots instead, but what I really need are a few pairs I can throw on with flat shoes for casual days… which is most of my days.

So I started wondering if I might like the cropped version of the Brinley — wider than The Dazzler but still showing a bit of ankle, which I’ve always liked with sneakers, so I decided to give them a try.

I kind of like them with the Mary Jane flats (below), but they still look a little off to me with sneakers (above). I guess for winter, full-length styles just feel more appropriate and are also more on trend right now. So… I’m still looking for that unicorn jean.

VERDICT: Probably returning these.

MOTHER The Dazzler in We The Animals

at mother.com (30) // LOFT mock neck (M) // Birk Boston Rivets (39)

PRODUCT DETAILS: Go wild. Our most popular mid-rise straight leg hits at the ankle with a clean hem. Made from stretch denim, We The Animals is a classic 90s-inspired wash with fading and whiskering.

• Measurements: 9 3/8″ Rise, 27 1/2″ Inseam, 13″ Leg Opening
• Material: 94% Cotton 5% Polyester 1% Elasthane
• Care: Machine wash, dry flat

MY THOUGHTS: This is the MOTHER Dazzler — the pair I find myself reaching for most days right now. I ordered this finished-hem style in a size 30 because my old raw-hem pair in a 29 is getting pretty snug.

I feel like if they were an inch longer I’d like them even more, but they’re very comfortable and just so easy to pull on with Birks or sneakers and a sweater. I guess I’m just not ready to quit them yet.

VERDICT: Kept them, wore them!

MOTHER The Mid Rise Rider Hover Jeans in Swing And A Miss

at MOTHER.com & Bloomingdale’s (29) // Quince Oversized Crewneck (S) // adidas Spezial (8)

PRODUCT DETAILS: Strike three. This mid-rise straight leg has a 29-inch inseam and a clean hem. Cut from super stretchy denim, Swing And A Miss is a mid-blue with whiskering and fading at the knee.

• Measurements: 10″ Rise; 29″ Inseam; 14″ Leg Opening
• Material: 98% cotton; 2% elastane
• Care: Machine wash

MY THOUGHTS: As I’m narrowing things down and figuring out the exact measurements I need to get the look I want with sneakers, I found this pair. The silhouette is closer to The Dazzler but with a slightly wider leg opening, and they’re an inch longer — still technically an ankle length, but they read closer to full-length on me.

I like how they just touch the sneaker without buckling on top; I think that’s what makes the AG Brinley look a little sloppy. This denim also has a bit more structure, so I don’t think they’ll get as baggy around the knees with wear.

The main issue with this pair is that the size I tried was just a bit too small, and the 30 was sold out at the time. (It’s back in stock now, so I think I’ll go ahead and order it!) I also feel like the pockets sit a little low, but probably not enough to be a deal breaker.

I just wish I could get this midlife middle under control so the 29 would work, but lately nothing seems to be budging. #realtalk

VERDICT: These are probably going back… although Bloomingdale’s return policy is so generous I may hang onto them for a bit, just in case something miraculously changes.

A Few Final Thoughts…

I’ll admit, feels a little extra to be trying so many pricey jeans, but I still feel like Mother denim is my best hope for finding what I’m after: a comfortable, easy, casual pair I’ll want to reach for several days a week that works with an of my sneakers or my Birks clogs. When I look in my closet right now, even with all the different styles I own, the only pair I want to put on is the MOTHER Dazzler. So the search continues… and in the meantime, I’m just going to keep wearing them!

I hope sharing all of this helps those of you who are in the same boat. I used to love shopping for jeans — my biggest problem was that I couldn’t afford all the ones I wanted! I’d walk into Nordstrom, pull five pairs off the rack, and fall in love with three or four of them. Now I can try twenty and still not find one that checks all my boxes… I’m not sure what gives.

I think it’s a mix of having so many styles to choose from and the current trends not being particularly kind to the midlife woman’s body. So if you’re feeling frustrated too, please know you are definitely not alone.

Right now, even with a closet full of options, the only pair I truly want to wear is the MOTHER Dazzler — so the hunt continues.

I’m sharing all of this because I know so many of us are navigating the same denim challenges, and it can feel discouraging. But don’t give up — I’m not! Jeans are my everyday uniform, and I’m determined to find a pair that feels (and looks) just right… and I’ll keep you posted.

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