I stood in front of my closet this morning with about seven new packages stacked beside it, wondering which pieces would actually live in my rotation and which would quietly return to their boxes. That is what I love about try-on hauls: they force you to be honest, right there in the fitting room.
Today’s batch comes from Nordstrom, Amazon, LOFT, Ann Taylor, J.Crew Factory, Pact, and a few others. There are summer-ready basics, updated classics, and several pieces that genuinely surprised me — plus a couple of misses I’m happy to share.
Sizing: I’m 5’6″, usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5–9 in shoes.
The Ones That Made the Cut
Amazon ODODOS Shorts — size M
If you’re on my email list, these are the shorts I wrote about last week. The fabric is incredibly soft yet thick enough to smooth everything out. It stretches beautifully, and the elastic waistband makes them easy to reach for on rushed mornings.
They have a high rise and a 4.5″ inseam — it actually feels a bit longer than that, which means they hang well without riding up. Several colors are available, and some were on sale for under $25. I sized up to M.
Ann Taylor Weekend Top — size S
I’ll admit: the price gave me sticker shock, even on sale. But this is what I tell my clients about investment pieces — sometimes the difference between a good white tee and a great one is everything.
This top is thick, stretchy, and so comfortable it feels like your regular t-shirt until you notice how pulled together you look. The armholes are cut high enough that your bra doesn’t show — hallelujah. Available in XXS to XXL. Wearing size S.
KUT From the Kloth Linen Pants — size 4
Linen pants that actually look like pants. They have a button, zipper, and back pockets — none of that sloppy, pajama-like reputation. The linen/rayon blend gives you lightness with structure. I paired them with a Nordstrom eyelet top in size S.
Nordstrom Eyelet Top — size S
Fantastic length for me — short torso people will appreciate this one. The front is lined while the back stays single-layer, so you get coverage where it counts and extra breathability behind. There’s also a cobalt blue option if navy isn’t your thing.
LOFT Chambray Pants — size S
Polished, clean lines. The thin waistband can lean casual-pajama territory, but style them with the Ann Taylor Weekend Top and some sandals, and you look effortlessly put together without trying too hard.
LOFT Ruffle Collar Bomber Jacket — size S
The color is gorgeous. It’s perfectly lightweight for summer, comfortable to layer, and the ruffle collar plus drawstring bottom add detail without bulk. Available in straight and petite sizing from XXS to XXL.
J.Crew Factory Linen Pants & Gauze Popover — size 6 / S
The Lizzie cut in a summer-weight linen blend has a beautiful, straight leg line. Paired with the gauze popover — soft, comfortable, and one of those collared tops that makes you feel more pulled together — it’s an outfit that works for casual Fridays and weekend brunches alike.
Old Navy Ribbed Swimsuits — size M
A Style Club member swore by these, and when they went on sale I jumped in. They are sporty and cute at the same time: super high waist, decent back coverage, and a ribbed texture that makes them far more interesting than a basic cut. The bottoms were $9.99 and the tops $12 — hard to resist.
Brooks Sneakers — size 9
I wish I’d had these before my trip to Disneyland months ago. They are, quite simply, walking on clouds. A running sneaker with real bounce, perfect for days that involve a lot of standing around or city-walking.
The Honest Misses
Amazon Chambray Shorts — size M
Cute and affordable, but the fabric bunches at the crotch on me. I’m an hourglass shape with curvy hips and a narrower waist, and cinching in at the waist seems to cause it. These might suit inverted triangle, rectangle, or apple shapes better. The inseam is 3″, while I prefer 4.5″–5″.
They didn’t become my favorites — but they could be yours if your shape and inseam preference differ from mine.
Pact Beach Shorts & Tank — size S
Both are made from 100% organic cotton, soft and comfortable. The tank shows your bra through the armholes — annoying for everyday wear, perfectly fine as a beach coverup. Available in XS to 2XL.
Nike Sneakers — size 9.5
I used to buy the trend first and ask questions later. I’m still adjusting to seeing Y2K styles recirculating through my daughter’s volleyball club. These Nikes are current, versatile, and comfortable — a welcome update from my tired old pair. I sized up to 9.5.
The Extras
Those socks with the Nike outfit? Cushiony and $11.99 for 5 pairs. My daughter started stealing mine, so I grabbed another pack — wearing size S.
I also accidentally ordered a men’s sandal from Nordstrom that turned out to be incredibly comfortable — cushiony footbed with real arch support. It runs a bit wide for me; the women’s equivalent might be the better fit if you want this style.
A note from Isabelle: Style isn’t about becoming someone else. A try-on haul is just an honest conversation between your closet and what actually works for you today. Not every piece will stay — and that’s exactly how it should be.