REVIEWS: New Finds and Fall Transitional Pieces Starting at $17!

This time of year is kind of funny when it comes to getting dressed. It’s still blazing hot in some places, while other places are cool enough for jeans. And where I live, we can have both in the same day! 😆

So, today’s try-on is a bit of a mix, which actually feels pretty fitting for this in-between time of year. I’ve got some pieces that work for hot summer weather, some that can help you start transitioning into fall, and some that can easily work for both.

I’ve tried a few things lately that I’ve been wanting to tell you about, so I’m rounding them all up today! As always, I’ll give you the details on fit, sizing, fabric, and anything else worth knowing. Let’s get into it.

SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.

Ruffle Collar Utility Jacket – size S
HOW CUTE is this? This updated utility jacket is comfortable and a medium to lighter weight — perfect for the fall transition and most of fall. And, the cute ruffle collar adds visual interest and style.

Shop the Outfit:
Tee (wearing size S)
Jacket (wearing size S)
Jeans (wearing size 28)
Shoes (wearing size 9)
Necklace (get 20% off with code TAKE20)
Earrings (wearing 30mm)

Wide Leg Pants – size 28
Need some pants for work? These are lightweight, soft, and comfortable, but structured and polished enough for work! You can also totally wear these in casual outfits with lifestyle sneakers, too. Super easy to wear and versatile.

These are a huge fan favorite and are currently available in 5 colorways — and oftentimes, more get added during the season. Available in straight, petite, plus, and tall.

Shop the Outfit:
Top (wearing size S)
Jacket (wearing size S)
Pants (wearing size 28)
Shoes (similar; I wear size 9 in them)
Necklace (get 20% off with code TAKE20)
Earrings (wearing 30mm)

Ruffle Sleeve Button Up Shirt – size S
Along with the ruffle theme, ruffled sleeves add a really cute, softened vibe to a classic, structured blue and white striped top. You’ll look polished and professional, but also feel approachable.

BTW these barrel leg jeans are from Old Navy, and they’re such a good option. They don’t lose shape and are super affordable, especially when Old Navy has one of their sales! Several of you ask me about them every time I wear them, so I want to highlight them here. 😊

Shop the Outfit:
Top (wearing size S)
Jeans (wearing size 6)
Shoes (wearing size 9)
Necklace (get 20% off with code TAKE20)
Earrings (wearing 30mm)


Slub Notch Neck Top – size S
If you could use some elevated casual tops, this is a good one to try! It’s a slub top and wears like a t-shirt but looks way more stylish. The fabric is fairly thick, which is PERFECT for pre-fall and fall. You can find it in straight and petite sizes and sometimes on sale HERE. It’s also at Nordstrom if you’re looking for free shipping and free return shipping HERE.

SuperSoft Denim Utility Shorts – size S
I know it’s near the end of summer and you might not want to buy shorts, but I loved these so much last year and they sold out, so I’m just glad they’re back! They’re super soft and extra comfy with an elastic waistband. They have a 4″ inseam, and I especially like the wider leg opening. Available in 9 washes with some prints and colors. And they’re ONLY $17.99 right now!!!! You can wear them a little now, and next summer you’ll have comfortable shorts ready to go!

And FWIW, I do wear these shorts with a top untucked too. You don’t need to worry about your top covering the pockets a little. I LOVE that these shorts look good with both a full tuck and no tuck!

Shop the Outfit:
Top (wearing size S); also get it HERE with free shipping
Shorts (wearing size S)
Sandals (wearing size 8 — soooo comfy)
Necklace (get 20% off with code TAKE20)
Earrings (wearing 30mm)

Barrel Leg Pants – size M
Aren’t these fun? If you’re looking for a barrel leg pant, these are great to try! They feel like a sporty travel pant, so they shouldn’t wrinkle and should look good all day. Lightweight and easy to wear, but don’t worry, they’re not super thin, so you’ll feel supported. Plus, elastic waistband!

If you’ve been interested in trying barrel leg pants but don’t want to spend a lot to explore them, this is a really great option! Available in this print and several solid neutral colorways.

Shop the Outfit:
Tee (wearing size M)
Pants (wearing size S)
Sandals (wearing size 8 — soooo comfy)
Necklace (get 20% off with code TAKE20)
Earrings (wearing 30mm)

Lightweight Athleisure Pants – size M
LOVE the color of these pants! It’s always nice to get away from black for athleisure. 😊 These are lightweight and sporty with stretch and an elastic waistband so you can move freely — and won’t wrinkle.  

BTW, some of you may remember a similar pair I reviewed a year or two ago (THESE). The ones I’m reviewing today don’t have the seam down the front. Also, the pair with the seam down the front was too thin, which is why I returned them. The pair I’m wearing here is lightweight but certainly not as thin. So yay, we have a winner!!

FYI my top is awesome and so good if you need athleisure or activewear tops. I own it in this full length version and in the crop length, which is shown below. Drapes so well and is SO breathable. And comfy! I’ve started to wear the black one on hot days as my regular black tee with linen pants or shorts because it keeps me cooler.

Shop the Outfit:
Workout Tee (wearing size S)
Pants (wearing size M)
Sneakers (wearing size 9); also HERE in more colors
Earrings (wearing 30mm)

Workout Shorts – size M
I’ve been on a HUNT for workout shorts that have a 4.5″ to 5″ inseam, and I finally found a winner! Heads up, they’re not super thin and airy like running shorts — I’m still looking for some of those. But these are great for athleisure, walks, and hiking, etc. Plus, available in TEAL? C’mon, how cute is that? I also got them in berry 😍, and they’re available in other colors. Also just $19.99 right now!

This tee is the crop version of the workout tee I shared above. I own it in several colors and absolutely LOVE ITTTTTTT. I seriously cannot stress enough how much I love it! So breathable and lightweight. Love the crop version, but also remember there is a full-length version.

Shop the Outfit:
Crop Workout Tee (wearing size S)
Shorts (wearing size M)
Sneakers (wearing size 9)
Earrings (wearing 30mm)

KUT From the Kloth Barrel Leg Jeans – size 4 Petite
While I really love the Old Navy barrel leg jeans I’ve been loving them so much that I’m ready for a softer and stretchier option. (I want to be able to wear them ANY day, whether I’m bloated or not 😆…whereas I have to reserve the Old Navy jeans for non-bloated days.)

These KUT jeans are indeed soft and stretchy and even more comfortable than the Old Navy ones. They’re also a little wider and more exaggerated, plus they have more funky details and lines that give them character. One of my goals for 2026 is to dress cooler, which for me means tapping into things that have a little more character or are a little funky.

That said, I’m still undecided whether I’ll keep or return. Given their price (even though I got them on sale during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale), I’d like to take my time and be really clear that they’ll work in my wardrobe the way I hope they will. I LOVE them though! 😍

Also, this top is great for transitional fall — feels rich and fall-esque with texture, but it’s sleeveless and can keep you cool. And this color is only $12.74 right now!!!

Shop the Outfit:
Top (wearing size S)
Jeans (wearing size 4 Petite)
Sandals (wearing size 8 — soooo comfy)
Necklace (get 20% off with code TAKE20)
Earrings (wearing 30mm)

Electric Picks Icon Necklace in Silver (or Gold)
I’ve been wearing the black and white versions of this necklace nonstop, so I was delighted to see there’s an all-silver and all-gold version! I especially want to call out the silver version, as I know many of you prefer silver but I tend to wear gold. Super versatile and can wear it everyday with nearly everything! AND, you can get 20% off with code TAKE20.

ALSO, my short sleeve sweater is ON SALE. It’s so soft and hangs really nicely — doesn’t cling to your bumps. It’s also a great length for not having to tuck. I own it in three colors and wear all of them SO MUCH (when it’s not summer, obviously).

Shop the Outfit:
Sweater (wearing size S in coloway “Red”)
Jeans (wearing size 4 Petite)
Sneakers (wearing size 9)
Necklace — toggle to the “silver” color if you want silver (get 20% off with code TAKE20)
Earrings (wearing 30mm)

That’s all for today!

Quite the mix, wasn’t it? But hopefully there is something helpful for whatever kind of weather you’re dressing for right now.

I love this time of year for starting to sprinkle in some fall colors and styles without having to fully commit to fall clothes yet. And on the really hot days? Give me the lightweight, breathable things! 😆

Which of these pieces caught your eye? And are you still dressing for full-on summer where you live, or are you starting to transition into fall?

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