Be_So_You on LTK

It’s been a while since I’ve done a deep dive into Madewell jeans. When I first started blogging, I tried a few pairs that really didn’t work for me, and I haven’t done a full jeans try-on there since. Plus, more than one person has told me that Madewell is for college students (not me) and millennials (also not me). It was easy to assume I wasn’t their demographic and that they wouldn’t have anything for me. But every year during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I try a few Madewell pieces. For the past year, I’ve also been wearing a pair of their jeans—the ones in my profile picture—that have become favorites. So yesterday, I walked into Madewell with low expectations but an open mind. I walked out with a pair of jeans, feeling surprisingly satisfied. Let me preface this by saying there were still plenty of low-rise jeans and barrel styles that felt too trendy for me. I simply ignored them. I knew my lane and focused on what I hoped to find: wide-leg and straight-leg jeans that worked for my curves and the soft belly I have now. My top picks were the Curvy Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jeans and just about anything with “Magic Pockets.” The Longline Straight Jeans came home with me. As I looked for evidence that my assumptions about the brand might be wrong, I noticed mothers and daughters shopping for jeans together. In the fitting room, I overheard the woman next to me trying on some of the same sizes I was. And I realized that belonging in a store doesn’t mean every piece has to be for you. Sometimes it simply means finding enough that is. Everything at Madewell is currently 20% off when you shop through the LTK app. LTKOver40 LTKSaleAlert LTKMidsize

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Amazon.com: AIPPK Clover Pendant Necklace for Women 18K Gold Plated Four Leaf Clover Necklaces Lu... | Amazon (US)

The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean | Madewell

The Relaxed Tee in Vintage Jersey | Madewell

Relaxed Mini Shirtdress in 100% Linen | Madewell

The Perfect Crewneck Tee in Allday Jersey | Madewell

Pointelle-Stitch Crewneck Sweater Tee | Madewell

Riekhany Mary Jane Ballet Flats for Women Casual Square Toe Slip On Flats Comfortable Ankle Buckl... | Amazon (US)

The Curvy Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean | Madewell

Reyes Ballet Flats Dk Brown Suede | DolceVita.com

Women’s Henrietta Double Strap Mary Jane Flats with Memory Foam Insole – Universal Thread™ ... | Target

Love the contrasting trim on this cardigan. I’m in a small but I need to size up one, maybe even two sizes. Wardrobe staple. These jeans are old.

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Mallards! This is the second Walmart sweater tee I picked up. I’m in a large and I need a medium. I ordered 3 different patterns and they don’t all fit the same. I size up in these wide leg Quince jeans in the regular 30” inseam. Color: deep rinse. Easy teacher’s work outfit.

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Easy work outfit. This Walmart sweater is easy to wear untucked. I’m wearing a medium but would size up to a large. I ordered 3 different patterns and they don’t all fit the same. Mallards coming next. I size up in these wide leg Quince jeans in the regular 30” inseam. Color: deep rinse.

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This short sleeve chambray shirt is a wardrobe staple that’s easy to wear untucked. Fits true to size.

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The color is so good on this collared short sleeve sweater. This is my true size small. Website calls is relaxed but it feels like a classic fit. Perfect untucked. These jeans are sold out.

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As someone who rarely wears florals, this is one that is so good looking. Wear it out or front-tucked. I’m in my true size small. Ty see jeans are sold out.

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Last night’s easy dinner outfit. Size up to a large in the cardigan, it fits small and short. I’m wearing the top in a small. I linked similar jeans.

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Cute plaid peplum! I’m in my true size small. See the horizontal seam at the waist that adds shape and makes it easy to leave untucked? Rivete curvy kick crop jeans fit TTS.

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Love a plaid blazer. This one is long & covers the rear. I’m in a size 6. They call it oversized but a 6 is TTS. I’d love it more with full-length jeans. Rivete curvy kick crop jeans fit TTS.

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I have a similar cardigan from last year and love this color for fall! It’s a heavier weight. I’m in a small. Rivete curvy kick crop jeans fit TTS.

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I was so happy with this dress; it came home. It has short sleeves, an A-line shape, and seaming under the bust. I tried a medium, but went up to a large, which is a little longer and roomier for a soft belly. UPDATE: after seeing this dress in better light at home, a medium is a better fit up top. I’ll be exchanging it.

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This came home. Love the cognac brown print and the longer short sleeves. It has a side zip and seaming under the bust. I’m in my true size small.
Rivete curvy kick crop jeans fit TTS.

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This swing dress is great for a soft belly. I started with a medium, but ended up needing a small. It fits very big.

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Two LOFT trips later, and I have more pieces to share than can fit in this post, so I’ve picked my favorites.

It struck me while doing these try-ons that fall always feels like a sigh of relief. Tricky summer styles are on the way out, and sleeves are back, along with tops to wear tucked or untucked, third pieces and classic styles that feel like me.

But the jeans are still a work in progress. I hope to have some styles to share with you shortly.

I’ll be sharing the pieces that didn’t make it into this post on my blog BeSoYou.com next week and on LTK.

Does getting dressed feel easier in fall? If not, what’s the trickiest part for you?

📏For reference, I’m midsized, 5’6”, slightly short-waisted, 36-B bust, and wear a small or medium top with size 10 jeans.

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Several weeks ago, I did a side-by-side comparing black ankle trouser pants with elastic-waist ankle pants. You made it VERY clear in the comments that you preferred the trousers. 😂

I’ve been wearing LOFT’s Riviera pants for some time. The curvy fit runs a little big—you’ll see that mentioned in the reviews—so I had sized down. But after gaining a few pounds, that pair wasn’t fitting well anymore. I went back to my true size, and that’s the pair I’m wearing here.

After your comments, I went looking for more black trouser pants that are polished enough for the office, but have enough stretch and comfort for a soft belly.

Here’s what I found. Have a pair that you love? Leave a note in the comments so we can check them out.

📏For reference, I’m midsized, 5’6”, slightly short-waisted, 36-B bust, and wear a small or medium top with size 10 jeans.

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Saturday lunch outfit. These jeans fit true to size.

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Today’s easy errands outfit. I ended up sizing down in these Target boyfriend jeans because my true size is loose in the belly. I love the look of the high cotton denim.

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Many of you have picked up this Quince popover top because it’s so easy to wear untucked. Here’s how I’m styling it without tucking in the shirt or belting the pants.

Because the top has a looser shape, I’m wearing fitted ankle pants to balance the proportions.

Next, I’m adding warm contrast with coordinating brown accessories: loafers, a chunky necklace, and a bag. Repeating the brown draws the eye around the outfit and adds visual interest.

Finally, I’m adding a white blazer for structure. The lapels and necklace draw the eye upward. If you don’t wear blazers, you could easily substitute a classic cardigan.

A quick sizing note on the LOFT Riviera pants: I own the curvy fit in both an 8 and a 10, but I really need a regular 10. The curvy 8 is a smidge too small since gaining 5 pounds, while this curvy 10 is slightly too loose through the lower midsection—that’s what I’m wearing here. The regular fit in my usual size would work best at my current size. Bottom line: If you want a roomier fit in the belly, choose the curvy option.

📏For reference, I’m midsized, 5’6”, slightly short-waisted, 36-B bust, and wear a small or medium top with size 10 jeans.

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I usually avoid patch pockets because I assume they draw attention to my midsection, but I’ve wanted to test that theory with a side-by-side 360.

So, you tell me: Do patch pockets draw your eye to the midsection, or have I been avoiding them for no reason?

Both pairs are wide-leg cropped jeans with a 12” rise and a 26-inch inseam. The patch-pocket jeans also have smaller back pockets, so compare how the different pocket sizes affect the view from behind.

Classic front pockets or patch pockets: which pair gets your vote?

📏For reference, I’m midsized, 5’6”, slightly short-waisted, 36-B bust, and wear a small or medium top with size 10 jeans.

Fit: the classic pocket jeans are from J.Crew Factory. I linked a similar pair in a slightly darker wash. They fit true to size. The patch pocket jeans are from Quince. I size up one in the regular length.

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These Perfect Vintage Wide Leg Jeans have a high rise and “magic pockets” that smooth the belly. With a 31" leg inseam, they could use an ankle boot with a low heel. I sized up. I’m curious to try the curvy fit since the cropped version is so good.

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I’m excited for my hair to be this long again. This outfit is so easy for warm fall days. Pair your summer black midi dress with a short fall cardigan and suede Mary Janes. Similar items are linked.

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These are my first pair of Curvy Madewell jeans (Perfect Vintage Wide Leg Crop) and they are so good! I initially tried a size up because that’s what I needed here in the past, and I was pleasantly surprised to need my true size. They’re a medium-high rise. This sweater hits at the hip bone. I’m in a Small. I could size up.

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If you like slim ankle pants for work, pair them with a hip-length short sleeve sweater for an easy work outfit. This sweater has a slightly relaxed fit to balance out the slim fitting pants. If the sweater hits around the hip bone or just below, just leave it untucked. Fit: LOFT Riviera pants, I wear a size down in the curvy fit or my true size in the regular fit. Amazon sweater: fits big, I’m in a small.

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An un-fun side effect of August dressing? Realizing your jeans fit a little tighter than they did in May. I swear these were NOT this tight before. They’re nice and stretchy so I can still wear them. For Quince jeans, I always size up anyway. These are the Bella wide-legs. 11.5” medium-high rise, 30” inseam + “deep rinse” wash, perfect for work. This Amazon cardigan is a little nod to fall! Medium weight, not too short + runs small. I sized up to M.

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Here’s the 100% cotton poplin Quince pants that I shared in my August work post today. This is a size large and it’s too big all over for me. I typically wear a size 10. A medium is my true size and it’s the size I’m keeping. Size up in this Old Navy cardigan. It fits small and short. I wear a large with a 36B bust.

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Here’s a close-up of the new lightweight cotton poplin pants I just shared in my August work outfits post. I tried these pants in black and navy. These are a size medium, and my true size. I’ll return the black in a size large because it’s just too big all over. This Old Navy cardigan fits small. I sized up all the way up to a large. I love the contrast of the light gray tee provides here.

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I know those days when you’re standing in front of the closet blurry-eyed after a bad night of sleep and just need something easy, comfortable and that looks good for work.

That moment inspired these outfits.

I asked in my Stories what you’re actually wearing to work in August, and you said pants and jeans. And when I asked what layer you’re wearing for the hot-outside/cold-AC situation, 70% of you said cardigans.

So I used this work formula: comfy pants or jeans + a T-shirt + a cardigan + polished accessories.

I deliberately started with T-shirts because when you’re tired, getting dressed needs to be EASY.

The cardigan adds that polished third piece. Take it off outside & throw it around your shoulders. A chunky statement necklace makes a simple T-shirt feel intentionally styled.

Some days it’s hot AND we NEED to be comfortable because we barely slept and still have to show up for work. ❤️

Stay tuned—> I’ve got another workwear post coming next week with wide- and straight-leg pants, and, of course, easy layers for the AC.

📏For reference, I’m midsized, 5’6”, slightly short-waisted, 36-B bust, and wear a small or medium top with size 10 jeans.

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I’ve been testing a size down in the Target midrise boyfriend jeans that I shared last week. I’ve worn them around the house to test and I am loving them. They have a high cotton count but aren’t overly rigid. I’m liking them so much that I’m willing to deal with the button fly. In my true size, they’re loose in the crotch and belly.

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This is something I’ve been contemplating lately, and you’ve probably seen me grapple with it in other posts. I just needed to put it to rest by doing this post so I could see it with my own eyes. 😂

With high-rise, wide-leg cropped jeans, I know the usual advice is to wear a more fitted tee and tuck it in.

But I previously did a carousel with pink wide-leg cropped jeans with a 13” rise, and a fitted + tucked tee was NOT good with them. So it makes sense that my instinct with wide-leg jeans has been to reach for a hip-length tee and wear it untucked for more coverage.

But after seeing these options side by side, fitted + tucked wins for me with THESE jeans.

So why am I okay with it here? I wondered the same thing. 😂 I pulled out both pairs of jeans and realized these have a 12” rise. That one inch makes a difference!

Here, the fitted + tucked tee gives me a longer, leaner-looking upper-body silhouette than the untucked tee.

The hip-length untucked tee makes me look so boxy with the wide-leg jeans. Front tucking it doesn’t improve the silhouette enough for me, and the relaxed tee tucked + bloused adds too much volume up top.

So my takeaway?

A hip-length untucked tee can still work with straight jeans since they’re slimmer through the leg, or when I need to skim over a waistband that I don’t love the look of.

But I’m realizing I can’t lump all “high-rise” wide-leg jeans together. For me, 12” and 13” rises are a different story. And at this point, I’m over 13” rises…I’m not wearing those anymore. 😂 With this 12” rise? I’m going fitted + tucked.

Which white tee wins for you: 1, 2, 3, or 4?

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I wear a size 10 jeans and have a curvy rear. Sometimes my instinct is to reach for the longer cardigan because it covers more of it.

But when I look at these two cardigans side by side in a 360, I keep coming back to the shorter one.

The longer cardigan hits at the bottom of my thigh, and on me, that extra length creates a larger, more rectangular upper-body silhouette. It carries the visual width of my torso farther down and hides more of my natural shape.

The hip-length cardigan shows more of my rear, but it gives me a clearer break between my upper and lower body, shows more of my natural shape, and lets more of my leg line show.

So even though my instinct might be to choose the longer cardigan for the extra coverage, I think the shorter cardigan is much more flattering on me.

It’s a good reminder that the piece that covers more isn’t always the piece that gives us the proportions we’re looking for.

Which cardigan length would you choose?

Fit notes: these midrise straight jeans from J.Crew Factory fit true to size. The short cardigan is from Old Navy and fits small and short. I size up to a large. I own it in several colors and patterns.

📏For reference, I’m midsized, 5’6”, slightly short-waisted, 36-B bust, and wear a small or medium top with size 10 jeans.

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Recent errands outfit. I own this top in several colors now. I wear the small. These loose straight jeans fit true to size.

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I tried this on a whim, and it surprised me in a good way. It has a side zipper, and the high waist falls gently over a soft belly. The V-neck draws the eye up to the face.
I ordered a Small, and I need to size up to a Medium.

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I saw this cardigan on the website and had to try it. It comes in multiple colors. This is a large, and I prefer it to the medium. I went up 2 sizes from the sizing chart. It’s a fall staple and 100% cotton. These are the loose straight Old Navy jeans you’ve seen here before. They fit true to size.

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I picked up this jacket from the Nordstrom anniversary sale a few years ago and they have this year‘s version on sale. The sale ends tomorrow. These Quince pants fit true to size.

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