Getting Spring Ready at Old Navy

NYC has been warming up so I figured that it was time to check out some spring collections and my first stop was Old Navy. Now I’ll be honest, I have a love-hate relationship with Old Navy mostly due to the fact that they have yet to offer their plus size clothing in any of their store locations. Although it is yet to be seen if they will ever offer plus sizes in store,  I often make a point to try on their straight size offerings when I can as they are very budget friendly. I say this because I believe one shouldn’t avoid certain retailers just because they don’t cater to the needs of plus size consumers as there are possible styles for a full figure hanging on the straight size racks. Of course they tend to be limited in number, but they are worth taking a look at.  I didn’t purchase anything during this visit, yet I wanted to share some of my current favorites some of which are available in plus size. Check them out and let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: Originally this post was meant to be my first “inside the fitting room” video but due to some technical difficulties I was not able to get this edited. For this reason I must apologize for the limited images. 

1.) Dresses

old navy spring dresses

Cutwork Cami Dress | Eyelet Tie-Waist Shirt Dress (not found online but available in store)

I’m not sure what is is about spring that brings out so many cami dresses at various retailers, but the navy blue detail on the hem of this cami dress makes up for the repetition of this style.  I should note that while this dress is lined the material has a bit of sheer. Even so, with some flats or sandals this is a great piece to wear for a spring picnic in the park and when paired with a cardigan it can be used at work. I have a very low tolerance for heat which makes me sweat buckets once the temperature goes higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit so I have made a point in the last five years to find some comfortable and office appropriate summer work wear. I think that paired with some wedged sandals or nude heels the tie-waist dress will definitely fit the bill. I am wearing an XXL in both, but considering how roomy these dresses are (the cami dress actually has a smocked back) I suggest sizing down in both.

2.) Rompers

Since the start of 2015 I have been on a hunt for a romper or jumpsuit. So far I have been too short for most jumpsuits and the few rompers I have managed to find are only available online which is frustrating as this is a piece that I really have to try on to see if it fits properly. I wasn’t too sure as to what size would fit so I tried two of the available patterns in different sizes and I found that the XL fit better.  Unfortunately this romper does not have adjustable straps though it does have a drawstring that helps define the waist. What I really like about these rompers is the soft lightweight material perfect for those warm and almost unbearable NYC summer days. It also has pockets! Definitely adding this to my summer wardrobe when I get the chance.

3.) Spring Separates (Tops and bottoms)

oldnavy separates

I have to give Old Navy props because they have a great number of tops and bottoms on a regular basis that can easily be remixed to create a great range of outfits. On this visit I decided to create two simple looks with pieces that stood out to me the most. I stuck with pants as the bottoms for these only because of the fact that at this specific store my size was missing in the skirts I liked.

That said, the spring collection at Old Navy is very big on super light cotton tops and this swing blouse is just one of many examples of this being of such a light material that it is practically sheer. While labeled a swing top, the cut seems boxy on me so I probably would pass on this one, however, the eyelet detail on the front looks great, and could be elevated to a more polished look simply by pairing it with a pastel hue collarless blazer or cocoon cardigan.

20160307_164528

Purple Floral Patterned Pixie Chinos in 16 REG (Plus Size Smooth & Slim Printed Purple Floral Pixie Chinos available here)

I paired the eyelt top with these pastel hue purple floral chinos. I LOVE printed bottoms like jeans, but have only just started including them into my wardrobe. As I have been eyeing these chinos for months now, I took this recent “shopping recon” to finally try them on. They fit like skinny jeans with it being fitted through the thigh and hits right at the ankle. They are very comfortable and easily can be styled up or down for the office, I just wish they had bigger side pockets that could fit my phone.

For this second look I went for one of their sleeved swing tops. The best thing about this piece other than the color, is the width of the lace-accented sleeve that accommodates my arms very well. The lace detail at the sleeve and hem of this top is see-through, but a cami could be worn underneath to avoid showing too much skin. Unlike the aforementioned eyelet swing top this one is very flowy and though this may be due in part to the fact that I tried it in an XXL, I believe that it would still have its loose and flowy feel in a smaller size. Because of the fluttery-nature of the top I decided on a fitted bottomto compliment it. As the purple floral pixie chinos have a bit of stretch to them I decided to size down in a staple color only to see if they fit better; they did. I liked this look more than I thought I would so I know I will be making another visit to Old Navy soon.

So which piece is your favorite? Are you looking forward to any spring trends?

 

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