Welcome to The Great Try-On. With spring officially in full swing, it’s time to ready your wardrobe, and we’re here to provide a little shopping inspiration. We got to try on some of the best spring pieces from some of your favorite brands and documented it all from our at-home dressing rooms so that you can see how they actually look IRL. We hope that our photos and candid reviews will help you shop for spring wardrobe builders that you’ll wear over and over this season and beyond.
I have to admit there are a lot of perks to my job as an editor. But the coolest part, in my opinion, is testing out all kinds of fashion items and getting to the bottom of which ones are (or are not) worth buying. It’s that aspect of the job description that led me to try on seven items from the brand behind many of the World Wide Web’s most viral pieces: With Jéan. (Remember the Alexa dress?) But rather than putting the cult-favorite Australian brand’s already-famous creations to the test, I figured my time would be better spent getting to know the ones that are right on the precipice of making it big. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to shop the best ones before they go viral (and subsequently sell out forever).
When selecting my batch of With Jéan items to test out IRL, I made sure to pay attention to which ones had the most viral-worthy qualities. I’m talking standout prints, eye-catching hemlines, and interesting details, which in this case means giant safety pins, wraparound neck clasps, and hook-and-eye T-shirts. And just as I suspected, there wasn’t a disappointment in the bunch.
For the real juicy details, though, not to mention access to seven soon-to-be internet-famous pieces, you’ll have to keep reading.
My review: I’ve had my eye on this skirt for months, so when it came time to make my selects for this try-on, it was right at the top of my list. For starters, I love a miniskirt, and this one has all the makings of a hit style. The shape is perfect: not too tight but not too A-line, with cool slit details secured by XXL safety pins and a length that isn’t wildly short. The blue pinstripe design is surprisingly easy to style in multiple ways. Though, I kept it pretty simple in the end, adding a white baby tee and a vintage leather blazer. More power to you if you go with the full pinstripe ensemble. One disclaimer: If you want this skirt to sit higher than low-rise, size down. Really, with all products from With Jéan, I highly suggest looking at the Size & Fit Information section on the product page and picking your size accordingly.
My review: I’ll admit I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this dress when I actually put it on, despite loving the way it looked on the model. (Although, how can you not?) On the one hand, I find tube dresses to be universally flattering and an ode to the best-of-the-best ’90s fashion. On the other, I have a tendency to avoid bold patterns entirely, especially when they’re printed on a body-con dress. And yet, when this dress arrived on my doorstep and I subsequently slipped it on, all of my reservations were quashed. Since it is double lined, the shape is very flattering in that it hugs your curves but also smooths any bumps. I also found that the pattern was much more low-key IRL while still maintaining its cool factor. The best part? All it needs is a pair of heels and maybe a small bag—no extra accessories required.
My review: Remember when I said that I don’t usually wear color or patterns? Well, that notion went straight out the window when I saw the silhouette of this long-sleeve minidress. You see, I’ve been on the lookout for a dress of this shape and style for months—to be worn specifically with knee-high boots—always finding a minute reason the ones I have found just aren’t it. And then this one came along. This is the kind of dress that you put on when you want to feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. It’s super lightweight, and it carries an entire outfit, so you really don’t need much to wear with it. My only two complaints are these: One, it is almost completely sheer, making it perhaps better as a cover-up or in need of a slip unless that is the look you’re going for (I support), and two, it is very short. Though, I’m pretty tall at 5’8″, so that could be exacerbating things.
My review: It’s true. This skirt really is as good as it appears to be online. With all the shape benefits of the above miniskirt and all the cool factor of the aforementioned newsprint pattern, the Safety Mini Skirt really does have it all. That said, it definitely is a statement piece, which is why I toned it down with the styling, adding With Jéan’s unique yet low-key Cut Out Tee—which features chic hook-and-eye clasps and a slightly cropped silhouette—and an oversize bomber jacket. The end result? A viral moment in the making.
Yep, this is the perfect summer going-out dress. An edgier take on Blair Waldorf’s iconic Hamptons white party dress from Gossip Girl, the Buckles Dress is down for any occasion, be it a casual day in the city or a full-on night out. Of course, the statement maker is the neck strap, which actually features two straps: one that goes around the neck and another that clasps to the back of the dress, keeping it from slipping down in any way. It really is *the* dress for summer.
My review: Who doesn’t love a pair of ultra-baggy cargo pants paired with a tiny top? No one, that’s the answer. Even so, finding a pair that fits perfectly low around the hips and is still flattering isn’t the easiest task in the world. Then I put these on. No lie, these are some of the best cargo pants I’ve ever tried on—and I’ve tried on a lot of pairs (mostly vintage, but new as well). The best part about them is the tiny adjuster on the back, which allows them to go from high- to low-waisted with a quick pull to the strap.
A dainty addition to your wardrobe.
Your swimsuit collection just went corporate. Shop the matching Buttercup Bikini Bottom ($49).
The sheer dress your closet’s been craving.
Summer awaits.
My co-worker Lauren and I agreed that this is the dreamiest going-out dress ever.
That collar, though.
News flash! You need these pants.
Let your edgy side out for a change.
I’ve never pressed Add to Cart faster. Shop the matching Betsy Bikini Bottom ($49).
Now to book a much-needed vacation so that I can wear this entire set. Shop the matching Eva Top ($119) and Baby Bikini Top ($59).
I’m finding it difficult to come up with a reason not to buy this dress for spring and summer.
Coming up: H&M’s Luxe Basics Are Popping Off Right Now—Here’s What I Tried
