Welcome to Let’s Get a Room, a series where editor Eliza Huber heads to the dressing room to try on pieces from your favorite retailers, buzzy items, and new collections. Think of this column as a detailed guide to the pieces that are actually worth buying and the ones that, unfortunately, looked better online—no returns necessary.
I have to admit I’ve spent the last few years sleeping on Urban Outfitters, likely because of how absolutely pivotal it was in my teenage wardrobe. For me, part of growing up included discovering new places to shop, even if it meant giving up my then go-to store. But something changed a few weeks ago that brought me right back to 17: I logged on to the brand’s website for a quick work-related peruse and added at least 20 items to my cart—something I hadn’t done in ages. And just like that, I was hooked all over again.
To know for sure if my sudden renewed interest in the brand was warranted, I decided to head into some of NYC’s biggest Urban Outfitters locations and put my jam-packed digital shopping cart to the test. The result? Well, you’ll have to keep reading to find out.
Ahead, see which 15 spring pieces from Urban Outfitters were as good in person as they looked online.
If you’re ready to tackle the micro-miniskirt trend that’s making the rounds in the fashion world right now, Urban Outfitters is a good place to start. For one, it has about a million options, from Miu Miu–esque cutoff skirts to colorful and patterned cotton alternatives. I went for the latter in this instance, pairing an avocado-green mini with a simple white tank (this one is Koto and insanely soft and semi-sheer) and an oversize faux-leather blazer. If I should say so myself, the combination of all three is hard to beat.
Perfectly oversize and slouchy.
For a tight fit, I suggest sizing down.
I can’t stop buying pieces in this shade of green.
Can you tell that I’ve been watching a lot of late ’90s, early ’00s movies lately? This look is a direct result of that, from the mesh midi skirt (which features an adorably delicate bow on the waistband) to the tied-up, patterned blouse. Truth be told, this isn’t a look I’d normally gravitate toward, but I saw it in the SoHo store and pulled it into my giant heap of items immediately, knowing the two pieces would look great together. Simple heels and a shoulder bag later, I found myself dressing like an amalgamation of every romantic-comedy leading lady from 1990 to 2006. And yes, that is a good thing.
This top will make any bottoms look 10 times cooler.
An easy addition to your wardrobe.
With beach season approaching, I couldn’t very well skip the cover-up section, especially once I’d spotted this crochet midi dress. I’ve been seeing a ton of dresses in this style across the internet, both at fast-fashion stores and high-end retailers, but I wasn’t sure how they’d look in real life. Suffice to say, I was pleasantly surprised. If you’re looking for a cute topper for your next tropical vacation, or even just an eye-catching dress to wear on a summer night out, this is the one for you.
All I need once it gets warmer is a bikini and a crochet dress.
I have a thing for wearing bras as tops, especially when I’m styling bigger pants and outerwear. It’s all about balancing proportions, and since both the jacket and the pants in this look are oversize, I thought it was important to go with a smaller top underneath.
Boring bras are so 2021.
Carpenter and cargo pants like this pair have been all over my Instagram and TikTok feeds lately, so of course, I had to see if they lived up to the hype. (They did.)
If, in the winter, you’d have asked me to put on a pink floral skirt with heels, I’d have dismissed you immediately. But something about spring arriving has me loosening up to colorful and feminine aesthetics, which is why when I noticed this skirt, I felt I needed to see how it looked on. I went the simple route, wearing it with a white tank and my go-to Maryam Nassir Zadeh wedges, and I can say with 100% certainty that I’d style this look again and again. I’m a whole new person, apparently.
The nostalgia is real here.
I have a problem: Every time I pass a miniskirt in a store, I have to try it on. Call it a toxic trait, but ever since they returned to fashion fame in 2021, I’ve been dead set on finding the perfect one that won’t break the bank. This one comes close. The camo print is definitely a statement, and while I’m not sure if it’s one I’m going to make super often this season, it sure makes for a fun style moment.
This jacket is the perfect length for pairing with miniskirts and dresses. Plus, the faux leather feels like butter.
I have a very distinct memory of Paris Hilton wearing a camo miniskirt (with a camo Von Dutch hat and a matching top) in the early aughts, so naturally, I want one too.
In my opinion, spring and summer are the superior dressing seasons by far. Something about the nice weather allows you to wear whatever you want, even if it means clashing loud prints and bright colors, and still call it an outfit. Such is what I was going for when I combined a zebra-print silk scarf (worn as a top) with retro Nylon gym shorts. Crazy? Yes. Acceptable when it’s 70-plus degrees out in NYC? Also yes. You’ll probably even get tons of compliments—and by probably, I mean you will.
I’m calling it: Silk scarves are the most versatile wardrobe items in existence.
Eighties and ’90s gym shorts have been wam-weather staples in the last two years. This season will be no different.
I’ll say this once and once only: If your bras are cute, they shouldn’t go unseen, hidden underneath layers of clothes. My trick for wearing a bra as a top is to always pair it with a jacket or open button-down shirt. That way, you’re not just wearing a bra around, but you’re still mastering the bra-top trend.
The perfect jeans don’t exist… oh wait.
What did I say about this color? It’s so good.
The only summer sandals that matter.
I am, indeed, obsessed.
These are going to sell out so fast.
Celebs love these.
Ah, the convenience of skorts.
This color is downright gorgeous.
TikTok’s favorite pants.
Everyone is going to want this jacket.
These are fan favorites.
As far as collabs go, Miaou x Urban Outfitters is pretty much perfect.
