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What to Buy at Chico’s

I’m regularly asked what I think about Chico’s and what I would actually buy from them, and I’ve avoided answering until now.

This might be the most requested post ever, and here’s the truth: about 90% of Chico’s doesn’t align with my personal style. A lot of what they offer leans bold and expressive, full of color, pattern, and detail. It’s just a bit more than I personally prefer and often feels less refined than the modern, streamlined look I tend to go for.

That said, there’s also room for pieces that feel current, elegant, and easy to wear. Chico’s has an approachable price point and an fairly inclusive size range, but the site can be overwhelming because there’s so much to look at. When you take a closer look, though, there are some really lovely finds that strike the right balance of timeless and fresh.

And to be clear, this isn’t about being critical. It’s simply my honest take from someone who looks at clothes all day and loves helping women find pieces that truly work in real life.

So today, I’m rounding up the ones that stand out, the pieces that feel modern, versatile, and elevated. These are the best of Chico’s right now, just in time for cooler weather and dress up season.

Crewneck Cashmere Pullover Sweater

👉 Shop the Crewneck Cashmere Pullover Sweater,

If you’ve been hunting for a sweater with an elbow-length sleeve in a neutral color, this one is perfect. The silhouette is so flattering and a little hard to find. It’s 100% cashmere, comes in a soft, easy “light gray” that’s really more of an oatmeal that leans gray, and looks more expensive than it is. Simple, chic, and the kind of thing you can wear with jeans, trousers, or layered under a blazer.

Available in sizes 0/2–20/22.

👉 Shop the Crewneck Cashmere Pullover Sweater

Juliet Black Foiled Slim Ankle Pants

👉 Shop the Juliet Black Foiled Slim Ankle Pants

These could be really cute styled with a black cashmere turtleneck and strappy heels for a holiday party. The subtle foiled pattern gives them just enough texture and shine without being over the top. They have a sleek fit, hit right at the ankle, and would also look great with a simple pump or even velvet flat with a pointed toe.

Available in sizes 0/2–20/22, in regular and petite.

👉 Shop the Juliet Black Foiled Slim Ankle Pants

Faux Leather Seamed Skirt

👉 Shop the Faux Leather Seamed Skirt

This is super cute and looks way more boutiquey than what you’d expect to find at Chico’s. The seaming gives it shape and movement, and the faux leather looks soft and modern, not shiny or stiff. You could wear it with a fitted short sleeve sweater and tall boots for a chic daytime look, or dress it up with heels and a silk blouse for a night out.

Available in sizes 0/2–20/22.

👉 Shop the Faux Leather Seamed Skirt

Sequins Party Pencil Skirt

👉 Shop the Sequins Party Pencil Skirt

I actually love everything about this — the color, the size of the sequins, and how it’s styled. The champagne tone keeps it soft and sophisticated, and the larger sequins give it texture without looking cheap or flashy. Pair it with a simple white button-down like they did here, or a fitted ivory sweater and heels for a holiday party. It’s festive without being overdone, which is the sweet spot.

Available in sizes 0/2–20/22.

👉 Shop the Sequins Party Pencil Skirt

No Iron Pearl-Button Stretch Shirt

👉 Shop the No Iron Pearl-Button Stretch Shirt

This is such a great basic with a little something extra. The pearl buttons are a simple detail that make it feel polished and elevated without trying too hard. You could wear this with the sequin skirt or velvet pants for the holidays, or layer it under a blazer for a more classic look. It’s one of those pieces that looks crisp and pulled together with zero effort.

Available in sizes 0/2–20/22.

👉 Shop the No Iron Pearl-Button Stretch Shirt

Zenergy® Quilted Hooded Vest

👉 Shop the Zenergy Quilted Hooded Vest

This is very chic for a lightweight layer over athleisure or even a casual sweater and jeans. It has a clean, minimal cut that keeps it modern, and the hood gives it a sportier feel without looking too casual. It’s the kind of piece you’ll throw on all the time to walk the dog, run errands, or head to a game and still feel pulled together.

Available in sizes 0/2–20/22.

👉 Shop the Zenergy Quilted Hooded Vest

Pleated Smocked Tie-Neck Top

👉 Shop the Pleated Smocked Tie-Neck Top

This could be a really fun going-out top. The pleating and tie-neck detail make it look polished, but the print keeps it playful. You could pair it with jeans or the faux leather skirt for dinner, or layer it under a blazer and tuck it into high waisted trousers for something more put-together. It’s one of those pieces that feels like a statement without being loud.

Available in sizes 0/2–20/22.

👉 Shop the Pleated Smocked Tie-Neck Top

Cashmere Elbow-Sleeve Sweater

These are also hard to find, and this one is beautifully done. The elbow sleeve and mock neck make it feel polished but easy, and the dark gray color gives it that elevated, quiet-luxury vibe. It’s 100% cashmere and works as a lovely layer, when I worked with clients they were always looking for a layer they could still wear when they took off their blazer. But it’s also so easy to wear on its own. I’d pair it with bootcut jeans, a belt, and boots for a simple but pulled-together look.

Available in sizes 0/2–20/22.

👉 Shop the Cashmere Elbow-Sleeve Sweater

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Megan Kristel

Megan Kristel is an entrepreneur, working mom, and former personal stylist. Tired of the one-dimensional portrayal of women online, she founded The Well Dressed Life as a resource for other professional women.

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Quietgirl

Tuesday 21st of October 2025

Thank you! Thank you! We have few women's fashion stores in our small town-Chico's is one of them. I have looked for fashion bloggers who feature Chico's items, but those seem hard to find. I think you explained it all in your second paragraph. I think it must be the reason I rarely shop there. These are great choices and I would like to try the oatmeal cashmere. It looks promising! Thanks for explaining my dilemma with Chico's!

nita

Tuesday 21st of October 2025

Thanks for the post! Chico's also has great fitting ponte knit pants.

Lisa

Tuesday 21st of October 2025

Can you provide shoe/boot ideas for those of us who cannot wear heels? I had four toes operated on last year, three no longer bend (two had the joint removed) so it is very difficult to wear ANY heel. I want to look dressy for weddings and upcoming holidays, but sneakers aren't cutting it for me. I also wear a 10 1/2 shoe size now (cringe). Thank you in advance.