Welcome to The Great Try-On. With spring on the horizon, we seized the opportunity to try on the best pieces from our favorite brands at Nordstrom and documented the process. We believe that the most foolproof way to shop online is to see how an item looks IRL and to read candid reviews, so we hope that this leads you to some successful spring purchases.
Having lived in Los Angeles for nearly 12 years, I’ve fallen in love with the California-girl fashion aesthetic. It’s laid-back (casual but not frumpy), a bit colorful, and definitely trend-forward. In my opinion, one of the brands doing it best is Los Angeles–based Staud. Its collections always spark joy thanks to their color palettes, fun details, and unique prints. The spring arrivals available at Nordstrom are a 10 out of 10, and they’re just what my closet needs. Poplin shirts, wedding guest dresses, date-night tops—it’s all here, and I took the guesswork out of which pieces to buy this season by trying them all on for you. I’m not lying when I say I have no notes.
This look is nearly every L.A. girl’s uniform: baggy denim, a white top, and sandals. But because it’s from Staud, all the details feel cooler than your average wardrobe basics. The poplin top has puffy sleeves and cinches in all the right places, and the cargo pockets on the jeans—which are so soft, by the way—feel very much on-trend.
Since it’s not quite warm enough (even in sunny Los Angeles) to wear this outfit without an extra layer, I added this striped quarter-zip sweater. This blue-and-yellow color scheme is giving me coastal grandma vibes, and I’m here for it.
I have multiple spring and summer weddings coming up, and until recently, I had zero dresses to wear to them. Since there are so few opportunities to really dress up, I like to go all out for weddings. This Staud dress couldn’t be more beautiful. I feel like it was made for me. Between the rich navy hue, the halter neckline, and those beaded straps (how gorg?), I never want to take this dress off my body.
Let’s take another moment for the neckline because I truly can’t get enough. I love this dress with silver accessories including heels, a bag, and jewelry to make it feel a bit fancier.
I regularly reach for matching sets because they’re so easy and chic. This one from Staud is going to be my new go-to office outfit. The button-up top and midi skirt are so polished, and the fabric has a nice weight (read: not see-through).
For work, I’d style this set with a blazer and heeled sandals or pointy pumps, but it will be so cute with flat, chunky sandals and no jacket on the weekends.
MORE STAUD PICKS I LOVE
STAUD
Bella Pleated Bodice Midi Fit & Flare Dress
The longer, black version of that white dress above? Absolutely, yes.
STAUD
Parma Pleated Strapless Linen Top
This top is perfect for date night with vintage denim and heels.
STAUD
Marlowe Halter Neck Stretch Poplin Trapeze Dress
I love the fit of this flowy dress. Ten stars.