My Fall Wardrobe Is Now Sorted—Thanks, Aritzia

Welcome to The Great Try-On. With fall on the horizon, we seized the opportunity to try on some of the best fall pieces from some of your favorite brands, documenting the process along the way. We believe that the most foolproof way to shop online is to see an item IRL and to read candid reviews, so we hope that this leads you to some successful fall purchases.

Unpopular opinion here, but I relish in the act of trying on clothing. There’s magic in those little moments, like test-driving a popular trend you were once dubious about, and immediately falling in love with it. Exploration is a part of fashion, and trying on clothes comes with the territory. Of course, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I have moments where squeezing my curves into a pair of jeans feels demoralizing, but I still love it despite the occasional struggle. This is why I jumped at the chance to try on Aritzia’s fall 2021 collection. 

Not all brands live up to the hype. That’s not the case with Aritzia, though. The fan-fare surrounding this Canadian brand is rightly justified as its vegan leather pieces are dreamy and its polished suiting was made for returning to the office. But to further back up the buzz, I decided to try on 11 pieces from its fall collection. Ahead, you’ll find my reviews on each piece, along with notes about the fit, and how to style it for fall. Let the style trials begin…

On Jasmine: Dior earrings; Sunday Best Freshman Turtleneck ($40); Wilfred Twill Skirt ($160);Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing sandals

Sunday Best Freshman Turtleneck + Wilfred Twill Skirt

My review: While I am excited to embrace more colorful pieces this season, I love a good chocolate brown number, which is why I wanted to try on Aritzia’s rich, brown turtleneck. It’s not only the perfect versatile fall-ready piece, but it’s also made out of a soft, biodegradable Tencel fabric. In addition to being easy on your skin and the environment, I was extremely impressed with the fit. As someone with DD cups, sometimes sweaters can get too tight, or I have to size up, but the medium in this sweater fit my chest perfectly and created a cute cropped look. It’s definitely a piece I can see myself wearing for years to come since it is truly the perfect basic turtleneck. 

I am honestly so happy that pleated skirts have returned as a major trend this fall—they’re flattering on everyone and so chic for going out into the world again. What I love about Artizia’s newest fall collection is that the brand has reimagined this staple to create a stunning chiffon mid-length pleated skirt with this psychedelic pattern in chocolate brown and black. I love everything about this piece—the colors, the fabric, the fit. It’s truly one of its best items in its fall collection, hands down.

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On Jasmine: Zara trench coat; Stella and Bow Lloyd Necklace ($150); Wilfred Tuscany Dress ($98); Sam Edleman Samira Tall Kitten Boots ($140)

Wilfred Tuscany Dress

My review: Knit dresses are a personal favorite, especially at the beginning of the fall. Of course, not all dresses are on the same level—Aritzia’s fall collection features one of the best sweaterdresses I’ve worn in a hot minute. I was a little nervous about this dress, but I felt so hot the second I slipped into it. Its sweetheart neckline shows off the perfect amount of cleavage, its ribbed fit is ideal for hugging curves, and the crimson color is everything. My only issue with this dress is that it falls above the kneecaps, so if you’re thinking about wearing it to work, pairing it with a coat or knee-high boots to cover a bit more skin is the move. Otherwise, it’s hot, hot, hot in every way.

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On Jasmine: Jacquemuse; Rellery Checker Ring ($145); Sunday Best Zoey Vest ($138); Wilfred Effortless Pant ($148); Badgley Mischka pumps

Sunday Best Zoey Vest + Wilfred Effortless Pant

My review: Vests are a suiting trend that’s been poppin’ off lately. When I saw that Aritzia’s fall 2021 collection featured a faux-leather vest in an array of colors (chocolate brown, white, and black), I knew I had to try it on for myself, and boy, was I impressed. First off, the vegan leather is so buttery soft that it feels like a wearable cloud. What’s also great about this vest is the price-point—its quality is comparable to Nanushka, without being over $300. It’s also so easy to style. From pairing it with slacks to jeans to button-ups to pleated skirts, the options are endless with this piece. My only qualm is that as someone with a bigger bust, the fit was a bit tight around my boobs, and I did have a little button-pop moment. If you love this piece, I’d recommend sizing up, as I swapped my size 6 vest for an 8 to better accommodate my chest. 

Confession: I am not a pants person. I dislike the way most pants look on my body. Because I’m 5’4”, have a tiny waist and thicker thighs, pants don’t always work on me. But when I spotted Wilfred’s Effortless pants in white, I had to try them on. While they’re not a part of Artizia’s fall collection, they do come in a variety of colorways that lend themselves well to a fall work wardrobe. Honestly, are the best slacks I’ve tried on in years. The cut hits mid-rise, so it gives that Lower Manhattan vibe without exposing it all, and the fabric is breathable enough to wear in the early fall and late spring. The length is a bit longer than I’d like, but if paired with a heel or tailored to fit, they truly are the perfect pair of pants.

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On Jasmine: Maison Miru Architect Hoops ($99); Wilfred Greer Sweater ($98); Afends Organic Denim Midi Skirt ($100); Steve Madden Signal Mules ($60); Jacquemus Le Chiquito Bag

Wilfred Greer Sweater

My review: Sweetheart bustier sweaters have been everywhere since last fall, and I’m betting they’ll continue to be a must-have this season. From Khaite to Zara, every brand has its own iteration of this flattering sweater, but Aritzia’s take might be the best. What I love about this sweater, besides the design itself, is the fact that it comes in five different colorways, including a stunning fawn pink version. It’s also one of the softest sweaters I’ve probably ever tried on (thanks to the merino-wool and-cashmere blend). In terms of the fit, I’d recommend sizing up for anyone with a bigger bust—I found myself having to adjust my figure while wearing it to ensure I looked my best.

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On Jasmine: Maison Miru Architect Hoops ($99); Wilfred Memories Blazer ($228); Tobi Patchwork Crop Top ($27); Chanel vintage chain belt; Babaton Long Wide-Leg Short ($40); Dolce Vita boots; Brandon Blackwood Mini Kendrick Denim Crossbody Bag ($155)

Wilfred Memories Blazer

My review: Leather blazers have been a must-have piece for a few seasons now, but finding an affordable, vegan version that fits well is no easy feat. I’ve tried on my fair share of leather blazers, but so far, Aritzia’s version is the only one I’ve genuinely liked. I love how soft this vegan leather is—it’s very much worth the hype. Also, compared to other brands that sell one-size oversize leather blazers, the fit is much more tailored, so you can go up or down on the sizing based on the vibe you’re trying to achieve. Personally, I would have loved for the piece to be a bit more fitted (I’ll be exchanging it for a smaller size), but overall, the blazer is a wardrobe staple I can see myself wearing all season.

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On Jasmine: Misho Pandaia Earrings ($197); With Jéan Naomi Set Geo ($239); Wilfred Melina Pant ($148); Steve Madden Lessa Pink Patent Heel ($80)

Wilfred Melina Pant

My review: TikTok has been known to head in the hype around a product—Aritzia’s viral Melina Pants are one of them. Quick story: Before I even was assigned this try-on story, last fashion week I found myself trekking uptown to find the last pair of bone-white vegan leather pants in my size (so basically, you know these are good). Unlike traditional leather pants, the fabric is meant to stretch, so if you wanted them to be snug forever, you could size down and wear them in, or you can purchase your true-to-size, and they’ll get more comfortable over time. If that’s not enough to sell you, think of the styling possibilities: they’re work-friendly or perfect for a fun night out on the town.

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On Jasmine: Szade Dart Sunglasses ($70); Maison Miru Architect Hoops ($99); Argentino Vivo Cosimo Necklace ($88); Babaton Emporia Vest ($110) and Emporia Skirt ($118); Telfar Small Black Shopping Bag ($150); Dr. Martens Jadon Platform 8-Eye Boot ($180)

 Babaton Emporia Vest + Babaton Emporia Skirt

My review: I’ve always loved sweater-vests but have not owned a good one since my adolescence, which is why I jumped at the chance to try on Arititzia’s version of the bubbling trend. It’s the perfect loose fit that can be styled over a button-up, or just as something to throw on as you head to the bodega. If the fit alone wasn’t enough, I found myself drooling over the chocolate hue it’s just the perfect color for fall, and there are so many ways to style it. I will be wearing this vest all season long. 

We love a vest moment, but a matching knit set? Even better. Hence the need to try on this matching set from Aritzia’s fall 2021 collection. At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d be feeling the cable-knit miniskirt, but it grew on me. I love how comfortable it is, as the knit is thick enough to keep you warm on those high 50s or low 60s temperature days, but it’s still a hot take on rising hemlines. Honestly, I didn’t think a knit set would be my favorite thing I tried on as it’s more casual than my typical style, but it became the look I fell in love with most, which goes to show that actually trying clothes on IRL (and not judging something on how it looks online) is always the move.

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