In the Dressing Room with Eileen Fisher

Well, Eileen FIsher isn’t actually in the dressing room with me, but I thought it might help a few of you who like the brand to discuss the process I go through when in the dressing room with her designs.

Let me address a few issues first.  I am a huge Eileen Fisher fan though there are many many pieces I would not wear.  Her brand is the foundation of my wardrobe and I believe the pieces I own will be worn the rest of my life from the professional life through retirement.  The crepe pants someone mentioned yesterday are amazing and I own them in six colors.  I have tried cheaper crepe pants and they do not fit or wear as well.  The EF pants fit and wear so well.  My cost per wear on these pieces are pennies because I wear them so often.  They are foundations and literally workhorses in my wardrobe.  Would I buy them if I were retired?  Only if I was active in retirement with volunteering, events, or going out a lot with friends and family.  But, I will keep and wear what I currently own. She has a great brand for working and for retirement.

I rarely pay full price for my EF pieces.  I shop her on sale often, and with July clearance around the corner, I will be once again looking at her winter collection, on sale pieces.

These are the pieces on the left from yesterday’s mannequin.  The pants are excellent quality and I really liked them…which was a surprise to me.  I think with the right top and my ballet flats this would be a cute outfit.  When I try on EF, I try to take three sizes in the dressing room with me.  Some of her things run huge, and some run small.  In one garment, I might be a M…in another, an XL.  The key is always taking more than one size with you.  Her sizing is not consistent, you must try the pieces on.  This black top did not work at all.

I have written before how happy I was to see the earth tones on trend for summer.  They are my favorites.  I do wear traditional “summer” colors…only because I feel like I must in the warmer months.  This green and black are a part of my saturated, earth tone wardrobe.

I like this top a lot, but wish it was not so translucent. If this style shows up in her fall and winter line, I would seriously consider it in a heavier fabric, because I like the design of the top.  I might keep an eye on it through sales, but it would need a significant drop for me to consider it.  It is a very pretty design though.

You just cannot assume that all of the EF designs are big and frumpy.  Many are not, and you just need to take several sizes with you into the dressing room. I love the pants, and her jackets, and I own a few cardigans and special tops.  Always think about the cost per wear.  If you are retired and not going to wear something as much, then cost does become a bigger deal.  But, if you are going to wear them often, like I do, it makes sense to get something where you look and feel your best wearing it.

Always think about styling as well.  I loved the suggestion yesterday to put a jean jacket, sandals, and a big hat with that dress.  I can see that!  Great idea.

For those of you who are confident with how the brand fits you, both slide shows in this post feature EF on sale pieces.  There is some good shopping here!

KEEP SMILING, EVERYONE…ENJOY YOU FATHER’S DAY CELEBRATIONS!!

 

11 Comments

  1. I really like the style of the white (ivory??) top you tried on. That is just beautiful and looks wonderful with the slim, black pants. Love the drape of the sleeves. I think I would have taken that one home!

  2. I like the drape on the white top, but it’s far too sheer. I agree, if it was in a heavier fabric, it would be tempting. I haven’t tried the wide leg pants yet. I am 5’1″ and don’t think they would be flattering at all. I will eventually try them on to check. Sometimes thi gs surprise you.

  3. So true, Freda. I am often surprised in the dressing room! Thanks for being here.

  4. That beige top with those slim black pants is amazing. Get the top & put a silky tank under it. It’s you! You are so beautiful & I’m blessed that you share your journey with us.

  5. As a short woman, the wide leg Capri length would not be flattering on me, I fear. That ‘too sheer’ white stop looks marvelous on you, Pam, but of course would need a ‘Cami’ under it, and that’s a ‘no go’ in our Texas summer heat…However: Would be great for cooler fall. Pam, would you mention the “style” of the EF ‘crepe’ slacks you favor so much? I, too, dislike the look of the less expensive crepe slacks, but am curious as to the style name of the EF Crepe slacks. I do not want ‘tight leg’ that resembles a legging, but do feel that a slim leg is more flattering for me, and is a more slimming look. I agree with you about “size”: You never can tell with Eileen Fisher! My most favorite ever ‘jacket’ by EF is a wonderful ‘silver’ (but not shiny) and I waited for 2 markdowns before purchasing at a still elevated cost, through Neiman Marcus….Never have I had as many compliments on a jacket as this one, and it’s timeless. I’ll wear it for the rest of my life, and it looks great with my favorite colors underneath: purple, fuschia or magenta, and timeless, of course, with black. My favorite piece of all my wardrobe!

  6. Hi Suzanne, I just created a little slide show above just for you of the crepe pant options. My favorite is the Stretch crepe slim ankle pant…it does NOT fit like a legging or I would not wear them to work constantly. Like I said, I have several colors of this pant. I wash it in cold water, with Woolite, and on delicate. They have been with me for years and the fit of her crepe pants is excellent. I highly recommend. Hope this helps!

  7. Thanks, Pam! I am retired and love my EF clothes. They are workhorses! Yes, many of her styles are overwhelming on me, so thankfully they have petites.

  8. I love the white top. I find one of Eileen’s older linen or silk sleeveless tanks works as a slip. I prefer them loose so not so revealing.

  9. CPW for E/Fisher brand when purchased from Australia is prohibitive for folk who are retired & live on fixed income. However, paper patterns & quality material can help to make similar, simple garments.

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