Everyone's Talking About J.Crew, so I Tried Out These 12 Picks for Myself (2024)

J.Crewis not a new brand by any means, but with the buzz it's been getting recently, it certainly sounds like it could be. With the help of its new head of women's design, Olympia Gayot, the brand went from being a destination for preppy lovers to a fashion-set staple. Yes, J.Crew has alwaysofferedpieces like blazers, trousers, and button-downs, but the new styling and vintage-like silhouettes that Gayot has incorporated into the recent collections have caught everyone's attention.

I always leaned into the edgy aesthetic as a teenager, so even in high school when J.Crew was the place to shop, I never stepped foot into the store. But after a quick scroll through Gayot's Instagram, I wanted everything she was wearing. It wasn't just the pieces—her way of styling each itemmade them look chicyetwearable. I knew I had to put the new J.Crew to the test, so I picked out 12 items to try out for myself. Keep scrolling to see my honest review of each piece and how Itook notes from Gayotin styling them.

I always thought a full business suit wouldlook too office-like, but with the right accessorizing, I was able to make it look a bit more effortless and relaxed.

J.Crew

Alfie Blazer

My Review:Blazers can often feel a little too heavy and constraining, butmade out of Gramercy twill, this blazer is both durable and breathable. Because of this drapey fabric, thispiece can easily go from the office to post-work activities.

J.Crew

Ingrid Pant

My Review: If I had to buy one item from this roundup, it would be these trousers. They feel extremely comfortable on the skin and have the ideal relaxed silhouette that I look for. Eventhough I'm 5'3", these hit at the perfect length.

J.Crew

Collared Cotton Beach Sweater

My Review: Even to accessorize, I like to use a quality sweater, and this is exactly that. It drapesnicelyover the shoulders without being too heavy.

J.Crew

Zoe Ballet Flats

My Review: If I'm being honest here, I never thought I'd ever own a pair of ballet flats, let alone bright-red ballet flats. But these quickly have become my new favorite shoes. The leather is great quality, and they fit like a glove.I always thought I'd need to opt for heels to elevate a look, but these flats do the job.

At first, a sweater and trousers seem like afairly simple outfit, but after studying Gayot's outfits, I learned that a belt and heels can take even thesimplest looks up a notch.

J.Crew

Collared Cotton Beach Sweater

My Review:While I lovedlayering the sweater over my shoulders, it's even better worn.It has a comfortable fit that's not too oversize. The sweater also hits at the right length, just enough to be slightly tucked in.

J.Crew

Sedona Basket Bag

My Review: Everyone has been obsessed with J.Crew's knotted tote bag, and I predict this bag will easily become a fan favorite. It's a bit more elevated than the tote and fits all my essentials. I can definitelysee myself opting for this on the regular.

When I think of classic J.Crew, I think of neutrals. But the brand has uppedits game in the color department, incorporating hues like lime green and shocking pink into its collections. This is an ideal summer look, but I'll likely be wearing this into fall as well—maybe with a leather coat on top.

J.Crew

Slim-Fit Drapey Shirt

My Review:I've always wanted a silky top in cream, but they often looklow quality or are too see-through. That's certainly not the case with this one. I own way too many button-downs, but this one was too good not to add to the collection.

J.Crew

Wide-Leg Pant in Bi-Stretch Cotton

My Review: I liked how these pants fit at the waist, but they weren't as comfortable as the other trousers I've tried on from J.Crew. If you like pants to be a bit more structured, these would be a great choice. As someone who goes the more relaxed route, I'm going to have to pass on these in the long-term.

J.Crew

FormKnit High-Neck Cutaway Tank Top

My Review: I've never been one to wear body-contouring tanks, but I need more of these in my wardrobe. It's double layered but still feels breathable. I'm not a fan of bodysuits, but I like how this tank has extra length so it can easily be tucked in.

Denim is never a bad idea and always looks good with all black. While I usually opt for oversize jackets, I've been playing with different proportions, and this cropped one just works so well with my relaxed trousers.

J.Crew

Louisa Lady Jacket

My Review: When I first saw this top, I was intrigued by its design. While I love the look of a classic denim jacket, this silhouette is still classic but has just the right touch of trendiness. It's sturdy and high-quality denim but doesn't feel uncomfortable as a top.

J.Crew

Ingrid Pant

My Review: Seelook one.

J.Crew

Fisherman Lug-Sole Loafers

My Review: I love the look of these fisherman loafers, but I'd love them a lot more if they had a chunkier platform. While I didn't feel any major discomfort while wearing the shoes, the leather on the straps isn't as soft as others, so I can see it possibly causing some friction on the ankle with longer wear.

When in doubt, a matching set will always be my go-to. A satin scarf completes the whole look, and I love adding tan and cognac details to an all-black ensemble.

J.Crew

Slim-Fit Drapey Shirt

My Review: I loved this top in white, but I just might like it even better in black. Slimmer button-downs aren't usually my cup of tea, but this fit unlike any other. The sleeves aren't overly fitted, but the top has enough fabric for a French tuck.