Let me set the scene: It's a rainy day in New York, and I decided to go for a walk. Lost in thought and a half an hour later, I found myself at the Fifth Avenue J.Crew. My subconscious knew I needed some retail therapy. Now, this isn't the first time; my Hot Girl Walks always seem to end with a shopping bag in hand. You can’t blame me—J. Crew has been popping off lately, from major summer sales to the recent Rouje collaboration, and now the new fall arrivals. If it isn’t already, it should be you’re first stop when shopping for a sophisticated fall closet.
My arms were overflowing with oversized knits, tailored denim, and fall-ready jackets. I quickly pulled everything I’ve been eyeing online (a perk of being a shopping editor) and secured a fitting room. From start to finish, I spent over three hours in the store. So, let me give you the highlights. Here are the 21 fall items I tried and loved.
Shop cerulean sweaters, polished blazers, quality cashmere, and not-so-basic basics, plus a modern take on the classic barn coat. J.Crew's fall edit is smart and sophisticated, featuring just the right amount of preppy chic, with polka dots and pleats. The number one fall trend, suede, makes its appearance on slouchy boots, ballet flats, and loafers (which I regret leaving behind). Scroll on to shop J.Crew’s new arrivals and fall staples, and see what I ended up taking home with me.
Cashmere + Knits
J.Crew's cashmere and knitwear line-up is off the charts. From merino wool cardigans to chunky rollover knits, here are the top five from my visit.
Polka-Dot Cardigan
I am obsessed with this polka-dot cardigan. I'm reentering my red-nail phase, so this ruby red is right up my alley. I plan to pick this up on my next visit to J.Crew (if it doesn't sell out before then).
Oversize Knit
It's giving Ivy League. Although I graduated from college this year, that doesn't mean I can't continue to embrace the academic aesthetic. This was a piece I absolutely loved trying on. It's so soft and comfortable, so it's perfect for the breezy autumn days ahead.
Ribbed Boatneck Sweater
It's not blue, it's cerulean. I'm absolutely loving the idea of cyan and cobalt hues for this fall. Something about going against the traditional auburns and terracottas feels so new. J.Crew is constantly leveling up its game.
Fitted V-Neck Pullover
You can't feel blue when you wear such a chic sweater like this. I love the way the color brightens the look. Not to mention that it's ultra soft. The Tencel and Lyocell blend is working wonders.
Cashmere Sweater
Beautiful. Graceful. Elegant. The first three words that came to my mind when I tried this gorgeous cashmere sweater on were. The boat neckline perfectly frames my shoulders, as the knit effortlessly drapes around the waist.
All Things Denim
J.Crew's denim is underrated in my book. The quality is next level, but the fit is superb. Here are the five denim looks I loved on my recent visit to J.Crew.
Pleated Miniskirt
Who said denim miniskirts are only for summer? Not me, and definitely not J.Crew. I'd pair this pleated mini skirt with the chic polka-dot cardigan from before.
Slim-Wide Jeans
I zipped these up and knew immediately they were coming home with me. From the sleek back pockets to the rich, dark wash, I've found my new favorite pair of jeans.
Denim Shift Dress
I'm a sucker for a shift dress. While linen is excellent for the summer, this best-selling patchwork denim dress from J.Crew is ideal for fall. Imagine this and a pair of tall pull-on boots. Pure perfection.
Light-Wash Jean Trouser
The same fit as the other Full-Length Slim-Wide Trouser Jean, but in a paler blue. These look so great with a classic white tee and striped button-down.
Cropped Flares
Kickout jeans and flares all pick up come the "ber" months. Something about the retro silhouette fits right in. This fits a little snug, so you might want to size up.
Pink Painter Pant
While I had my heart set on trying on the beige colorway of the Painter Pant, they unfortunately didn't have them in my size. But the clay color was a pleasant surprise. I loved how they looked on.
Blazers + Jackets
J.Crew is definitely known for its outerwear, particularly its Barn Jacket. Shop three of my favorite styles below.
An Old Money Classic
I didn't want to take this off. It fit so beautifully. The tartan print was so intricate and well-made. I regret not taking it home with me.
Wool Blazer
Smart and sophisticated. This is a power blazer. The wool-blend was smooth to the touch and looked fabulous with a pair of dark jeans.
Seaside Blue Trench
A modern take on the classic barn jacket. This shiny, cyan long coat draped beautifully over a pair of J.Crew jeans. As odd as this may sound, I'd call this seaside blue trench a fall neutral.
Elevated Basics
If you're bored with your classic, a good place to start is refreshing your basics. Scroll down to shop three must-have J.Crew basics for this fall.
Striped Button-Down
This isn't a J.Crew best-seller for nothing. A red striped button-down can be as versatile and practical as its white counterpart. It is all in how you style it. I've paired this one with J.Crew's slim-wide jeans from above for an everyday ensemble.
Basic White Tee
You can never go wrong with a classic white tee. While I'm not the biggest fan of a crewneck, this vintage-inspired T-shirt might just be the one to change my mind. It is incredibly versatile, and, not to mention, incredibly comfortable.
Lace-Trim Skirt
You don't need to push aside your summer's lace-trim skirts just yet. Styling them with a cashmere sweater or oversize button-down makes them a new fall staple.
Suede + Leather Shoes
I might be partial because, clearly, I'm a J.Crew fan, but its shoe selection is often overlooked. Each style is on trend, well-made, and comfortable. From suede ballet flats to knee-high boots, check out J.Crew's shoe game below.
Red Ballet Flats
Move over, mesh flats—suede is this season's fave. We're taking notes from the French women's fall closets and making red ballet flats a staple. Plus, these are on sale.
Slouchy Suede Boots
My dream boot shape. Scrunch them down for a slouchy style, or pull them up for a tall knee-high look. I also loved how sturdy they felt. They will definitely last for the fall seasons to come.
Studded T-Strap Heels
Next J.Crew purchase? These T-strap heels! No joke. I'm literally in love. While I prefer the eggplant to the black pair, these are an unusual neutral shoe for fall. The studs bring edge, but the retro silhouette makes them very versatile.
Suede Driving Loafers
It's giving off an "old money meets NYC It girl" vibe. They are beyond comfortable, but a little snug, so I recommend sizing up.
