It's a Good Time to Be a Vintage J.Crew Fan, Thanks to These 12 Chic Pieces
Over the last few years, J.Crew has found a die-hard audience of young people with a stylish, sartorially in-tune eye that, frankly, wouldn't even have shopped there three years ago. While much of the brand's buzzy comeback can be attributed to the appointment of womenswear designer Olympia Gayot and menswear designer Brendon Babenzien, there's an undeniable core tenet of the American heritage retailer that may be the key to its longevity and trendy resurgence among fashion's cool kids, which is that people love its vintage pieces.
Unlike the ultra-hyper fast-fashion trends or too-current aesthetic waves that have swept fashion circles over the last few years, it feels like there's been a turn in our approach to clothing. Like tons of other editors or friends of mine, I've found myself perusing through J.Crew's site more and more as the months have gone on, opting to align myself with the brand's iconic Americana vibe complete with oversize knits, workwear jackets, sharp tailoring, and other staples New England coastal cool.
Ask anyone stylish you know and they'll tell you that the whispers of J.Crew's cool-persona comeback have only gotten stronger over the last few months. Archival accounts tracking the brand's history like @lostjcrew have soared in popularity as stealth wealth, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy–core, and quiet luxury have become more and more synonymous with the It style of today.
In honor of the brand's 40th anniversary this year, Assouline's hefty vintage account of the brand is high up on my wish list, along with a few of the brand's key heritage styles just in time for the fall. Below, shop all of the vintage-inspired and heritage pieces from J.Crew that fashion people just can't seem to get enough of.
Shop the book:
Shop vintage-inspired J.Crew pieces:
This hefty coat is such a perfect addition to your fall and winter outerwear drawer.
Nothing more J.Crew than a crisp, white button-down shirt.
J.Crews iconic cashmere sweaters make a great gift (for yourself or for somebody else!) this holiday season.
This is such a retro, cool-girl take on high-waisted jeans.
As a proud owner of this jacket, yep, I can confirm it's just as iconic IRL as it looks online.
J.Crew's classic loafers come in a ton of easy colors, but the timeless black pair just speaks to my soul.
Although this cardigan is one of the brand's newest best sellers, J.Crew's domination of the Lady Jacket cinematic universe can't be understated.
This looks like it's pulled straight from one of the brand's '90s catalogs.
Shop more J.Crew pieces:
Use code SHOPNOW for an extra 50% off sale items.
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.
-
I Just Got Back From Europe, and Now, I Want to Shop These Trends From H&M, Nordstrom, and J.Crew
Think effortless elegance.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
My Goal in 2025 Is to Look Elegant, Effortless, and Classy—47 Sale Finds That Nail the Brief
Deep discounts from Aritzia, Mango, J.Crew, and Banana Republic right this way.
By Judith Jones
-
I Just Found the Most Luxe-Looking Basics From J.Crew, Gap, and Banana Republic, and They're All on Sale
Starting at $10.
By Judith Jones
-
You'll Look Chic If You Wear J.Crew—38 Amazing Items Worth Seeing
Forward pieces ahead.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
What to Buy From J.Crew If Your Vibe Is Morgan Stewart But Your Budget Is $200
The next best thing to shopping her actual looks.
By Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour
-
9 J.Crew Basics I Bought Immediately After Seeing These Elegant Outfits
Consider me inspired to shop.
By Allyson Payer
-
Challenge Accepted: I Created 5 Elegant Winter Outfits From Madewell and J.Crew for Under $452
You're welcome.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
24 Incredibly Chic, On-Sale Sweaters and Jeans to Mix and Match From J.Crew, Madewell, and Abercrombie
Bring on the cool winter outfits.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes