J.Crew is one of those classic brands that conjures up images of chunky, cable-knit white sweaters draped over tanned shoulders, always with a navy and white stripe on someone’s boat off of the east coast. While they definitely sell this aesthetic, they’ve also developed their brand to include a lot more color and other pieces that still fit a classic style, but are not quite so white, upper class. If you’ve always liked the classic, put-together style of J.Crew but didn’t know what to buy at J.Crew and were intimidated by the prices, this blog post is for you. This guide will cover:
- The difference between J.Crew and J.Crew Factory
- How to afford to shop at J.Crew
- What to buy at J.Crew
Whether you’re looking for investment pieces, your first set of office wear, or simply a fan of the more classic style, this guide will help you afford J.Crew and ensure that you’re only investing in pieces that are worth it. Let’s dive in.
What is the difference between J.Crew and J.Crew Factory?
J.Crew is the original retailer and prices everything at a high price-point and typically sells products of a higher quality. J.Crew Factory is an outlet store that sells clothing in the style of J.Crew clothes at a lower price point and typically a slightly lower level of quality. This doesn’t necessarily mean the clothes are bad quality (I have a pantsuit from J.Crew Factory, my first ever, that got me a summer internship at CNN before COVID hit), but it’s important to note the difference. This difference can help you decide what items you want to invest in from J.Crew and what items might make more sense for you to buy from J.Crew Factory.
How can I afford to shop at J.Crew?
If you haven’t noticed, J.Crew is expensive for most of us average joes. Not abominable prices, but a far cry from Target. But, the great thing about J.Crew is that they have great sales. They also have a credit card that can help you pay off clothing and earn rewards.
But be warned – I am never a proponent of charging things to a credit card that you can’t actually afford. If you opt for a J.Crew card, be responsible and stick to a budget! The ability to pay off your credit card statement simply alleviates some of the pain of paying it all upfront.
If you have some investment pieces you want to get from J.Crew (I’ll help you know what I think is worth the investment below), I recommend saving those pieces, signing up for their emails, and shopping only when there is a big sale. To make sure you don’t miss any deals, I recommend using one of my favorite apps for saving money, Honey. This browser extension automatically tries coupons for you when you’re checking out. It can save you a ton at J.Crew!
I would recommend adding any items that you’re not ready to buy yet to your droplist on Honey so that you get notifications if the price changes. You can also view the price history to see if it’s currently higher or lower than in the past few months. Lastly, don’t forget to enable the browser extension during check out (even if you’re shopping during a sale!). Find out more about how to save money when shopping at J.Crew (and lots of other places!) in my recent blog post.
So, what J.Crew pieces should you buy?
If you’re looking for office wear, particularly blazers, J.Crew is a great choice. That’s the number one thing I would recommend to someone wondering what to buy at J.Crew, but there are a few more categories I’d really recommend, including:
- Sweater Blazers
- Coats
- Essential accessories
- Cashmere sweaters
- High quality, classic swimwear
- Office-wear
Below, I’ve linked a few examples of pieces that I either personally have or would highly recommend from each of these categories. Keep in mind that you can often get these items for a much lower price if you time it right!
Sweater Blazers
I have a very similar sweater blazer in white and it’s one of my favorite pieces. I like the more structured fit of this as compared to some other sweater blazers. But, I also love that it’s still comfy!
if you’re into more rounded silhouettes, this is a great alternative to the first sweater blazer. It’s very similar in style but has a softer lapel and rounded edges.
I have this exact cardigan and I get compliments on it all the time. It’s incredibly comfortable and looks put together while maintaining a casual air with a relaxed fit and collar-less style.
Coats
My J.Crew coat is one of my favorites. In this darling blue color, it’s even better! They have coats of different weights for varying weather needs and they come in so many fun colors.
If you’re looking for a good trench to invest in, a J.Crew trench coat is always a good option. Their trench coats are lined so they’ll keep you warmer than a lot of other options and they are simply such good quality.
Accessories
I have been eyeing these gloves for a while and cannot wait to get a pair. They are leather on the outside with a cashmere lining and bonus – they’re touchscreen compatible!
Cashmere Sweaters
I have several cashmere sweaters from J.Crew (Daniel has a few too now) and I swear by them. They are so light, comfortable, and warm. If you can get them during a great sale, it’s 100% worth making the investment.
Swimsuits
What makes J.Crew swimsuits great is the quality of the material and construction. I have indiviudal bikini pieces from them that have lasted me years. No pilling or droopy bottoms after one summer of use. They still look just a good as the day I first got them! If you’re into more classic cuts and colors, their swimsuits are a great option. They also have more fun options with prints and brighter colors!
Office Wear
If you’re looking to start your office wear wardrobe for your first job, J.Crew and J.Crew Factory suiting items on sale are a great option that will last you years. Shop around for the right cut, fit, and color for your personal style and then wait for a good sale!
A classic, structure blazer that comes in a variety of colors.
An easy fit pair of straight trousers for any day in the office.
A more heavyweight, tweed blazer in fun colors like pink!
An elegant, chic tweed jacket for those who love a more classic style.
Final Thoughts
While J.Crew full-price items can be hard to justify (even for some investment pieces), when you make good use of their sales and coupon codes (don’t forget to use Honey to find coupons!), it’s very doable to afford a few excellent quality investment pieces that will last you for years to come.
