J.Crew's Fall Collection Is the Best Kind of Nostalgia Trip
The brand redefines its preppy heritage with a refresh of its iconic sweaters, barn jackets, and jeans. Oh, and the catalog is back.
There are some brands that, as I’ve gotten older, I associate with specific seasons. J.Crew, for as long as I can remember, has evoked memories of crisp fall weather. My mother’s cashmere sweaters were all J.Crew, and I remember curling up in them at dinnertime on the last warm evenings of the year. The brand’s now-iconic catalogs were also must-reads in our house. We pored over them when they arrived, the film images transporting me out of my Manhattan apartment into some coastal Cape Cod town where I could wear white fisherman sweaters well into October. The brand has tapped into this nostalgia for its Fall 2024 collection—and has brought back the catalogs in the process.
J.Crew's fall collection, out now, is the best kind of nostalgia trip. The catalog images, created in partnership with Parisian design studio Atelier Franck Durand, feature perennial style icon Demi Moore in the same types of knits and faded jeans that I remember the brand selling years ago. But now, these pieces are refreshed with modern touches. Details like a subtle slouchy fit through the shoulder and a barely-there cropped hemline prove that the brand’s strong heritage is strongly welcomed in 2024’s post-quiet-luxury-coastal-grandma fashion moment.
Demi Moore curls up in cozy knitwear in the new J.Crew catalog.
Beyond the knitwear, the brand’s fall collection features everything I need to build out a classically modern wardrobe. Fall essentials like a barn jacket, a trench coat, and a slip skirt feel new. Loafers, my go-to fall footwear option when my white sneakers have gotten too dirty, are embossed in a glossy crocodile print. It’s a dream for someone like me, who relies on brands like J.Crew to provide wearable, trend-informed-but-not-trendy pieces to build a closet worth investing in. The issue will be sent out to top customers, and you can buy the catalog in any J.Crew brick-and-mortar location, or view it on J.Crew's app. The immersive in-app experience lets customers shop full looks directly from its pages.
Ahead, I’ve scouted 27 of my favorite pieces from the line, all of which are available to shop now—save for one heavenly shearling-lined leather jacket that looks nearly identical to one hanging in my mother's closet. But that’s the joy of J.Crew. These are not the pieces my mom would let me borrow. These are the pieces I buy myself.
If you haven't gotten in on J.Crew's cult-favorite barn jackets, now is the time. This longer version in the new drop is practically an outfit in itself.
Upgrade your sweater collection with this polo-style one in this very on-trend green hue.
This your reminder that bucket bags are endlessly versatile. J.Crew's Berkeley bucket bag was one of the top-selling items last year, so this suede iteration shot to the top of my shopping list.
This shearling-lined leather jacket is currently on pre-order, so I'll be thinking of it lovingly until it arrives at my front door.
Sweater vests are my secret weapon against inbetween fall weather. This one from J.Crew comes in a few colors, but this off-white hue is refreshing against the dark shades of the season.
I'll never get over my love of loafers. I already have several black pairs, so my eye is on this croc-embossed option from the new collection.
Suede is having a real moment right now. This oversized bag can easily moonlight as a work tote if you're looking for a chic, under-$300 option.
Gray was one of the most unexpected and mot wearable color trends. Let that be the reason you buy another neutral-toned sweater this season.
Red was simply everywhere this summer, and I'm happy to see the trend continue into fall. The shaggy texture of this sweater/T-shirt hybrid was made for fall layering.
Baby blue became of the fall's most in-demand colors after it popped up at Tibi and Miu Miu. This slightly cropped sweater lets you get in on the trend.
Leather skirts have become my new obsession. This (faux!) leather one from the new collection at J.Crew caught my eye.
Meghan Markle wore a version of this Giselle sweater blazer, so I'm happy to see it back again this year.
Leather pants are back again this season. Having a pair on-hand is a fun way to mix up your usual pants rotation, and this light brown hue is perfect for the early fall.
This longline jacket combines the ease of a classic trench with the warmth of a wool jacket. It's pure fall perfection.
Don't overlook the floral pieces hidden in J.Crew's collection. This slip is the perfect autumnal wedding guest dress.
I grew up with a mom who always had a cashmere scarf or pashmina on hand. This one from J.Crew makes me finally understand why she had so many.
You can never have too many fall jackets in your collection. This one has the same silhouette as the brand's very popular barn jackets—but it comes in timeless denim.
Suede bags are going to be everywhere this year. Get ahead of the trend with this soft shoulder bag.
Consider this to be your official call to play with colors and prints. Even though so much of J.Crew's collection is neutral, this brighter option shows that the brand has mastered the art of a pattern, too.
Swap your blue jeans for these corduroy trousers this fall. The thicker fabric feels so classic this time of year.
A sleek slip skirt like this one is subtly sexy. Layer it underneath an oversized sweater so that the lace peaks through.
It's not coat season quite yet but that won't stop me from thinking about this quilted puffer jacket from J.Crews recent drop.
A luxe belt like this one is often the perfect way to make a simple outfit look more elevated without much effort.
Cheetah continues to be on the rise this year. This blouse from J.Crew has a classic shape that will make the bold print feel more wearable with the rest of your wardrobe.
A simple striped sweater goes perfectly well with the rest of your fall basics. This one comes in a few colors, but this winter green one is my favorite.
