J.Crew's September Collection is Full of Cold-Weather Essentials

I am always shopping for basics. Without sounding repetitive, they are the foundational pieces that I go back to, so I want to always find the very best ones. This ribbed version from J.Crew  comes in tons of colors (dark brown! Heather gray! Cobalt blue!) and has a lightweight texture that's easily layerable. Yes, it's pricier at $228, but keeping good care of it is the best way to maintain your pieces for seasons to come. It has a slouchy fit so pick your true size for the best look. 

I don't know about you, but white turtlenecks and T-shirts are the pieces I can never keep clean. I always find an odd smudge or smear of some makeup product (or sweat stain, if we're being honest), by the end of the day. This under-$50 turtleneck from J.Crew is the answer to my prayers. It's so soft, lightweight enough to layer (hence the word "tissue" in the name) and comes in several colors other than white if you're mess-prone like me. 

J.Crew's bag selection is *chef's kiss* right now. Their Berkeley Bucket Bag (a favorite of the Marie Claire team) is everywhere, but this shoulder bag caught my eye thanks to the '90s-inspired buckle and luxe-looking finish. It comes in both all-black and navy-and-black colorways and perfectly tucks under your arm without causing it to jut out. Basically, it's the perfect shoulder bag and it costs less than $150. 

This cropped blazer looks like the modern version of a tuxedo jacket thanks to the angular edges. You can wear it entirely open over the top of a tank or fully buttoned up for a fitted office-friendly look. The Four-Season Stretch fabric is also designed to never lose its shape no matter how many times you wear it in a row. 

Going somewhere? Wear this midi dress. The 3D-flower hints at one of spring's biggest trends combined with a timeless silhouette and ultra-flattering high neckline. It's like your favorite slip dress but a little dolled up. Shop it in two colors: This Kelly green and a classic black. 

This sweater set promises two products for the price of one. They're made from a blend of alpaca and merino wool and has the perfect amount of stretch for all-day comfort. Available in cream and baby pink, it's the perfect wear-everywhere piece. 

This is the trench coat that I was talking about—J.Crew had a similar version from an earlier collection that came in Kelly green, but this cream-colored version is here to lighten up the slew of all-black outfits I’m sure to be wearing this season. This one comes with a hood and has a slightly longer length than other options from the brand. Plus, it’s made from a linen blend that’s lightweight and soft to wear, so you get a high-impact shine without risking your ease of wear. 

Cashmere sweaters are foundational in any fall wardrobe. This v-neck option comes in six colors ranging from a neutral cream to a bright pink. It has a relaxed look perfect for layering over top of a tee or a lacy bralette depending on your preferred look. The site also notes that it runs slightly on the larger side, too, but reviewers love it for its slouchy, comfortable feel. “Love this sweater,” wrote one glowing reviewer. “Extremely high quality at a very good price.” — What more is there to say? 

There are few things I love more than a classic pair of ankle boots, especially now that I’m (trying) to put down my sneaker obsession. This pair from J.Crew comes in neutral colors, has a low heel that measures just 15mm, and comes in two fabrications: classic leather and a festive calf hair version, shown here. It’s hard to find a really great pair of boots under $300, but these comfortable ones are an easy win to have in your wardrobe. 

The fashion world cannot get enough of J.Crew’s Lady Jackets. They come in denim, leather (keep scrolling for more on that), and this checked English Wool fabrication and have proven to be a staple of the modern fall wardrobe. It measures 19 inches in length in the body and is designed to sit comfortably above your hip bone, making it the ideal piece to layer with a longer button-down shirt or a pair of high-rise jeans if you’re against showing a sliver of stomach.  

The key to making my fall wardrobe work is layers, and lots of them. This ever-so-slightly sparkly Merino blend sweater from the new fall drop is one piece that I have my eye on. It comes in four colors like baby pink and white, and is just different enough from the rest of my basic turtleneck sweaters to warrant picking up before the cold weather kicks in. You can shop it in sizes XXXS through 3X now, with or without the sparkly thread. 

All hail the perfect fall blazer. This Italian boiled wool one is great for when it’s too cold to go without a proper jacket but too warm for a full-on puffer coat. It comes in two colors—a black version and a bright Kelly green—so you can treat it as either a wear-everywhere staple or as a statement piece. Reviewers note that it runs slightly large, making ideal for layering, and they note that the wool fabrication is soft rather than itchy. 

We’re on the precipice of a “flat shoe girl fall,” so it’s time to stock up on loafers. This pair from J.Crew also falls into another trend for the season ahead, silver shoes. However, they’re also available in four other colors like navy blue and black. Reviewers note that they run a half-size large but that they’re supremely comfortable. The lugged sole is made for durability and long-term wear so you can love them for many seasons to come. 

Another favorite of mine lately? Sweater vests. They’re the most versatile piece I own currently because I can layer them over a tee or tank on warmer days and then over the top of turtlenecks when the weather cools down. This cashmere one comes in one of fall’s trendiest colors (cherry red) as well as shades like Kelly green, tan, and sky blue. Super soft and over-so-slightly cropped, you can wear it in your true size or go up a few for a baggier look that won’t overwhelm your frame. Shop it now in sizes XXXS through 3X. 

Silver is also trending for the fall, both when it comes to our jewelry and our ready-to-wear. This pair of silver jeans is available to shop in sizes 23 through 31 and comes in three lengths—tall, petite, and classic. They have a mid-rise and a retro ‘80s feel. You can shop the same pair in other colors like a mid-wash blue, a washed black, and a baby pink for a slightly lower price of $148. 

Now you can shop J.Crew’s Lady Jacket in this leather fabrication for the new season, too. It’s a more fitted version of other motorcycle-inspired leather jackets on the market and comes adorned with a sleek zipper and flat pockets that won’t add bulk. The mock-necked collarless design evokes a mod sensibility similar to that of a sporty racing jacket. It also features ribbing at the back for more shape while the front stays smooth. 

Holiday parties will come up faster than you think, so it’s time to pick up a sequined party dress before they all sell out. This fringed version is so fun and can be worn to both an office party or the event that your best friend is hosting. The flapper-inspired fringe is so fun, while the high neckline keeps it appropriate for a variety of events. Better yet, the white sequined version is currently on sale for $214 down from $268. 

Mary-janes are everywhere right now, from the streets to the runways at New York Fashion Week. This pair of sequined flats is great for teaming with basics like black trousers or sweaters or with a midi skirt for a party. They also come in cheetah print, black patent leather, and gold—and the former two colors are on sale right now for less than $120. 

I hate to break it to you, but coat season will be here before you know it. This wool cocoon coat from J.Crew comes in four colors ranging from this white shade to a vibrant robin’s-egg blue, so you can feel good about wearing it for three or four months straight. It’s also available in three size ranges and is top-rated for its comfortability. Reviewers saw that it has an oversized fit that’s perfect for layering over your many layers this winter season. 

The square-toe silhouette is back after a brief, pointed hiatus, and my feet couldn’t be happier. This pair of black boots comes a little higher up the leg than your typical ankle boot, making it the perfect option to layer underneath your favorite midi skirts and cropped pants—there won’t be a bit of leg in sight. The chunky heel also measures just 40mm, so you can wear them day or night, and for hours on end without feeling an ounce of pain. 

The best way to incorporate a trending color into your wardrobe is by upgrading a closet staple. Case in point, this slip skirt comes in this trendy berry-red hue. The length measures 39 inches for reference, but it’s designed to hit right above your ankles in true ‘90s fashion. It will also sit directly at your waist for easy styling both with a cropped cardigan or tee, or with a full-length top tucked in.