Pro Tip: Don't Skip J.Crew Men's—5 Looks Our NYC Fashion Editors Styled From Lee x J.Crew
East Coast meets Midwest: J.Crew has collaborated with the iconic denim brand Lee on a capsule collection that merges J.Crew's prep heritage with Lee's timeless Americana.
Our editor's got a close-up look at the collection. Melding our latest style fixations (ahem, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy) and our inner cowgirl, we styled five incredibly chic spring outfits. Pulling from both the men's and women's racks, we left the fitting room, reminded of how underrated J.Crew Men's is. Think oversize Oxford shirts, sturdy denim jackets, and just-right baggy jeans. And that's exactly what we found in the Lee X J.Crew collection.
Of course, denim was a theme throughout. The Vintage Straight Leg was a standout. The Denim Skirt has me longing for warmer weather, and the Men's Storm Rider Denim Jacket has locked in J.Crew Men's as a shop-again.
Joined by Who What Wear's associate editorial director, Eliza Huber, we put together five looks that channel the sensibility and ease of the Lee X J.Crew collection. Scroll on to see the outfits.
Shop How Our Editor's Styled the Lee X J.Crew Collection
Western Shirt + Vintage Straight Jean
I'm wearing the Western shirt in Daffodil Oxford and the Storm Rider denim jacket pulled from the Men's rack. (There is also a women's version priced for less.) Lately, I've been loving a double-collar look, so I decided to pop the Oxford shirt collar over the jacket's corduroy accent. Once I did that, I really leaned into the Western look.
Alongside the vintage straight jeans (heads up, you'll want to size up), I tucked the oversize button-down in and cinched it with a woven leather belt. I finished off the cowgirl-inspired 'fit with a pair of cowprint ballet flats. This isn't a look I would normally gravitate toward, but when I stepped out of the fitting room, I was greeted with compliments.
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White Denim Head-to-Toe
"Tip: Never only look at the women's section, especially when it comes to collabs (and anything denim-related!). I actually think I prefer the men's pieces in this particular collaboration, and these white jeans and the matching trucker jacket quickly became my favorite pieces. They can be worn together, but also paired with just about anything, from a simple tee or tank with the jeans to a white poplin skirt with the jacket." — Eliza Huber, associate editorial director
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Men's Denim Jacket + Denim Skirt
"I've been searching for a denim pencil skirt for well over six months by now, inspired by versions from Tom Ford's Gucci era and one I spotted at Khaite's S/S 26 show, so I was excited to find this classic option in J.Crew's Lee collab. I love the timeless wash and the way it matches with the collection's denim jacket. I tried on the men's jacket, and I think the combo of a more feminine skirt and an oversize topper, especially with its plaid interior, created a cool balance." — Huber
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CBK-Inspired
"When I was trying this look on, my friend who works with J.Crew said he got Carolyn Bessette Kennedy vibes from the look, so that should tell you everything you need to know. A great black button-down shirt and timeless jeans will always be a good idea. For this denim style, my only suggestion would be to size up at least one size. This is my normal size, but I wish I had tried on one or even two sizes bigger just to have a more relaxed fit." — Huber
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Oversize Button-Down + Rib Tank Top
This blue-and-white striped Oxford shirt is another stellar find from J.Crew Men's. I'm no stranger to browsing the men's racks. That's where I've found some of my coziest sweaters, perfectly oversize button-downs, and best baggy jeans. They make great layering pieces and closet basics.
As this try-on proves, the Men's iteration of the collection reigns supreme. I've paired the western shirt over the fitted rib tank top and the vintage straight jeans. I agree with Eliza's sizing tip. I would recommend going one or two sizes up to get the desired slim-straight silhouette. Out of view, I threw on the suede driving loafers to complete the look. Their soft structure capitalized on the laid-back ensemble.
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