I Test-Drove the Best of J.Crew's Spring Pieces and Fell in Love With These 11

Welcome to The Great Try-On. We're gearing up for spring, and that includes freshening up our wardrobes with some new pieces. We got to try on some of the best spring pieces from some of your favorite brands and documented it all from our at-home dressing rooms so that you can see how they actually look IRL. We hope that our photos and candid reviews will help you shop for spring wardrobe builders and trend-forward pieces that you'll wear over and over this season and beyond.

Growing up, I was always fascinated by J.Crew, as the brand's cable-knit sweaters, freshwater pearls, and preppy aesthetic dominated the mid-aughts. My older sister was really into it at the time, and given our seven-year age gap and my incessant, annoying need to be just like her when I was younger, I loved it too. Now that the brand has been injected with a much-needed zap of cool-girl energy thanks to Olympia Gayot, head of womenswear design, my love has only grown stronger over the years. 

If I'm being honest, my personal aesthetic isn't always aligned with real clothes. I prefer to sit at home in a comfortable pair of sweatpants, but after scrolling through all of J.Crew's new spring arrivals, I've got to say I've been fully converted into the real-pants tribe. Gayot has spoken to Who What Wear about her undeniably chic touch on the new-and-improved J.Crew, pulling out archival '90s styles and silhouettes that would make any fashion lover throw their money out of the metaphorical window to buy everything on the site. I fully understand why—everything just works so well together. 

Far too often as a plus-size editor, I spend hours online looking through retailers and brands only to discover that as much as I love them, they don't love me back. In today's fashion ecosystem of dwindling plus-size representation and lack of equal sizing across all aesthetic spectrums, J.Crew proves—once again—that chic clothing isn't just something that's promised to the few people who happen to be sample-sized. It's for everyone.

Out of everything I've tried on from J.Crew's newest arrivals, there isn't a single thing I know I'll only wear once, with the majority of pieces blending seamlessly into my comically massive closet. If that isn't a testament to how versatile everything is, I don't know what is. If I haven't convinced you enough to run to see all of J.Crew's spring clothing items, maybe these nine incredible finds will. 

J.Crew Ribbed Jackie Cardigan, and Pleated Capeside Chino Pant

My review: I may or may not have purchased this set after seeing it styled on Gayot's Instagram. I have to say it fully lives up to the hype. If you're nervous about experimenting with color but want to dip your toes into spring dressing, start with this pair of rosy slacks and matching hot-pink cardigan. This look got me so many compliments both in person and on Instagram.

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J.Crew Cashmere T-Shirt, Patch-Pocket Chino Shorts, Alfie Blazer, and Winona Loafers

My review: Before anyone assumes that my favorite fashion icon is Tyler, the Creator, I'll come out and say that he is. The rapper's preppy style, accentuated by summer shorts, blazers, and loafers, is something I've been eyeing all winter. Now that spring is here, I'm fully ready to dive in. This cashmere top is ultra-soft, and with these breathable shorts, the world is basically my oyster.

Pro tip: I love wearing a jacket slung across my shoulders to get a preppy, coastal look without overheating while walking outside.

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J.Crew Chambray Shirt, Slim-Straight Jeans, Sculptural Orb Earrings, and Hinge Cuff Bracelet

My review: Double denim, but make it fashion. If there's anything J.Crew is teaching me, it's that a '90s Canadian tuxedo can still look cool if you have the right accessories. Case in point, this dreamy chambray button-down and these straight-leg jeans go together like peanut butter and jelly. When paired with sculptural silver accessories (one of my favorite spring jewelry trends), the denim-on-denim combination feels fresh.

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J.Crew Maxi Collared Slip Dress

My review: Coastal grandmothers, move aside. I can't get enough of this easy, breezy linen dress that I'll be packing on all of my travels this spring and summer. This blue dress basically goes with everything—beach sandals not included.

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Shop More J.Crew Favorites

Next, I'm Nostalgic for '90s Minimalism, and These J. Crew Picks Are Doing It for Me