J.Crew’s Fall Collection Is Here to Make a Scene

The changing of the leaves and a brisk chill in the air always conjure up thoughts of new beginnings and resetting intentions. Whether in our communities or our closets, combining confidence, creativity and purpose is always a goal worth pursuing—and J.Crew’s latest collection, the first from head of women’s design Olympia Gayot, was designed with just that goal in mind. Full of reimagined classics, the kind that are best worn with a dash of panache and a sense of purpose, each piece is a celebration of optimism and forward-thinking originality.

In order to showcase the brand’s fresh direction, J.Crew teamed up with the joyfully elegant Tracee Ellis Ross. The actor, producer, director, and CEO has long been known for her impeccable style and zeal for authentic self-expression, as well as her activism. Seeing her approach to getting dressed is always a source of inspiration to make every occasion a scene—whether it’s a return to the office, an outing with friends, or even just a trip to the local farmer’s market. Here, we’ve chosen a few of our favorite pieces from the collection that are inspiring us to craft head-turning looks for the season ahead.

Open-Back Silk Charmeuse Slip Dress

Sunny silk charmeuse is simply too good to reserve for after hours, so in addition to pairing this slip dress with heels and a clutch for formal events, we’ll also be throwing on an oversize cardigan and beat-up sneakers to put a fresh spin on our approach to getting dressed for weekend brunch dates.

Convertible Leather Clogs

A true transitional piece, we’re looking forward to pairing these studded beauties with our thickest ribbed socks as temperatures drop. They could be worn with slouchy denim and a chunky knit for a sartorial shortcut to coziness that doesn’t skimp on style—who says a grocery run ensemble can’t make a statement?

Double-Breasted Italian Corduroy Blazer and Tapered-Leg Italian Corduroy Pant

When we need to show a first date that we mean business, we’re planning to reach for this straight-cut blazer in luxurious Italian corduroy. Polished but not stuffy, it’s just as well-suited to anchoring a floaty midi dress or topping the matching tapered-leg pants. Speaking of which, we’re treating the pants like our favorite jeans this season—they have the ability to make tees and sweatshirts alike feel incredibly chic.

Cashmere Cropped Sweater Tank

Getting back into the swing of commuting means we’re relearning the art of layering. The key to handling temperature shifts between home and the office is to start out with a cashmere base layer like this one, which is soft, slightly cropped and primed to live underneath a button-down, a matching cardigan, or shine on its own.

Relaxed Trench Coat in Shiny Nylon

Everyone loves a good outfit reveal, but every now and then we discover outerwear that’s so good it elevates everything paired with it. This double-breasted trench, made from recycled materials, makes a statement in its own right. We’re thinking of cinching it at the waist and pairing it with a roomy leather tote and scarf to add a pop of color, whether there’s worn-in denim or a structured sheath dress beneath.

Cashmere Classic-Fit Crewneck Sweater

Cashmere that feels good can do good, too, and J.Crew’s is certified to The Good Cashmere Standard® by the Aid by Trade Foundation, which means it’s been created with the welfare of farming communities, animals, and the environment in mind. We can’t wait to make this upgraded classic a wardrobe staple, anchoring luxe yet laid-back looks that are perfect for casual kickbacks with old friends.

Cinched-Waist Puffer with PrimaLoft®

From apple orchards to pumpkin patches, some of fall’s best activities require being outdoors. Enter this jacket that’s designed to stand up to the cold without the puffer’s usual Michelin-man silhouette. Beyond day trips, this coat is ideal for nighttime excursions—and ensembles. Slinky skirts and structured wide legs are just a few of the ways we’re imagining playing with material and shape, knowing that we won’t be feeling the night breeze thanks to PrimaLoft, a down alternative filling that repurposes plastic bottles to keep you warm.

Lightweight Leather Nordic Boots

A hike-ready boot with the look of a work boot means that we’ll be lacing these up on a near-daily basis. Adding high-waisted jeans and a cropped sweatshirt is an easy way to do the essential ’90s redux look, while we also love the idea of punctuating a feminine dress with these boots for a day of running errands.