I’ve always had a soft spot for J.Crew. Their clean lines, wearable colors, and modern classics have anchored my wardrobe more times than I can count. But like so many brands these days, they’re quietly closing brick-and-mortar stores. Finding an actual location feels a bit like spotting a rare bird—or a cashier who still makes eye contact.
So, when I stumbled into a J.Crew a few weeks ago, an actual store, with mirrors and everything, I made the most of it. And when I happened to be back in the same town a couple of weeks later, I went back in, and they had more new things. It felt like the perfect time for a proper J.Crew fall try-on for women over 60.
I didn’t go in planning to shop (famous last words), but I did want to see what was new, how the pieces fit, and whether they still walk that fine line between polished and practical. Spoiler: a few do. And so when I got home, I ordered the colors and sizes I wanted.
A try-on is when I visit a store and style pieces from their latest collection so you can see what’s new—and how it might work in real life. I’m not usually shopping for myself, but I do take notes on fit, fabric, and how things feel on. For reference, I’m 5’4″—right on the cusp of petite—with wide shoulders and straight hips.
J.Crew offers inclusive sizing from XXS to 3X in regular, petite, and tall lengths.
Blazer, Cashmere, and Slim Wide Leg Jeans
I started with the pieces I gravitate toward every fall—good denim, soft layers, and something structured on top. This outfit checks all three boxes.
The mirror has a lot of spots on it…not the clothes 😉
The Four-Season Stretch Blazer is made from a smooth blend of recycled polyester, viscose, and elastane. The fabric has a soft, clean finish with enough stretch to move comfortably while still holding its shape. What makes it feel more modern is the subtle tailoring: the shoulders are slightly extended for structure, the waist is gently shaped for a cleaner fit, and the length hits just below the hip—long enough to flatter but not so long it overwhelms. It comes in core neutrals like navy, black, and heather khaki, plus a few seasonal shades.
Underneath, I’m wearing the Cashmere Crewneck in navy. It’s soft, lightweight, and layers beautifully. It comes in 11 colors, from classic black and camel to cheerful options like Bright Poppy and Pale Cerulean.
The Slim Wide-Leg Jean adds just enough shape without too much volume. I’m wearing the regular 27″ inseam for a full-length look. The petite inseam is 25″ and tall is 30″. My wash is the Synniva, a soft, pale blue that goes with nearly everything. This style also comes in 2 deep blues, plus white.
Cashmere Tee and Full-Length Trouser Jean
This look leans a little luxe but still feels relaxed…my favorite kind of outfit for early fall.
The Cashmere Shrunken Tee is lightweight, 100% cashmere, and has a slightly cropped, close-to-the-body fit that’s easy to wear tucked or untucked. It’s soft, not clingy, and comes in a wide range of colors—at least 11—including soft pastels, warm neutrals, and a few rich jewel tones for fall. I’m wearing a size medium for a bit of ease through the arms and midsection. It’s the kind of piece that feels elevated but effortless, and I think it’s a perfect transitional layer for fall.
These Full-Length Trouser Jeans are described as slim through the hip and thigh, but they didn’t read that way on me. The leg has a soft drape and feels more relaxed than truly slim. I’m wearing the Rinse wash, but here’s the catch: the website shows two Rinse versions—one with zippered front pockets, and one with classic slash trouser pockets. Same name, different styles. Denim mystery aside, this pair was clearly too long on me in regular (30½” inseam), but they are available in petite and tall online. If you’re after that full-length look and you’re not 5’4″, they could be a great option.
Denim Jacket, Cashmere T-Shirt, and Kick-Out Cropped Chinos
This outfit is simple and easy, just the kind of thing you’d wear on a casual fall day when you want to feel put together without overthinking it.
The Classic Denim Jacket in Bianca wash is made of 50% recycled cotton blended with 50% regular cotton for a soft, familiar feel…basically a wearable good deed. It features silver-toned buttons and just enough tailoring to look polished without feeling stiff, hitting just above the hip which is perfect for layering.
These Kick Out Cropped Chinos are too large and loose on me but in the right size, they’d be a nice alternative to jeans for the fall. They’re a cotton blend with 3% elastane for stretch and comfort. They come in 5 versatile colors that are all easy to wear now and into fall.
Brushed Cashmere Short-sleeve Cardigan and Trouser Jeans
When I first picked up this little cardigan off the display table, I was sure it would look tacky on…but I ended up loving it. The brushed cashmere has an incredibly soft feel, and the fuzzy texture gives it a fun, fresh vibe. The short sleeves add a nice twist to a traditional cardigan and make it a fun layering piece. This small fits fine, but I ordered the medium for looser sleeves. It comes in several cheerful shades, but this Crimson Rouge was such a happy color, I couldn’t resist. Fingers crossed, I’ll feel as comfortable wearing it as I did trying it on.
The so-called Trouser Jeans read more like a slim wide-leg to me. With their five-pocket styling, I wouldn’t call them trousers…but I don’t name these things. I tried the 29 petite, which was still a little long barefoot but will be just right with a low-heeled bootie or a loafer.
Tweed Lady Jacket and High-Rise Kick Out Crop Jeans
This Bridgette tweed jacket is beautifully tailored from textured wool tweed designed in Italy. It’s fully lined with welt pockets and snap closures that give it a slightly more modern vibe than traditional buttons. The fit is cropped and close to the body, which sets it apart from the longer, boxier blazers I’ve seen everywhere for fall. I tried on both the beige and the black in the store, then spotted the red online and couldn’t resist ordering it. Yes, I know, me and red.
I paired it with the High-Rise Kick Out Crop Jeans, which are full-length on me in the regular with a 27.5″ inseam. They also come in petite (25.5″) and tall (30.5″), so you can fine-tune the length. Since I prefer my jeans full-length for fall, the regular inseam is just right. I’m wearing the Storm wash, a versatile pale blue, and they’re also available in two darker washes.
Cropped Barn Jacket and Wide Leg Jeans
SLIM WIDE LEG JEANS (SYNNIVA WASH) size 29P
The Cropped Barn Jacket is the nicest grayish brown, similar to the trending mushroom shade. It’s one of those in-between shades that works with almost anything. I love the cropped cut, and apparently, I wasn’t the only one because all the smalls were sold out. I had to try on the medium, which was too large for me, but it gave me a good sense of the shape.
I paired it with the Slim Wide-Leg Jeans in the Synniva wash. J.Crew has really leaned into this slim-wide silhouette, so if you’ve been hesitant to try a wide leg, this is a good entry point. These jeans come in a 25″ inseam for petite, 27″ for regular, and 30″ for tall. I’m wearing the 29 petite, which is just right with a shoe, but would run long if I were barefoot. The wash is a clean, versatile mid-blue that feels easy to style for fall.
Scuba Full Zip Hoodie With Lace Collar Shirt
SLIM WIDE LEG JEANS (SYNNIVA WASH) size 29P
This outfit felt a little unexpected but fun. The Scuba Full-Zip Hoodie is one of J.Crew’s best sellers, available in gray or this Vibrant Burgundy. The structured knit makes it feel more polished than your average sweatshirt, and the Vivid Burgundy color I tried was such a standout. I almost came home with this red—it felt cheerful and just right for fall. If you like a matched set, it also comes with coordinating pants.
I’m a big fan of a great white shirt, so I thought it would be fun to try this one with a bit of lace. The Lace-Collar Shirt in size 10 has just enough detail at the neckline to soften the crisp cotton without looking fussy. It’s an easy way to dress up jeans or layer under a jacket.
I wish J.Crew stores were easier to find, but changing times mean online shopping is the reality for many of us. As much as I prefer to see things in person, I’m getting used to clicking through size charts instead of walking into a fitting room.
That said, their new fall line reminded me why I’ve always liked them—modern classics with just enough personality to feel fresh. Clean lines, wearable colors, and a few unexpected details that make things feel current without chasing trends.
Do you still seek out stores when you can, or have you made peace with shopping from your screen?