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With so much fashion existing online, there’s something refreshing about trying pieces on in-store after eyeing them first on a little screen. Enter Just Browsing: We’re taking you into the fitting room as we preview the newest collections from some of our favorite high-street brands and contemporary labels. We’ll get into fabric and quality, fit and feel, and so much more as we make our way through the shop floor. Happy scrolling (and strolling)!
It’s summer! And the perfect time to pop into J.Crew, which just opened a new boutique in Soho. In true J.Crew fashion, there was a lot of red, white, and blue for classic Americana style with a twist. But there were also plenty of quintessential summer pieces—raffia bags, striped button-up shirts, and timeless linen and crochet coords that could double as swimsuit cover-ups and summer-in-the-city separates. (And of course, there were some sequin moments—like a limited-edition polka-dot bikini top—for those who love a little shimmer and sparkle, even at the beach!)
With the long weekend coming up, carefree, vacation dressing was certainly top of mind, but so was achieving a polished city style. The pieces I gravitated toward captured both the urban and coastal energy, and could be easily incorporated into any existing wardrobe. Versatility and re-wearability (not a word, but should be?) are key for me.
Everything I tried on, plus a few other must-haves that weren’t on display yet (see: grown-up tie-dye!), below.
Summer-in-the-City Chic
A go-to outfit formula for me: a button-up, white denim skirt, and sandal always feels polished but relaxed, and you can wear the shirt unbuttoned or tucked in to experiment with proportions and give it a different vibe. In fact, I walked into the J.Crew wearing a very similar look for work! I love pieces that can live many lives, and more often than not, find myself intuitively drawn to items that can be effortlessly restyled. Case in point: the denim skirt, raffia tote, and black sandal all make another appearance in my try-on.
Hardly Neutral
Summer looks don’t always have to mean loud print or bold color. Quite the opposite, in fact! A palette of neutrals can feel just as fresh and enticing when you play with texture but stick to clean lines. I did that here with a little cashmere polo, linen skirt, and rope tote with embellishment. Chunky black leather sandals give it more of an edge than a simple thong sandal or sneaker would. The result? A put-together ensemble that (forgive the possible cliché) can seamlessly transition from work to weekend. Oh, and an extra moment of appreciation for the comfy, commuter-friendly sandals!
Modern Ladylike
Choice abounds for ladylike jackets at J.Crew, but I was particularly keen on trying this black and écru striped version, which we’ve featured in our Affordable Fashion edit and brings a more city feel to summer’s nautical stripe. I tried it on with a pleated white short at first, which was cute but not really me. The denim maxiskirt felt the most elevated and fashion-forward. For a final element of surprise, behold: mesh flats!
Vacation-Ready
Picture this: You spent all day by the beach and feel that good kind of spent from an abundance of sea salt and vitamin D. Your skin is still a little sticky from all the SPF you applied, but you’re refreshed post-shower and ready for dinner. What to wear? A classic holiday ’fit—gauzy linen pant, slubby sweater for the breeze, and easy sandals. I love a tonal look, especially in shades of white and cream that play off each other with interesting texture. The baroque pearls tie it all together. Crochet hat optional, gelato for dessert absolutely necessary.
Sunday Best
Too-hot-to-get-dressed days—whether in the city or on vacay—call for the breeziest items one owns. A billowing cotton dress is exactly that. I’d keep a small cashmere sweater around and over my shoulder (for when the A/C hits!). The shell-embellished slides add a touch of fun!
