For many years most straight size brands that offered anything over a size 14 meant that you basically only had your pick of an ill-fitting pair of boring pants and plain white oversized button-down. Now, most brands are starting to quietly dip their toe into the proverbial extended size range with a larger size selection for not only their existing wardrobe staples but their more trendier items. ( I wrote about 10 brands who’ve recently extended sizes here) One brand I’ve been curious about for a while now is J.Crew. So, I’ve gone ahead and reviewed a few styles that caught my eye and shared my initial impressions on fit and their offering below.
J.Crew currently has designs on its site that run anywhere from a 000 to 24 (not too shabby of a range at all, compared to most other mass brands), however there were still several styles I was interested in purchasing on the site that stopped at a size 16.
First up, this classic button-front midi sundress in contrast embroidered eyelet caught my eye with its classic silhouette and bright yellow color. Perfectly on trend for the summer season, I styled this look more casually with my white Kendra platform tennis shoes from Linea Paolo, and straw handbag from Talbots (last season). I will say though that the length was not flattering on me and I dislike when dresses hit me at a midi length because visually, I just feel as if it takes away from elongating my legs. If you are looking for more coverage though, this could be a good option for you.
Another note on overall fit, they’ve definitely sized up from straight sizes. Meaning there were some fit issues in the bust and I am actually wearing a straight size 22. I would definitely recommend going up a size as I did for all my items from J.Crew.
Next up I fell in love with this tiered maxi dress in shirting stripes. To me this dress screams summer and on top of it, I felt great wearing it and received compliments from women of all sizes. I styled this dress with my white 42gold Corra Mule, blue bauble bar earrings and quintessential must have for summer, Gaia’s Ark in white (currently on sale).
As with the other dress, I sized up in this as well. Overall this dress fit pretty good but I could definitely feel a slight issue again in the bust area. This dress is definitely more forgiving than some of the others I tried though! If you are looking for a whimsical, fun summer dress that is sure to get you compliments, this is your dress.
Another piece I was obsessed with initially, the gingham button down dress, didn’t fit as expected. It ran smaller through the bust and the straps weren’t adjustable. On me I didn’t feel like it was a great fit proportionally. Although, if you are smaller busted or shorter this might work for you. It looks somewhat cute on but I didn’t love it, enough to keep it.
Last up this cute spaghetti strap linen jumpsuit was definitely a favorite but I needed to exchange and order up a size as it fit small in the bust area. Overall I loved this jumpsuit though and had I got the right size, I would be wearing it now. I did style it for my try on in the above video and paired it with my go to white mules, baublebar coral tassel earrings and my Staud bucket purse.
Overall, I love what J.Crew is doing. I do believe they need to work on some fit issues through the bust area but if you are more of an extended straight size fit like I am, most of these pieces will work for you. I encourage you to order up a size and don’t be afraid to get items altered or try on multiple sizes to find the right fit. As more and more brands acknowledge how much further they and the industry as a whole can grow and improve when it comes to inclusivity and fit, there will be even more options. I love that a mainstream American brand like J.Crew is taking baby steps in the right direction and I will continue to support them as long as they do.
Let me know your thoughts as well as what other brands you would love me to try. Also my inbox is always open for fit and styling questions! xo ~ Rachel
Also, if you want to try them without commitment, Rent the Runway carries some of their pieces too. You can use my code RACHELR50 for $100 off your 60-day trial of Unlimited.
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Thank you for that video and try on haul. I was curious about JCrew too but afraid to order online. I will definitely try to size up and order a couple of sizes.
Love these outfits. I had no idea JCREW had expanded their sizes. Yippeee!
thank you!! xo